Everything is Satisfactual - A TR (9/22-9/31) Updated 12/9 Last Day [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

If U Had Wings

03-21-2008, 09:20 PM

Once upon a time there were 2 beautiful princesses who lived in a far off land known as Connecticut.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00441_opt.jpg

They were happy princesses with a paparazzi (aka family) that they adored, and even though their land wasn't terribly magical most of the time they were content to wear their princess dresses while hanging around the castle and running around the kingdom.

Then as a special treat 2 years ago, because they were such special princesses, their posse took them to the much more magical land of Walt Disney World. The princesses knew they had found their true home. A second trip to this magical place last August was just as wonderful for them, but alas only the mom and dad members of the paparazzi went with them. While happy to be back in Disney World, they were desperately missing the rest of the paparazzi. When they got home from their vacation they told everyone the next time they all had to go, it just wasn't the same without them. (Meanwhile a few of the paparazzi snuck off for September and October trips on their own).

As cold and snow fell across the land of Connecticut, the two princesses could think of nothing but sun, pools, and Mickey Mouse. They began to ask when they would be going to Walt Disney World again. Much to their dismay Mom & Dad told them there would be no trip to Disney this year. They were a bit to Disney'd out. This year they said they would go to New Hampshire to see trained bears, Santa Claus and Storyland instead.

Our princesses were aghast! Bears? Storyland? Santa Claus? That Santa guy is well and good in December, but he's got nothing on a giant mouse! :idea: They started to create a plan. By hook or by crook they'd be back in Disney this year, and bring their entire paparazzi with them this time.

If U Had Wings

03-22-2008, 11:48 AM

The princesses, being as opposite as princesses can be, formulated two different plans of attack on the paparazzi. Highly effective, but radically different.

Princess "Jasmine" (6) is the elder of the two princesses.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00463_opt.jpg If you had to describe her in one word it would be "sweet". She'll share anything with you, and always knows when you really need a hug, even if you never asked for one. A bit of a perfectionist, as a baby it took her forever to start talking, because she wouldn't say anything out loud until she was able to say it perfectly. Even now, getting something wrong is the only thing that will reduce her to tears. Forgets nothing, and at age 2 was able to give directions from the back seat of the car to get to grandma's house 30 miles away. Worries more than my 92 year old grandmother (about everything). Also tends to be brutally honest, so never ask what she thinks if you don't want a truly honest opinion.

Jasmine's got the mind of a future lawyer. She started telling her mom and dad that New Hampshire would be nice, not the same as Disney, but nice. Then she'd start sliding in little comments like "Santa's Village has nice rides, but everything is a bit small for you mommy and daddy." The next time she'd add to her argument. "A vacation where you can't go on the rides won't be much fun for you." All the while she is sounding so concerned and worried about how much they will enjoy their vacation. She's all set then to close out her plan of attack. "You know Walt Disney World has lots of big rides for you to ride. It would be much more fun for you there." That's her plan of attack. Nothing about how much she wants to go, all about how much better it will be for her parents if they go.

Princess "Cinderella" or Cin for short (4) can't be bothered with such mind games.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00462_opt.jpg
Direct and to the point, Cin is the family comedienne. Her greatest joy comes from doing outlandish things to illicit laughs from everyone. For a 4 year old she has impeccable comedic timing and facial expressions that have you laughing in no time. She just glows when she gets you to laugh. Basically a mini version of her father. Competitive to a fault. Not just happy to play any kind of games, wants to be first. Absolutely fearless. Launches herself at things 100% without worrying about getting hurt, or failing. Worrys Jasmine to no end. At the end of the day she's not happy unless she's curled up in your lap like a cat.

Cin's plan of attack to get back to Disney World was to act as if she was going anyways. I stoppe over to visit her and Jasmine, and she wants to play "Test Track". As she occupies herself directing me to pull on my yellow seat belt, she tells me she's going to Disney World this year. Really? "Yes" she tells me. "You, mommy, daddy, grandma…everyone." I check with my brother, thinking maybe they made some change I wan't told about. Nope. No trip to Disney this year. They need a Disney break. New Hampshire this year, definitely New Hampshire.

Cin kept this plan up for awhile. She told everyone she was going to Disney again. Her nursery school teacher, her grandparents, the man at the deli counter. Utterly convinced that mom and dad would give up this silly New Hampshire idea. Jasmine kept telling everyone how much happier they would all be if they went to Disney (she would grin and bear it if she couldn’t go to New Hamshire - she is only worried about all of them). Somewhere along the line mom and dad caved. A trip to Disney would be much more fun. The princesses are only this young once. It would be really nice to do another paparazzi trip.

So the princess' mom and dad put out a call to the rest of the paparazzi. Walt Disney World, last week of August. Now as much as the rest of the paparazzi love the princesses this was not an immediate yes. August being the primary cause of concern. August in Florida more specifically being the problem. That and an already in the works trip to Disney for one of them. How long before they cave and join in??

If U Had Wings

03-24-2008, 12:50 AM

So, how long did it take for the paparazzi to cave and join in on the fun? It's almost embarrassing how quickly we caved.

Here's the paparazzi joining our princesses for a week of fun and magic:

Me (Belle)
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/2007OctoberDisney-MNSSHP3.jpg
37 year-old single aunt to our princesses. I haven't been lucky enough to meet my beast yet, or have my own little pirates and princesses. This occasionally makes me sad when I'm at Disney seeing all the happy families, but going with my 2 nieces makes it easier. They make everything so special.

A little more about me. I live in CT, but for a year now have been working in my favorite city in the world NYC. I fell in love with NYC when I was 11 years old, and it has been a dream come true to be able to work there. I don't even mind the commute most of the time. The cost of the train ticket however is awful, and I've had to start job searching again closer to home.

I was originally planning a trip to Disney with one of my BF's in October. We went last year and had a blast. I had been holding off on booking that trip while I was job searching. I didn't want to start planning, and then have to cancel because I found a new job. Then my brother approached me with this August trip. I felt very torn on which trip to make. I didn't want to cancel with my friend, but didn't want to miss out on a trip with the nieces. Niece Cin told me in no uncertain terms that it was her I was to go with. Jasmine thought long and hard about it, and told me it was a tough decision and she'd be sad if I couldn't go with her, but would understand. In the end I told my friend I just couldn't commit this year. If I get a new job this year and need to back out of my trip, my parents will still go and it won't ruin their vacation. If I had gone with my friend and had to cancel, her vacation would be ruined. It's not a complete loss, we are going to try to go next year.

Grandpa Grumpy (65) & Grandma Tink (58):
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/image076_opt-1.jpg
My mom and dad. Absolutely adored by Jasmine and Cin. My brother likes to say that Grandma Tink rates higher than him with Jasmine. Grandpa is Grumpy. Grumpy is a lover of all the thrill rides, and Tink still hasn't gotten over that they closed If You Had Wings. (Although Soarin makes her just as happy now). Complete Disney addicts, and the best parents ever. Tink hates FL in the summer, but the lure of the princesses was too much for her. Grumpy is due to have rotator cuff surgery as soon as workers comp gives him the okay, and was reluctant to book a vacation. Finally deceided that he was going no matter what. May be recovering while we are on vacation.

Brother Mickey (34), SIL Minnie (35) and SIL's Dad Eeyore (69)
Mickey is the family comedian, much like daughter Cin. Somehow manages to always keep a perfect temperment no matter what is going around him. Fantastic dad to his two girls. Even now as grown adults we still enjoy driving each other nuts. It will be interesting this trip to see who is the most compulsive planner him or me. So far this trip has been a pretty good mix of the two of us. His wife Minnie works way too hard, traveling a lot as part of her job. Is looking forward to a week away from it all.

Here's a picture of the gang from the last family trip back in May 2006. I searched through all my pics and this was the only one I had of all of us. I need to fix that this year.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/IMG_3323_opt.jpg

Coming soon, Can we agree on a hotel?

BrittBritt

03-24-2008, 12:59 PM

Oh! I love the way you're writing this as a story! The two princesses are completely adorable, and you sound like such a fantastic aunt for them. Can't wait to read more! :goodvibes

If U Had Wings

03-25-2008, 12:19 AM

So excited a reader! :hippie: Glad to have you aboard!

I adore my two nieces so much. They were so excited that I was coming too. They are never happy unless they are with the entire family. Of course Cin told me she knew I would come. I guess they've already figured out that I'm that easy when it comes to them.:cutie: I at least am not as easy as grandma and grandpa. I think the girls had figured out how soft they were by the time they were a year old.

Tinkerbellarella

03-25-2008, 07:12 AM

Once upon a time there were 2 beautiful princesses who lived in a far off land known as Connecticut.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00441_opt.jpg

How sweet are they?!

This year they said they would go to New Hampshire to see trained bears, Santa Claus and Storyland instead.

Remember Benson's Animal Farm? I LOVED Benson's. I was so sad when it closed. But not even Benson's could compare to Disney.

That's her plan of attack. Nothing about how much she wants to go, all about how much better it will be for her parents if they go.

What a diplomat.

Cin's plan of attack to get back to Disney World was to act as if she was going anyways.

Smart plan, that is.

37 year-old single aunt to our princesses. I haven't been lucky enough to meet my beast yet, or have my own little pirates and princesses. This occasionally makes me sad when I'm at Disney seeing all the happy families

I have my Beast but we don't have any pitter pattering in the house (unless you count the kitties). And sometimes this makes me sad too. Until I walk past the 42nd meltdown of the day. Then I'm content to make my way back to my child-less room.

The cost of the train ticket however is awful

Oh how I can relate, my friend. I work in Boston but live over an hour away. My train ticket is $250/month. Oh how many Disney trips that could pay for in a year!

Grumpy is due to have rotator cuff surgery as soon as workers comp gives him the okay, and was reluctant to book a vacation. Finally deceided that he was going no matter what. May be recovering while we are on vacation.

My boyfriend had rotator cuff surgery in November. It wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible. I wish him the best of luck.

Great start, so far! Looking forward to more!

buffy0214

03-25-2008, 08:53 AM

Very cute start...I'm inpopcorn::

If U Had Wings

03-25-2008, 01:33 PM

Remember Benson's Animal Farm? I LOVED Benson's. I was so sad when it closed. But not even Benson's could compare to Disney.

Oh how I can relate, my friend. I work in Boston but live over an hour away. My train ticket is $250/month. Oh how many Disney trips that could pay for in a year!

I don't think I ever went to Benson's. When I was a kid we'd always go to Lincoln, NH. We'd hit Clarks Trading Post (for the bear show), Storyland, Santa's Village, and Natureland. We'd also usually go up to the top of the mountain too. The name is escaping me at the moment. I always loved it, but then again, I didn't make it to Disney until I was 8.

Boston is my 2nd favorite city. My father was on a temporary transfer at one point to the Natick area. He'd come back to Connecticut for the weekend, and I'd head up with my friends to use his room over the weekends to go into Boston. It's awful how expensive the train tickets are. Mine is $350 a month. $350 of a crowded, dirty train where you don't even get a seat sometimes.
That being said, I'd much rather take the train, then sit in my car in I95 traffic.

If U Had Wings

03-25-2008, 01:34 PM

Very cute start...I'm inpopcorn::

Welcome! :hippie: I promise my next installment soon.

I just need to scan in a few photos.

Lemming_of_the_BDA

03-26-2008, 12:39 AM

I'm in, Can't wait to see what happens next.

If U Had Wings

04-03-2008, 08:40 PM

My apologies for not having updated. Twice a year I have the worst difficulties adjusting to the time changes and it messes me up for weeks. I think it has to do with the differences in the amount of light that's out when I wake up in the morning. I get used to seeing some sun light in the morning, and then I'm suddenly waking up to pitch darkness again and my body is telling me to stay asleep. I hate changing the clocks. I've overslept more times than I care to admit to since changing the clocks. It's horrible.

So before we update on our 2 princesses, today we are going to look back a bit.

Once, way back in the early 70's Belle and Mickey lived without any knowlege of the land called Walt Disney World. They had no idea what they were missing. That was until their cousins came back from a vacation filled with stories of this wonderful place.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/MickeyEars1974_opt.jpg
That would be Mickey on the end crying because I stole his Mickey ears. I'm in the middle, and my cousin is the one on the other end who stole my ears.

They were told in no uncertain terms though, that they were not going to be going to Disney any time soon. Mickey and Belle were not quite as smart or as persistent as our current princesses are and soon forgot about Walt Disney World. They were happy going to New Hampshire to see the trained bears, Santa Claus and to ride in Cinderella's pumpkin coach.

In 1979, Ma Tink and Pa Grumpy surprised them with the news that they were finally going to Walt Disney World. Mickey and Belle were thrilled with the news and were on their best behavior. The trip came into jeapordy however, just a few days before they were scheduled to leave. In the middle of a particularly energetic pillow fight an expensive ceiling light was broken. No one wanted to lay claim to being responsible (mostly because after being plunged into darkness, neither Belle nor Mickey really knew who had done it). Ma Tink and Pa Grumpy announced that unless someone fessed up the trip to Disney would be cancelled. (Just as a side note - Belle and Mickey now realize that they were pretty dumb and gullible as no one was going to be cancelling a trip 2 days out. Luckily their intelligence level has risen since then).

Anyways, they took joint responsibilty and the trip went on as planned. The station wagon was loaded up with all the bags on the roof. Grandma and an aunt were along for the trip so Mickey and Belle were tossed in the back area with the luggage. Luckily they survived their very unsafe seating arrangement.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PolyTotems1979_opt.jpg

I think all it took was seeing the lobby at the Poly and Ma Tink and Pa Grumpy were just as hooked as Belle and Mickey. My most memorable experience of this trip was the Disney information channel on the resort tv's. Mickey would watch nothing else the entire time we were there. I think it was his favorite part of the entire trip. I can still remember cast member Susan singing a little Walt Disney World song and then welcoming everyone with a "Hi, I'm Susan!". To this day whenever anyone in my family starts planning a trip to Disney we all launch into the song, and end with the Hi I'm Susan. Honestly, I think we watched it about 500 times that week. I wish I could find a clip of the music.

My other memory of this trip was of riding Space Mountain with my aunt. This was back when you just straddled the seat, and sat in between the other person's legs. There must have been no seat belts or lap bars, because I slid off the seat on the first hill, and rode the rest of the ride on the floor. I refused to go on again, and kept riding "If you Had Wings" with my mom instead. (Love Space Mountain now though).

I found this picture when going through my stuff.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PolyTotemsUnknown_opt.jpg
No one in the family knows if this is from the same trip, or if we went another time that we are forgetting about. (I thought we had gone again, but my mom says no). My brother is the one throwing me off. He has lazy eye, and was patched in one picture and not in the other. I think we are going to have to drag out the photo albums and do some research.

Also, does anyone know if these totems are still over at the Poly? I'd love to get a new picture with the totems now that we are older this year.

Nevertheless, a family of Disney addicts had been born.

Tinkerbellarella

04-04-2008, 07:22 AM

I LOVE the old school pics! I really need to get around to scanning some of mine and getting them up on my pre-trippie.

How refreshing it will be to revisit what I was wearing in 1986. :sad2:

stagemomx3

04-04-2008, 10:03 AM

I love your report so far! The princesses are beautiful, and their dual plan of attack was brilliant! How many different ways did I have to type that word before spell check ok it? ;)

If U Had Wings

04-08-2008, 04:33 PM

Where to stay?

A simple enough question most of the time when planning our trips to Florida, but this year it caused a bit of turmoil.

Ma Tink, Pa Grumpy and myself like to stay onsite. No change that, not like - love. For us the resort is just as important as any other part of the vacation. Plus the ease of not having to even think about driving for the week is wonderful. Could we afford it we'd have our butts parked right at the Poly.

Not so for the rest of the paparazzi. They like to stay off-site. :confused3 They usually leave the parks early, and eat at restaurants outside the parks. Plus SIL Minnie travels a lot for her job, and usually has a large stash of Marriot rewards points so that they don't have to pay anything for the hotel for the week.

In 2006 when we all traveled down to Disney together the on-site contingent of our group got talked into staying off-site at the Embassy Suites right near the Downtown Disney entrance. It was …. nice. The place was clean. We had a free full breakfast every morning cooked by a man who called me Crystal for the entire week. The pool had an indoor section which was nice when it rained. Having the living room area in the rooms was nice. It just wasn't the same. For us something was missing.

When we ran the numbers this year, we figured it would be about the same for us to stay at a moderate Disney resort as it would be to stay at the Embassy Suites again once you factored in the car we would have to rent staying offsite. We deceided that much as we would love to be closer to the princesses for the entire week, we would book our room at the POFQ. (Our favorite home away from home).

Mickey and Minnie came back with a counter offer though. They now wanted to rent a vacation home. That way we could still all stay together. (Minnie especially loved that they have a personal pool as she gets a hinked out by public pools). This was tough. The temptation of being closer to the princesses was very tempting, and the pictures of the houses looked lovely. Again the cost would have been about the same, but a couple of factors swung us back over to the POFQ for good.

The decision to add on more days. Originally we were traveling from 8/23 to 8/30. We were a bit slow on the uptake, but after looking at the calendar one day, Ma Tink realized we would be coming home on Labor day weekend. We had Monday off. We had no reason to rush back on Saturday, we could add on another day. Then we realized that flights were cheaper on 8/22 then on the 23rd so we added on a day there as well. Since we all weren't staying the same days, booking the house wouldn’t really work out.

Ma Tink requires maid service on vacation. She wants fresh towels in the bathroom, and her bed made daily. She insists on it. She also does not want to cook any meals. She tells us she does enough cooking and cleaning the rest of the year. On her vacation she refuses. The house doesn't have maid service and they plan on cooking breakfast daily. These things do not sit well with Ma Tink.

We also started realizing that we each wanted to do some things on this trip that would require a bit of alone time. Ma Tink wants to spend more time by the pool with some frosty drinks. Pa Grumpy is going to be recovering from rotator cuff surgery, and might want to return to the room for rest periodically, and I want to take the Keys to the Kingdom tour and possibly the Segway tour again. Staying off-site would make this virtually impossible as we'd all have to keep the same basic schedule. Being onsite we can all come and go as we wish.

We all feel a bit guilty about not being with the princesses, but this really works out for the best. Everyone else is staying in a smaller vacation home. We will be at our favorite moderate Port Orleans French Quarter from 8/22 - 8/31. :woohoo: :woohoo: We played around with the idea of trying out WL, but once we added on the extra days we changed our minds.

Right now we are booked with a regular AAA discount. I've been trying to get in touch with my AAA agent about free dining to no avail. The other agent in the office told us he's out because his child is sick, and she is unable to adjust his reservations. I am trying to be understanding, but I'm really annoyed that there is no back up in the office for this kind of event. I'm really hoping we won't miss out on the free dining. We want to change our reservation to 2 nights room only, followed by 8 nights with the free dining and park hoppers. My parents have 4 one day passes, so I would just have to get 2 passes for myself for the first 2 days.

I was going to just call Disney myself and make a new reservation with my Disney Visa, but am concerned about the other reservation. We paid for insurance on it, and now we don't know if we are going to have to pay insurance twice if we book 2 reservations. I would also feel exceptionally guilty about cancelling the reservation and losing the agent his commission. (Of course doing so may cost me a couple of extra hundred dollars).

It is just way too stressful. Next time I think I am just going to book my package on my own. The only reason I even went with an agent this time was because you can't get the AAA discount on a package without it.

klacey1

04-08-2008, 04:42 PM

They're beautiful girls-- can't wait to hear more!

If U Had Wings

04-08-2008, 09:45 PM

I love your report so far! The princesses are beautiful, and their dual plan of attack was brilliant! How many different ways did I have to type that word before spell check ok it? ;)

Thanks. I adore the two of them! I can't wait to go with them this time. They were determined that they would go to Disney this year. Nothing else would do.

If U Had Wings

04-08-2008, 09:48 PM

They're beautiful girls-- can't wait to hear more!

Thanks for reading! Lots more planning to come.

pajules

04-09-2008, 08:48 AM

If U Had Wings

04-09-2008, 01:01 PM

Just jumped onboard and and am all caught up. You have very persuasive princesses! It's amazing how smart kids are today and pick up on things. I think my DS and Cin would get alone great. He is also a comediane, with a very witty sense of humor. Kids don't seem to get it, but the adults sure do. I'm hoping he's a Jerry Seinfeld in the making, paycheck and all.:laughing:

I also enjoyed your childhood pics. Brings back memories for we 30 somethings.

It is scary how on smart they are sometimes. My older niece especially scares me a bit. You can almost see the wheels in her brain turning. She can solve sudoku puzzles faster than me, and can rattle off a bunch of numbers and add them up immediately. She forgets nothing, and has a plan of attack for everything.

The younger one isn't quite as bad. She does most of what she does for a laugh.

They both get a kick out of looking at the pictures of when daddy and aunt Belle were kids.

If U Had Wings

04-09-2008, 01:46 PM

Has anyone who has used a travel agent to plan their Disney trip ever felt like they know more than the agent.

I can't begin to describe how annoyed I am getting with using my agent. I really was happy with him in the begining, but this week I'm at my breaking point.

We booked with an AAA agent in order to get the AAA discount on a package with dining. Now we want to take advantage of the free dining offer for the majority of our trip (our dates are 8/22 - 8/31) so I've been attempting to contact my agent since Saturday.

I had tickets to the Yankee game on Saturday, so I wasn't going to able to make it to the office before we left so I e-mailed him. No response. I know he needs my Disney Visa number so he has to get in touch with me before he can change the reservation. Monday comes, and half the Dis boards are on the phones. I am waiting. No call, no e-mail. My parents drop by the office on Monday. He is off with a sick child. The other agent won't do anything with our reservation since it's not hers. Leaves my agent a note. Monday passes without him getting in touch with me.

Tuesday arrives and still no call. I leave voice-mails and e-mails - no response. I am, to put it mildly, getting perturbed. I feel bad though, since I know he is probably still home with a sick kid. In that case though, I think that the other agent in the AAA office should have been able to help me.

I was all set to just book a new reservation on Tuesday night, but deciede to hold off until today. I arrive at work today to find that I had been left a voice mail from my agent at 5:30 the night before. This again annoys me as I specifically told him in every message I left for him that after 5 to call my cell number. It only got better as his voice mail to me tells me that the free dining offer had only been a rumor before now, and wasn't begining until today (Wed.).

Honestly, I shouldn't know more about the offer dates than my agent should I? He wasn't anywhere on target with that.

He tells me to call him back, I do, and of course get voice mail again. (With the same message from Monday saying he was out of the office until Tuesday). That was at 9am. It is now 2 pm and I still haven't heard anything from him. I am at about the breaking point, and I consider myself to be a fairly patient person. I wouldn't even mind so much if he was just honest and said that he had some personal issues he had to deal with, and would get to me as soon as possible. I hate feeling like I'm not even being responded to. I feel ignored, and as a customer I don't think I should have to feel that way. The more time that goes by without a response, the more I am not begining to care if he gets the commission or not.

I'm going to give a call back and let him know if I don't hear back from him, I am just going to book it on my own tonight. I don't want to put this off until tomorrow when it opens up to everyone. If I am not able to get POFQ I'm going to be upset.

Tinkerbellarella

04-09-2008, 02:13 PM

I'm going to give a call back and let him know if I don't hear back from him, I am just going to book it on my own tonight. I don't want to put this off until tomorrow when it opens up to everyone. If I am not able to get POFQ I'm going to be upset.

I completely understand that everyone has a personal life to attend to. Kids come first. Always.

HOWEVER...

I would be extremely perturbed as well and likely would've booked already myself. That's the part of me that likes to be in control. In addition to his personal life he does have professional responsibilities as well. If he's going to make the effort to try to help you, he should at least put 100% into that.

I commend you for using a AAA agent. The Disney control freak in me would never allow it, regardless of the discount! :rotfl:

If U Had Wings

04-09-2008, 02:53 PM

When I was planning my trip to Disney last year I told myself I wasn't going to ever use an agent again. That wasn't an AAA agent, but one that specializes in Disney vacations. She was great, and got my discount on the day it was announced, but I hated not having control.

The mind plays tricks on you, and you start to forget these things for a discount so I thought I'd give an AAA agent a try this time. I thought he would be more on top of these things, he gave the impression that he would be. :sad2:

Never again though! I have really learned my lesson this time.:)

pajules

04-09-2008, 04:25 PM

It only got better as his voice mail to me tells me that the free dining offer had only been a rumor before now, and wasn't begining until today (Wed.).

Make you want to go outside and scream *$@#$!@#! doesn't it. Heck, maybe that's not such a bad idea. At least it might relieve some of the stress.:)

micandminforever

04-09-2008, 05:47 PM

Love your report I know you will have a wonderful time with the 2 Princesses.

I am sending positive thoughts your way that everything will work out with free dining.
:goodvibes

If U Had Wings

04-09-2008, 10:39 PM

I finally got in touch with my agent this afternoon. (He was in the office - nice of him to call me back huh?)

He somehow convinced me to wait for tomorrow to have him call to book for me. If he called today I'd have to cancel my original reservation (and wait several days for the refund) and then place two new deposits down on my new reservations. I don't understand why the original reservation couldn't just be altered, but he said that the existing reservation couldn't be converted from a package to a room only and since it was an AAA package he couldn't change it to the Disney Visa package. Who knows if any of this is true.

Since I didn't have enough money (or room on my Visa) to put down two deposits currently I really had to wait. He said tomorrow he can adjust my current reservation. He promised I was top on his list of clients to take care of, and that he would call me at 9 when I get into work. We will see.

Keep your fingers crossed for me tomorrow!

If U Had Wings

04-09-2008, 10:43 PM

Love your report I know you will have a wonderful time with the 2 Princesses.

I am sending positive thoughts your way that everything will work out with free dining.
:goodvibes

Hi! :wave: I love your user name!

Tinkerbellarella

04-10-2008, 07:38 AM

Keep your fingers crossed for me tomorrow!

Fingers crossed. I hope it works out for you!

JKMJ441724

04-10-2008, 07:45 AM

Once upon a time there were 2 beautiful princesses who lived in a far off land known as Connecticut.

Those sure are some cute princesses ya got there.

JKMJ441724

04-10-2008, 08:01 AM

Grumpy is due to have rotator cuff surgery as soon as workers comp gives him the okay, and was reluctant to book a vacation. Finally deceided that he was going no matter what. May be recovering while we are on vacation.

I work for an attorney and about 50% of our cases are WC. Just tell Grumpy to be carefull. One time (at band camp) we had our client's honeymoon photographs subpoenaed!

If U Had Wings

04-10-2008, 01:01 PM

I've been having a rough couple of days, and was feeling very down this morning. It was just one of those days when nothing really seemed worth it, and even thoughts of Disney weren't helping much. The nonsense with the free dining offer had been getting to me. A Zopa loan I was hoping to use to consolidate my credit card debt was declined after I had originally been told everything with my credit check was fine, and just to round out everything my toaster oven caught on fire last night.

I was trudging into the office this morning, wanting nothing more than to turn around and crawl back into bed. There was a message on my voice mail waiting for me. (And no it wasn't the promised call from my TA). I thought it was from Ma Tink, but when I went to listen it was from my sweetie Princess Cin. She wanted to tell me how much she missed me, because I hadn't been to visit in awhile. I called Ma Tink back and talked to Cin for a few minutes. I was told I work way too much, and needed to be playing with her instead. I nearly started to cry. It was such a slap in the face, reminding me what was really important. Free Food, the toaster and even the ugly debt hanging over my head didn't feel quite so bad anymore. I will not let these things get to me so much. I'm a great aunt with two fantastic nieces who adore me, what more do I need?

And yes, still no call from my travel agent. I'm resigning myself to the fact that I'll be paying full price for food. I'll give him a break for now. He said he had 15 clients to take care of this morning so he's probably been on hold all morning. Really the fight has just left me.

Tinkerbellarella

04-10-2008, 01:24 PM

It was such a slap in the face, reminding me what was really important. Free Food, the toaster and even the ugly debt hanging over my head didn't feel quite so bad anymore. I will not let these things get to me so much. I'm a great aunt with two fantastic nieces who adore me, what more do I need?

Here. Have some hugging skittles :grouphug:

It's very easy to forget what is most important in life when everything starts to get out of hand. But we get the reminders we need, like you did, and we're able to re-focus.

I wouldn't despair about the free dining. I didn't call on Monday until noon and I still was able to book at two different resorts with no problem. Not to mention the fact that people book and cancel left and right.

I will say this, however, I'd lose the TA if you can. Or speak with his supervisor and see if they can transfer your account to another agent. At this point, it seems to be causing you more stress than anything else. His unresponsiveness would be driving me batty.

I hope your day gets better. :flower3:

Tinkerbellarella

04-10-2008, 01:49 PM

Oh My Goodness! I receive a daily e-mail from this great site. It's all about perspective and finding peace and all of that good stuff. I believe today's was meant for you:

April 10, 2008
Finding The Gift
Bad Days
We all have days when it feels like the world is against us or that the chaos we are experiencing will never end. One negative circumstance seems to lead to another. You may wonder, on a bad day, whether anything in your life will ever go right again. But a bad day, like any other day, can be a gift. Having a bad day can show you that it is time to slow down, change course, or lighten up. A bad day can help you glean wisdom you might otherwise have overlooked or discounted. Bad days can certainly cause you to experience uncomfortable feelings you would prefer to avoid, yet a bad day may also give you a potent means to learn about yourself.

You may consider a bad day to be one where you have missed an important meeting because your car stalled (Tinkerbellarella edit: or you are stressed about not getting FD because your TA is somenotniceword) or the dryer broke (Tinkerbellarella edit: or your toaster oven caught fire) or you received a piece of very bad news earlier in the morning. Multiple misfortunes that take place, one after the other, can leave us feeling vulnerable and intensely cognizant of our fragility. Although bad days can only have a long-term negative effect on us if we let them. It is better to ask yourself what you can learn from these kinds of days. The state of your bad day may be an indicator that you need to stay in and hibernate or let go of your growing negativity.

Bad days contribute to the people we become. Though we may feel discouraged and distressed on our bad days, a bad day can teach us patience and perseverance. It is important to remember that your attitude drives your destiny and that one negative experience does not have to be the beginning of an ongoing stroke of bad luck. A bad day is memorable because it is one day among many good days. Otherwise, we would not even bother to acknowledge it as a bad day. Know, too, that everybody has bad days. You are not alone, the world is not against you. Tomorrow is a brand new day, greet it with love and watch it unfold into perhaps, a better day.

Now...isn't that interesting. :hug:

skier_pete

04-10-2008, 02:06 PM

Tinkerbellarella

04-10-2008, 02:48 PM

I just wanted to mention, being a knowledgable DIS'er, I never use a travel agent. You can book directly with a CRO and give them your AAA # and you get the AAA room rate. We did this for our extra night stay on the 23rd. I could be wrong, but I don't think AAA gets you any rates you can't get on your own.

I should've said this before also!!! And I forgot! Bad DISer! Slap my hand!

Iv'e booked with AAA before and got the same thing booking on my own as I would have with the agent.

If U Had Wings

04-10-2008, 09:33 PM

Hi there!

I think I posted in a separate thread where you were talking about the split stay...I just wanted to say that I think this is a great report. Since we will be there at the same time and the same resort, I will keep up-to-date on your pre-planning, and give you a wave from across the pool!

Anyways, I just wanted to mention, being a knowledgable DIS'er, I never use a travel agent. You can book directly with a CRO and give them your AAA # and you get the AAA room rate. We did this for our extra night stay on the 23rd. I could be wrong, but I don't think AAA gets you any rates you can't get on your own.

SkierPete

Hi! :hippie: Glad you came by!

I tried to book the AAA discount on my own. I could have booked a room only rate with the AAA discount, but to get a package with the discount an AAA agent needs to call. Who knows if I had talked to someone else on the phone I probably would have got a different answer.

If U Had Wings

04-10-2008, 09:38 PM

Tinkerbellarella

04-11-2008, 08:11 AM

Good news I got free dining at POFQ!!!:woohoo: :woohoo:

:banana: CONGRATULATIONS!!! :banana:

buffy0214

04-11-2008, 09:43 AM

Good news I got free dining at POFQ!!!:woohoo: :woohoo:

I am very happy. My agent called me after lunch with the good news. We have 2 nights with a room only rate, and then the package for the rest of the trip.

Woo Hoo! Can't wait to get back to my home away from home!

I'm so glad you got it:banana: I would really feel "out of touch" not doing everything myself, also. I'm glad you posted about the AAA. I was thinking of joining AAA just for the discount. But if you can only book a package using them, maybe I'll have to think a little longer on that.

I think you are right to go on-site, too. I know I would miss the atmosphere. We are able to drive to Disney and we still always stay on-site. It just really immerses you in the experience and makes the vacation feel like a vacation.

skier_pete

04-11-2008, 11:32 AM

Excuse me for getting the thread slightly off track...but perhaps miss Belle can enlighten me...what extra discount do you get for booking the package with AAA. Booking room only you get 15 % of the room rate, at least for Mods. Do you get a better room rate for the package, or do you get additional ticketing discount?

Just curious. We are in the same boat as you as we arrive on August 23rd, so I booked 1 night with the AAA room discount, and 7 nights free dining.

SkierPete

If U Had Wings

04-11-2008, 01:08 PM

You get the % off of the room rate, and the tickets and dining package are their normal prices.

We wanted the dining package no matter if it was free or not, so we were told if we wanted the AAA discount with the dining package it had to be booked through AAA. For a room only discount you can get the AAA discount booking on our own. If that makes sense.

If U Had Wings

04-11-2008, 01:24 PM

A little more about the early days of Belle and Mickey.

Now that they had been the Disney World everyone wanted to go back. In 1981 they went back again to the world. This time grandma and their aunt didn't go, so Belle and Mickey got to sit in the back seat of the station wagon instead of being tossed like luggage in the back.

Once again they got to stay at the Poly.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PolyTotems1981_opt.jpg

I find it funny that I look like I have legs in this picture. Obviously all I need to do is wear really short, shorts. :laughing:

Since these were the days when there was only the Magic Kingdom there was a lot of time for some relaxation by the pool. Staying at the Poly it was always fun when the characters would come water skiing up on the lake and then hang out at the pool for awhile.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PeterPan1979_opt.jpg

Just as an aside, Belle still hasn't recovered from the fact that she never go to go to River Country back then. Mickey refused to take his swimming lessons seriously so Ma Tink and Pa Grumpy wouldn't take them. Belle was resigned to watching the promos on the in-room Disney channel that Mickey again insisted on watching continually. (More of the Hi I'm Susan lady). Honestly - so not fair.

Belle also made a good friend this trip at the pool. Her new friend, Stephanie, was from Louisiana, and they spent the entire day at the pool playing and discussing things of the utmost importance like their doll collections. Once they got past the language barrier and learned that pop and soda were the same things they had a ball. They exchanged addresses and promised to be penpals.

Once again they had a wonderful trip. How long would they have to wait for their next visit?

I was organizing my closet this week, and found my box of letters that people have sent me over the years. I miss real mail! I still have all the letters that Stephanie and I wrote each other back then, along with just about every other letter that anyone has ever written me. E-mail may be quicker, but it just isn't the same. I can't see people having a treasure box of old e-mails.

Hedy

04-11-2008, 09:51 PM

As the proud paparazzi of two nephews going around the same time you are, I can't wait to hear more.

JKMJ441724

04-12-2008, 03:55 PM

I wouldn't despair about the free dining. I didn't call on Monday until noon and I still was able to book at two different resorts with no problem. Not to mention the fact that people book and cancel left and right.

Not to mention, book multiple bookings, knowing that they are going to cancel all but one of them. I actually had the cast member advise me TO DO this when I booked our trip, because my first choice was not available for the full amount of my stay. I will post about that in a day or two, if you want to jump over to my report and read about it. I could not believe that was her advice.

micandminforever

04-12-2008, 04:47 PM

Wonderful that you work out the free dining.:banana: :banana: :banana:

If U Had Wings

04-16-2008, 01:36 PM

Hi Hedy! :flower3: Glad to have you aboard! My nieces are enough of a handful. I can't imagine keeping up with 2 boys.

If U Had Wings

04-16-2008, 01:43 PM

Getting to Disney from Connecticut is quite a hike. When Belle and Mickey were kids Ma Di and Pa Grumpy always drove. :drive: They'd stop two nights along the road visiting touristy locations before the trip and two nights on the way home. A bit leisurely, but not stressful. The first night's stay was always made at about the South of the Border area. Always a let down to Belle and Mickey after watching watching for the billboards for hundreds of miles to find it was just this little dive place. The second night's stay was always in St. Augustine where everyone would go to check out places like Ripley's Believe it or Not Musuem, and the Stars Hall of Fame Wax Museum. Belle (obviously a girl with some issues) still hasn't gotten over the fact she never got to go to Circus World and fly on the trapeze on one of these trips.

Then our family found the wonders of flying. 2 and a half hours on a plan and your in Disney. Wonderful! This is definitely Ma Tink's preferred way to travel. She is not a fan of sitting in the passenger seat of a car for 2 days.

In 2006 when all the paparazzi went with the princesses to Disney the decision was made to drive by Minnie and Mickey. They ran some numbers and figured that it would be cheaper to drive down in two cars. Mickey, Minnie and the princesses in their minivan, and Belle, Pa Grumpy and Ma Tink in another car would all head out on mother's day. Pa Eeyore drove down a week earlier and met them at the hotel Monday night. Ma Tink let herself get talked into driving, but was not happy about it. Pa Grumpy refused to let anyone else drive his car, so Belle and Ma Tink spent most of the drive sitting in the back seat watching The Sopranos and calling the other the princesses in the other car. With only one planned night on the road, Pa Grumpy was getting awfuly tired in the front, and nearly fell asleep once. Very scary.

When the planning started for this year's trip, Ma Tink flat out refused to drive again. She wanted to get on that plane and arrive in Florida 2 hours later, not 2 days later. (Can you tell who the true princess in our familiy is? princess: )While parts of the drive were fun, as they did it as a family, it was still 2 days that could be spent in Disney instead of sitting in a car. It all came down to where to fly from. Ma Tink, Pa Grumpy and Belle all live an hour or two from 4 airports. The 2 New York airports were quickly ruled out due to their large size. (Pa Grumpy refuses to drive to LaGuardia or Kennedy - finds them too confusing). This left 2 choices - flying out of Hartford on Delta or Southwest, or flying out of White Plains, NY on AirTran or Jet Blue. Southwest hadn't released any dates past 8/22 yet, and Delta was quite a bit more. Still Bradley airport has lots of fairly inexpensive parking options close to the terminals.

The closest airport to them is actually White Plains. The problem is the airport is small. Really small. No curbside checkin, only 2 gates in the whole airport small. Normally being small is what makes it hands down the #1 choice to fly. When your plane lands you can be off, picked up your luggage and be loading into your car in about 15 minutes.

That is if you are being picked up. The problem with White Plains airport is there is precious little parking. There is one lot, that is not too big. It fills quickly, and if you are lucky enough to get a spot it is about $25 a day. (No long term rates here). The airport is smack dab in the middle of a very well to do neighborhood, and they don't want the airport to enlarge and fight having more parking. Normally it's not a problem as someone in the family is always willing to drop you off at the airport, but this trip is a problem since everyone is going on the trip.

Belle looked into car rentals. A rental from their town to the airport wasn't bad, but there were problems for the way home. Due to the fact that they'd be coming home on Labor Day weekend either the rental places where already out of cars, or if they did they were very expensive and they'd have to rent it for an additional day due to the local rental places being closed for the holiday.

Belle, Ma Tink and Pa Grumpy were all set to plan on flying out of Hartford, when thanks to the wonders of the DIS boards they found another option. There is a La Quinta Inn in Armonk, NY very close to the White Plains airport. For $150 they offer a stay and go package consisting of overnight accomodations, and then complimentary parking for up to 10 days, with shuttle service to the airport. Sold! They booked their flights on AirTran for $99 each way - leaving at 8:25 am on Friday 8/22 and flying home at 6:30 pm on Sunday 8/31. The stay and go package will be nice as they won't have to get up as early this way to make it to the airport for their morning flight.

Minnie, Mickey and the princesses are still planning on driving. They'll be leaving on a Thursday morning and arriving about 5-6 o'clock on Friday. Pa Eeyore will be flying out of Hartford late on Friday, renting a car, and then meeting Minnie and Mickey at their rental home. Everyone will meet up on Day 2.

Now, can we finally get around to the fun planning yet? :wizard:

If U Had Wings

04-21-2008, 01:26 PM

Now that our princesses princess: princess: are set staying with some of the paparazzi in a vacation rental home, and the rest of us are happy with our free dining reservation at Port Orleans French Quarter, we can get down to one of the most important aspects of this pre-trip report.

Itineraries and food! popcorn::

Food is another one of those issues, like where to stay, that everyone in our group just doesn't agree on. Minnie and Mickey like to fix their own breakfast, have lunch in the parks, and have one or two sit down dinners in the park. The rest of the nights they typically like to leave early and have dinner at places like Bahama Breezes or Chili's.

Ma Tink refuses to cook anything on her vacation. It is just that - her vacation. :snooty: She also likes to have a sit down dinner on most nights so she can sit down and take a break from the parks for awhile. Pa Grumpy likes sit down dinners as well. I can go either way, but with free dining I'll enjoy every moment of my meals. Luckily no one in the group minds planning out their meals ahead of time, and everyone is pretty open to what they will eat. Only the princesses are picky eaters, but as long as there is some pizza, mac and cheese and chicken nuggets available they are okay for the most part.

We had one small discussion concerning food before making reservations, just in case there was anyplace that anyone really disliked. I put in a request to avoid Tony's Town Square. When I went there for dinner in September. I was pretty disappointed. I thought the food was mediocre for the most part, and my ice cream dessert tasted like it had freezer burn. My parents had liked it when they went on vacation in October, but graciously agreed to avoid it this trip. Only I wanted to try the Moroccan restaurant, so I was out of luck on that one. Pa Grumpy's one request was for Le Cellier so he could get the crème brulee that he loves.

The rest was left in the hands of me and Mickey. It is very much a new experience for me to in charge of planning a vacation for my parents. Ma Tink really has no interest in any of the planning, but I'm surprised about Pa Grumpy. Usually he loves to be in the thick of all the planning. He an original Disney commando. This time he is telling us he's happy to let us do it. It is a tough call though over who is a more obsessive planner - me or Mickey. He doesn't read the Dis boards, but reads everything he can on the AllEars pages and we both get a bit carried away with the UG. I think that he is a bit worse than me though, because he if given his way completely, would have us on a minute by minute itinerary with all of our counter service meals planned out as well. Actually, he may have our counter service meals planned, he is just not fessing up to it. :rolleyes1

Since him and Minnie are the one bringing the princesses, I let him go ahead and make up the master plan of what parks we would be doing on which day. (All based on the lowest park attendence days per the UG). He then went ahead and made ADR's for the two sit down meals we were planning on doing all together. I just planned the rest of the sit down meals for the meal plan portion of our group around that.

Hedy

04-21-2008, 02:07 PM

Ooh! Food talk!

micandminforever

04-21-2008, 04:31 PM

Now the fun part food, and even better free food. Have fun planning.

If U Had Wings

04-21-2008, 04:33 PM

So the plan begins:

Intinerary for Day 1 - Friday Aug. 22 - Our flight arrives at about 11 am so baring any flight delays we'll have a good 8 hours or so our first day. We won't be meeting up with the princesses princess: princess: until the next day since they are not arriving until around 5 pm.

We are planning on going to MGM for our first day. (I know it's Hollywood studios now, but it will always be MGM to me). I've always found that MGM is a good option for the second half of the day. MGM was my favorite park when I went for the first time back in 1992. I'm a big movie fan, especially of classic movies. I loved the full backlot tour with the Bette Midler movie, the animation tour, Superstar Television, the Sorcery in the Sky Fireworks pixiedust: , and the view of Grauman's theater at the end of the street. I hate that so much of it is gone now. I despise the hat in front of my beloved theater. :wizard: It's not so much the hat, but where they put it. To me it looks like it was plunked down in front of the Chinese Theater accidentaly.

I miss this view http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/movieride.jpg They used to have really neat gift shops too. Lots of movie memorabilia items. Now sadly all you find is the same Disney tchotkes they have everywhere. MGM gets huge points for having my favorite ride - Tower of Terror. Love, love, love it. Love the Rock N Rollercoaster too. And the Beauty and the Beast show. And Star Tours :chewy: (even though it could use an update). Okay, maybe MGM is still my favorite park.

Dinner our first night will be at the Hollywood Brown Derby at 5 pm (OOP). All our dinner reservations were made before we changed our reservation was changed for free dining. Our first two nights are now room only rates, but we didn't want to give up this reservation. The Brown Derby was one of those places I always wanted to try, but no one I went with ever wanted to go due to the cost. Last year when I went with my BFF and was on the dining plan I made reservations. She didn't care and was up to try it out. It was hands down our favorite meal of the trip. The food was fantastic, and the restaurant felt miles away from the parks for an hour or so. I couldn't stop raving about it, so Ma Tink and Pa Grumpy decieded to give it a try when they went. They loved it as well so it was a must do for this trip, off plan or on.

pajules

04-21-2008, 04:46 PM

If U Had Wings

04-22-2008, 09:06 AM

Ah yes.....the wonderful days of driving to Disney. Been there done that and prefer not to do it again.:laughing: Like you, as kids my parents always drove for vacation. I'm pretty sure I was a teenager the first time I flew. DGM and DDad would love us into our station wagon around 8pm at night. We would roll out the sleeping bags with the "way back" seat down and DB and I would sleep until morning. By the time we woke up in the am we were usually in South Carolina. Then we would do our South of the Border sign counting, but never got to stay. DDad always wanted to drive straight through so that's what we did

As an adult I have driven to Disney once and am pretty sure I have reached my lifetime quota. I love to drive and sometimes when the weather is nice I will pack a lunch, DS and head out somewhere with no real destination in mind. Of course this is pre $3.45 a gallon gas!:scared1: But one drive to WDW is enough for me. I swear I never knew South Carolina was so big. I think driving through is the worst part of the trip, because you feel so close, but so far away!

But anyway, glad you got free dining, you hotel of choice, and are flying. I'm sure your brother will be jealous when you arrive relaxed and refreshed and he's ready to pull his hair out and need a stiff drink or two :laughing:

Last year was quite enough for me. You are right, South Carolina just goes on forever with nothing to really look at out the windows. No hills, no buildings just nada. It gets a bit hypnotic after awhile. I don't think it helped on our last trip that it was downpouring the entire time.

I might not mind so much if I had been allowed to drive, but my DF refuses to let anyone else drive.

I love the plane! :love: I think my nieces are a bit jealous though. We were telling them this weekend that we'd get on the airplane and be in Disney in 3 hours. They were a bit amazed.

If U Had Wings

04-22-2008, 09:15 AM

I went and ordered something I completely didn't need last week.

A Disney Passporter. At least I've refrained so far from buying yet another copy of the Unofficial Guide, although I did buy a 1 year online membership to their site back in January so I could get the park attendence forecasts. Why I keep buying a new one every trip I'll never know, as they don't make that many changes between publishing. Last year I picked up "The Complete Disney" book, which Minnie and Mickey pilfered from me, and have yet to return. (That was back in November).

This is my first Passporter though. Has anyone else ever bought this before? I'm wondering if I should have not bothered since I have the UG. I had been resisting buying one until I saw people discussing how great they were for organizing their scrapbooking stuff from a trip. That I could use as my stuff ends up all over the place. :thumbsup2

I've been suffering from serious Disneyitis lately. I want my vacation now! I guess I'm just feeling a bit exhausted lately and need a break. I had the whole family over this weekend for a birthday dinner for Ma Tink. I'm not the only one getting a bit itchy for the trip. But heh, 4 months from today!

Hedy

04-22-2008, 09:42 AM

Tinkerbellarella

04-22-2008, 12:20 PM

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/movieride.jpg

I miss this too!!!

buffy0214

04-22-2008, 02:54 PM

Ma Tink refuses to cook anything on her vacation. It is just that - her vacation. :snooty:

I'm with her:thumbsup2

MGM gets huge points for having my favorite ride - Tower of Terror. Love, love, love it. Love the Rock N Rollercoaster too. And the Beauty and the Beast show. And Star Tours :chewy: (even though it could use an update). Okay, maybe MGM is still my favorite park.

I tend to have the most fun at MGM, too. I think maybe it is because of some of my favorites are there and it is a slower-paced park.

I have a passporter, too. Like you, I bought a UG every year, even if I wasn't planning a trip. It's just fun readin'. I think you will find you passporter is similar as well. It's a fun read and I love their maps. Now all you need to do is join TGM:rolleyes1

For $150 they offer a stay and go package consisting of overnight accomodations, and then complimentary parking for up to 10 days, with shuttle service to the airport. Sold! They booked their flights on AirTran for $99 each way - leaving at 8:25 am on Friday 8/22 and flying home at 6:30 pm on Sunday 8/31. The stay and go package will be nice as they won't have to get up as early this way to make it to the airport for their morning flight.

It's amazing that it will cost more to park the car than to fly.

If U Had Wings

04-23-2008, 01:38 PM

Day 2 Itinerary- Saturday Aug. 23 - Magic Kingdom -

No ADRs. No reservations made at this point. Anything we do this day will be OOP as our free dining doesn't start until Sunday. This will be our first day with the rest of the party. We thought about just going off-site with them for dinner, but this is the only day of our trip when we will be able to see the Spectromagic parade so we don't want to go to far. (It's not running for quite a few nights during our trip). Minnie and Mickey aren't really parade people, but Ma Tink and I think the princesses would love this one. Princess Cin would especially love the Ursualla float. (Ursualla is one of her favoritie characters - I know she's a strange princess sometimes).

I'm thinking of seeing if Ma Tink and Pa Grumpy want me to make a reservation at the Plaza if they want to have a reasonably priced sit down dinner. I myself would love the Crystal Palace, but I know I'd be shot done. We will probably just end up doing counter service for dinner.

We definitely need to get some better family shots this year. Last time we made the family trip, Princess Jasmine chose to be difficult and had a puss on her face in all the pictures. This time we will probably have to worry about Princess Cin making goofy faces to the camera, or sticking her butt in the camera. Yes, that is her new fun thing to do. They were over my house on Saturday, and all she wanted me to do was take pictures of her rear end. I love her, but she's a goofball.

I am also determined not to come in last place with scores on Buzz Lightyear. I'm incredibly bad at it. In my defense, on our prior family trip, I was on with Princess Cin. She didn't care about shooting anything, all she wanted to do was spin the car around, which didn't help my score any.

Also I want to make it to toontown to have my picture taken with the mouse!

Tinkerbellarella

04-23-2008, 01:53 PM

Also I want to make it to toontown to have my picture taken with the mouse!

I haven't done this since I was 12. I want to do this too!

buffy0214

04-28-2008, 04:02 PM

I'm not a big parade person, either, but I agree that Spectro is a must!

Hedy

04-28-2008, 04:24 PM

Princess Cin and her butt...:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

If U Had Wings

04-29-2008, 09:12 AM

Plan for Day 3 - Sunday Aug. 24 - Animal Kingdom -

I shudder to think of how hot AK is going to be in August. :scared: It's been hot enough when I've been in May and September. We have set a rule though, that since we all know going into this trip that it's August and we will be in Florida so no whining about the heat is allowed. (I'll be doing it in my head though). Luckily though out of the entire family I'll probably deal with it best. My nieces, SIL, and the 2 grandpas sweat like crazy, brother a little less so, and then there is Ma Tink and me. My central a/c has been broken for 2 years now so I'm used to living in an apartment that is about 90-95 degrees in the summer. I'm much more used to dealing with heat than my mom.

Princess Jasmine is dead set on getting Ma Tink to ride Everest this trip. :rotfl: Ma Tink is a ride wimp so I'm not sure this is going to happen. Still the fact that it is Jasmine who wants it may do the trick. Ma Tink and I want to get the princesses on Kali River Rapids, as they've never been on before. They should be well entertained by seeing Ma Tink get soaked.

The princesses will be leaving to eat dinner off site with Minnie, Mickey and Pa Eeyore. The rest of us will be heading over to Boma for dinner after AK closes. :woohoo: This one was a new restaurant for me my last trip as well, and it was a second favorite after the Brown Derby. Ma Tink didn't love it as much when she went, but was willing to go again. We all love AKL so we're planning on enjoying the grounds for awhile and are then going to head over to Pleasure Island/DTD for some shopping and maybe the Adventurers Club. It will depend on how tired we are feeling.

I always have big plans for Pleasure Island, but I crash before I can enjoy it. I miss the old Pleasure Island though, when it was more adults only. It was a nice night out, and I liked wandering around with a drink in hand to the different clubs. I especially liked the bands playing right out in the street, and the nightly New Year's Eve party at midnight. pixiedust:(Or eleven as I remember being there once for.)

buffy0214

05-08-2008, 11:18 AM

I couldn't live without my a/c. Well, I guess I COULD but I sure wouldn't want to.

I think Everest is one of the most fun rides I have been on in a long time. The ride itself is smooth, not jerky, so I think even those that don't like traditional roller coasters mike like it.

My girls :love: Kahli RR. We did it 3 times last trip.

If U Had Wings

05-08-2008, 01:32 PM

I've been missing for awhile, but I'm still here. Work has been chaotic. All I want to do when I get home is catch some zzzs! That and this has been occupying my time.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00750_opt.jpg

It's my grandmother's old Singer. It's been sitting around collecting dust. (Lots of dust - believe me!) I'm determined to clean it up and get it working again. Much of my free time has been being spent researching restoration and cleaning methods online. I don't really even sew. Haven't since I was forced to take it back in jr. high days, but I have an urge to learn. It's such a shame they don't make things this pretty anymore.

Anyhow, now that I've bored you with non-Disney stuff on to the plans:
Plan for Day 4 - Monday Aug. 25 - EPCOT Center

(Again I know it's just Epcot now, but in my mind it's EPCOT Center - shoot me) Like MGM this is a park that I used to love more. I'll admit it, I'm a geek. I used to love the educational aspects of Epcot, and miss them.

Last year I was there for the 25th anniversary celebration and my BFF and I had a fantastic time. One of the best moments of the trip was when everyone was standing around waiting for the re-dedication ceremony to begin and they were playing all the old Epcot attractions music. When they started playing the Universe of Energy the entire crowd started singing along and suddenly you had a few hundred people having a blast singing. Same when they played "One Little Spark" and "Listen to the Land". It was so spontaneous and heart felt by everyone there. I am so glad I was there to be apart of it all - so many people who just love Epcot and Disney. So much fun to hang back and talk to everyone. When my BFF came back, she brought me one of these: http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00714_opt.jpg
Very cool as I love Figment. :figment: She had managed to snag the last 2 they had. We missed out though on the collector watches and vintage tee's they were selling.

Anyways it's our first night with an ADR for the entire group. We're eating at Biergarten at the Germany pavillion. It's not a place or a cuisine that I would chose myself, but Minnie, Mickey and Pa Eeyore really like it. As long as I can find some chicken on the menu I'm happy. That, and there is always beer in very large steins at Biergarten. :drinking1 :drinking1 :drinking1 Princess Jasmine and Cin love Biergarten for the band and that they can go and dance for awhile. It's tough to get them off the dance floor. :banana: :banana:

Hedy

05-08-2008, 01:37 PM

That'ss be fun! I love the Figment!

buffy0214

05-08-2008, 08:07 PM

I absolutely adore Figment. I remember when EPCOT first opened and I went with my Girl Scout troup. I so wanted a Figment plush. I really enjoyed the educational aspects of the park as well.

Tinkerbellarella

05-12-2008, 08:02 PM

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00750_opt.jpg

It's my grandmother's old Singer. It's been sitting around collecting dust. (Lots of dust - believe me!) I'm determined to clean it up and get it working again. Much of my free time has been being spent researching restoration and cleaning methods online. I don't really even sew. Haven't since I was forced to take it back in jr. high days, but I have an urge to learn. It's such a shame they don't make things this pretty anymore.

I commend you for doing this. You're right. It is a shame that they don't make things this pretty any more. But apparently, such is the future.

One of the best moments of the trip was when everyone was standing around waiting for the re-dedication ceremony to begin and they were playing all the old Epcot attractions music. When they started playing the Universe of Energy the entire crowd started singing along and suddenly you had a few hundred people having a blast singing. Same when they played "One Little Spark" and "Listen to the Land". It was so spontaneous and heart felt by everyone there.

This sounds amazing and I so wish I could've been part of that. I love all of those songs (and more! - World of Motion theme anyone?) and love to listen to them on Live365.

:flower3:

pajules

05-13-2008, 07:23 AM

Very cool as I love Figment. :figment:

Me too. I remember going to Epcot when it first opened in the 80's and I got a Figment beach towel. I know I still have it somewhere...now I'm going to have to go look for that thing.

If U Had Wings

05-22-2008, 11:04 PM

I've been very bad at keeping up with my trip report haven't I? My apologies. This spring has been just crazy busy, even though it doesn't feel at all spring like. I can't believe it's nearly June and it's still cold out. I'm beginning to feel as if Connecticut is turning into Seattle, it's been raining continuously for days.

I've had the chance to see the princess's quite often in the past few weeks, so I've been enjoying that. It was Princess Jas's birthday recently so 2 weekends were taken up with that. One was for a party for her friends that I was suckered into assisting with the chaperoning. 10 6-7 year olds running amok at my brother's house.:scared1: I was pretty much in charge of supervising the trampoline. Sadly I didn't get a chance to bounce myself.

Then we had a family outing for Princess Jas's birthday. If there is anything she loves as much as Disney, it's American Girl dolls. Ma Tink and I surprised her with a trip to NYC with tickets to the show they put on, and dinner at the cafe. Here we all are on the train.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00665_opt.jpg
Everyone's doll had to come. Yes, we are a family of big kids. We all have are own AG dolls. Ma Tink was actually the first to have one. She actually has 3, she got Julie and Ivy for Christmas this year. Princess Jasmine told her she loves that grandma is a big kid. ( I got my Molly for Christmas:) ).
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00685_opt.jpg
Here's Princess Jas feeding her doll at the cafe. She loved the whole day, and keeps talking about it. Unfortunately for poor princess Cin, she was too young to see the show, although she did get to eat at the cafe with us. She had me laughing at dinner when she was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, and what has she always wanted to to. Our Cin wants to be a princess and drink beer.:drinking1 :rotfl2: Seriously I have no idea where she comes up with this stuff.

She wasn't too upset about missing the show though, because she got to spend some extra time at World of Disney with Pa Grumpy and daddy. They were doing a mini pirate tutorial while we were there and the girls loved it.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00679_opt.jpg
Our Birthday Girl
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00681_opt.jpg
Our pirates. Princess Cin loved her balloon sword. She refused to let go of that thing the rest of the day.

More regular posting from now on, I promise!

If U Had Wings

05-22-2008, 11:20 PM

Day 5 - Tuesday Aug. 26 - Minnie, Mickey and the princesses are going to Gatorland this morning. The rest of us are plan free! :cool1: :cool1: I can't remember the last time I've been to Disney with a plan free day. I'm kind of looking forward to it. Ma Di and Pa Grumpy were toying around with the idea of heading to Universal for the day, but Ma Di is now leaning towards sitting around the pool with a frozen drink.:beach: (Pa Grumpy will be sitting in the shade).

I just called this week and made a reservation for myself to to the Keys to the Kingdom tour. My parents, brother and sil all did it last year so there was no one to come along with me. I don't mind though, and as a matter of fact am looking forward to a little alone time at Disney. It will be good practice for the alone trip I hope to take one of these days. I've been dying to do a behind the scenes tour for quite awhile now.

Later that night we have a 5:30 reservation at Ohana for everyone. Mickey and Minnie showed some interest in Ohana after I made the green beans at a family dinner, so I made the reservation for all eight of us. They have yet to decide for sure though so this may change. At the very least, I'll be eating there with my parents.

Ohana was another first time reservation from my last trip. It was our third favorite. (The new choices did very well my last trip). This time I'd like to catch the water parade after dinner if possible, maybe hunt down our totems if they are still around and take pictures of the princesses with them. (Maybe one of me and Mickey with them for old times sake). I love the Poly and love any chance to go back and visit even though I can't afford it.

************************************
Day 6 - Wednesday August 27 - MGM again- The whole gang this time. We shall see if Princess Cin will take on ToT this trip. Princess Jasmine has rode it before and says she likes it going up, but not as much going down. She hasn't decieded if she is going to go on it again. Cin is the daredevil, so I'm sure if she's tall enough this trip she'll be going on. :crazy: For the size of MGM I find it hard to fit everything in, so a day and a half for us is really a must. It's the show times that really throw off my plans. They never start when I want them to.

Our last ADR for the entire family is at Hollywood & Vine with the Fantasmic package at 3:30. I would rather have just made ADR's at 50's Prime Time, but Minnie and Mickey insist on the Fantasmic package. That is the entire purpose of this ADR. The food there is fine, they have the same yummy pot roast they have at 50's, I just find it a bit loud in there. I also hate that they make you make your ADR's so early just to get the package. I am used to eating my dinner at around 7pm normally. 3:30 is just way too early for me.:mad:

Princesskeyblade

05-23-2008, 09:06 AM

Our last ADR for the entire family is at Hollywood & Vine with the Fantasmic package at 3:30. I would rather have just made ADR's at 50's Prime Time, but Minnie and Mickey insist on the Fantasmic package. That is the entire purpose of this ADR. The food there is fine, they have the same yummy pot roast they have at 50's, I just find it a bit loud in there. I also hate that they make you make your ADR's so early just to get the package. I am used to eating my dinner at around 7pm normally. 3:30 is just way too early for me.:mad:

Think of the 3:30 ADR as a chance to have a nice snack later. Our ADR for Fantasmic package is at 4:30 at the Brown Derby. When I mentioned it to the DBF, he was shocked at the early times, but then I told him the upside of being able to snack... he was a happy camper. I love 50's Prime time though.... No chance you could make an ADR for Brunch?

Lady Lallie

05-23-2008, 09:15 AM

I want to go to AG Store! I have Kirsten from my youth, although I always wanted Molly because she had glasses like me but my bf growing up at Molly so I didn't want to "copy" her. :goodvibes

micandminforever

05-23-2008, 11:11 AM

Day 5 and Day 6 sounds like fun. You will love the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour. It is the perfect thing to do alone because you are really not alone, you are with a group of people that loves Disney, and wants to know more about Disney.

I am also a big kid, I have an AG doll Felicity, my mother-in-law gave her to me about 15 years ago.

willwriteforears

05-23-2008, 12:17 PM

Hi :wave2: I haven't been able to read much of your pre-trippie yet, but I did see your intro--great writing! I hope to get all caught up before I leave for my trip--and then I'll be horribly behind again after I come back, but oh well. :rotfl:

If U Had Wings

05-23-2008, 01:29 PM

Think of the 3:30 ADR as a chance to have a nice snack later. Our ADR for Fantasmic package is at 4:30 at the Brown Derby. When I mentioned it to the DBF, he was shocked at the early times, but then I told him the upside of being able to snack... he was a happy camper. I love 50's Prime time though.... No chance you could make an ADR for Brunch?

My brother was actually in charge of this ADR. (His choice of restaurant too). I'm going to try to pack my desert "to go" so I can have it later during Fantasmic. Of course that means the princesses will be eating most of it, which will probably be a good thing.:thumbsup2

I want to go to AG Store! I have Kirsten from my youth, although I always wanted Molly because she had glasses like me but my bf growing up at Molly so I didn't want to "copy" her. :goodvibes
I was so torn on which one to choose. All I knew was I wanted one of the historical ones. Molly was my favorite, although if they had Julie I may have had to go with her since I was a kid in the 70's.

Day 5 and Day 6 sounds like fun. You will love the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour. It is the perfect thing to do alone because you are really not alone, you are with a group of people that loves Disney, and wants to know more about Disney.

I am also a big kid, I have an AG doll Felicity, my mother-in-law gave her to me about 15 years ago.

I can't wait for the tour. Everyone else loved it. Really when your used to living alone, a week with your family constantly is tough. I'm going to enjoy my day with new people. I could meet a Disney loving single guy on the tour, you never know.

Hi :wave2: I haven't been able to read much of your pre-trippie yet, but I did see your intro--great writing! I hope to get all caught up before I leave for my trip--and then I'll be horribly behind again after I come back, but oh well. :rotfl:

I'm bad at posting, so I'm sure you won't end up too far behind. Have a wonderful trip!!:yay:

Hedy

05-23-2008, 01:32 PM

If U Had Wings

05-23-2008, 01:49 PM

I can't wait to hear about the Keys to the Kingdom tour...I loved the Yuletide fantasy tour. :goodvibes :goodvibes
Great AG pictures. I love Mordie and Ferdie, but I really hope I get a great niece who likes AG at some point in the distant future.

Princess Jas was hooked from the moment she saw Ma Tink's doll. When we gave her Samantha for her 5th birthday, she told us she was so happy. She had wanted Samantha "her whole life". :rotfl: Our little drama queen. All 5 long years of her life, to be without a Samantha doll.

Lady Lallie

05-23-2008, 01:54 PM

I was so torn on which one to choose. All I knew was I wanted one of the historical ones. Molly was my favorite, although if they had Julie I may have had to go with her since I was a kid in the 70's.I'm partial to the historical ones as well. I think I would get Kit now. I love her hair!

micandminforever

05-23-2008, 02:27 PM

I could meet a Disney loving single guy on the tour, you never know.

Sounds good.

If U Had Wings

06-04-2008, 01:54 PM

As I have been dragging the pre-trip plans out forever it seems, I thought I'd finally buckle down to business and post the rest of our preliminary plans.

Day 7 - Thursday August 28 - Another Epcot day. Possibly me, Mickey and Minnie are going to take the Around the World on a Segway tour in the morning. I did it on my last trip and loved it. Mickey is dying to do it, but Minnie doesn't seem so sure. They are pretty much connected at the hip, so if she doesn't want to go neither will he. :confused3 If they go the princesses will hang out with Ma Tink and Ma Grumpy at the POFQ pool. If they back out Ma Tink said she'd like to give the Segway a try. Pa Grumpy too, but he said at the moment he is right at the weight cut off so wouldn't be able to do it. (I reminded him that if he sticks to his diet like he says he is going to , he'll be a lot less than that by August).

Ma Tink, Pa Grumpy and me have a dinner ressie at 7:05 pm at Le Cellier. :cool1: :cool1: Looking forward to the soup and pretzel bread sticks already!:yay: I wasn't able to get an ADR here my last trip so I'm looking forward to eating here this time.

Day 8 - Magic Kingdom - Princess Cin and Jasmine are dining with the real Cinderella at 2:30. They are terribly excited. :ccat: :ccat: Though Cinderella is Cin's favorite princess she is wearing her Belle yellow dress.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00462_opt.jpg
It is her favorite princess dress. She has tried to tell all of us that she needs new princess shoes to go with it. She was not happy when told that she would be wearing her crocs since she has to walk around and princess shoes aren't very comfortable. :( She is a true stickler for keeping her princess dresses looking perfect. In the winter time, she refuses to wear a shirt underneath her dress up costumes even though it means she's usually freezing. I have a feeling she's not going to let up about shoes to match her dress. She wanted to know if I would go as Belle too to lunch, but in the blue dress to be different from her. She was quite sad that I wasn’t going to eat with them. (So was I :( ). Oh well one of these days I'll get to eat in the castle.

Princess Jasmine told me sadly that she no longer fits into her Jasmine costume that I had bought for her. I think Minnie and Mickey are going to get her a new one before the trip, but her back up plan is to go as Aurora.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC00463_opt.jpg
She doesn't have the same shoe issues that her sister seems to have, but she does have hair issues. She'll go as Aurora, but won't be happy about it since her hair isn't blonde. Her hair, she told me, is perfect for Jasmine or Esmerelda. When I went to MNSSHP last year, she told me plainly that I should go as a pirate, as there is no such thing as Belle didn't have short, red hair. When she saw my fake phony tail, she relented and told me she guessed it would be okay. Aunt Belle might be a softy and get her a new Jasmine costume. (Of course this means Princess Cin will have to get something new as well.)

No ADR's for the rest of us. Another evening to just play it by ear.

Day 9 - Saturday Aug. 30 - Our final day! :sad: I'm sad already just thinking about it. Minnie, Mickey, the princesses and Pa Eeyore are leaving today for home as they want a couple of days to get the princesses ready for the new school year. For the rest of us, once again, no set in stone plans. (Notice a trend with all our free time?) Probably going to go back and hit any last rides, or stores that we want to catch in the morning before heading back to the resort for the pool. Just an easy going relaxed day. (Or as easy going and relaxed as you get at Disney).

We have our last ADR made for 9pm that night at the California Grill. Hopefully we'll get to see the fireworks. pixiedust: This is our only new restaurant this trip. Ma Tink picked it out, so we are all a bit anxious to trying it out. I've heard so many good things about it. It should be a nice wrap up to our trip.

Day 10 - Sunday Aug. 31 - Our flight home is at 6:30 so we may possibly go back to a park in the morning. I've never left that late before on my last day so it should be fun to get a bit more vacation in before we leave.

Tinkerbellarella

06-04-2008, 03:41 PM

She has tried to tell all of us that she needs new princess shoes to go with it. She was not happy when told that she would be wearing her crocs since she has to walk around and princess shoes aren't very comfortable.

Perhaps a little pair of yellow crocs would be in order? Sorry, it's the shoe queen in me seeing a little shoe-princess-in-training. ;)

If U Had Wings

06-05-2008, 01:59 PM

I might have to find some cute yellow shoes for her to wear with her dress. She is not giving in without a fight.:rotfl: Brings it up everytime I see her actually. She points out to me that she saw sparkly slipper shoes.

She is definitely an upcoming shoe princess. She adores all her pairs of little play heels, and has been tottering around in them practically since she could walk.

If U Had Wings

06-05-2008, 02:09 PM

After our family trip to Disney in 1982, a period of darkness fell over our family. No trips to Disney were planned. :scared1: There were practical reasons for this darkness - a new house, Belle and Mickey starting high school, Belle had a surgery scheduled - all valid reasons, but still no Disney trips. :worried:

One vacation was taken during the period of darkness - to Williamsburg, VA. While Belle loved this vacation, as she is a complete history buff, Mickey was less than thrilled. 20 years later he still speaks with bitterness of the boring trip to Williamsburg in the middle of the most evil heat wave ever. Even the Loch Ness Monster rollercoaster at Bush Gardens wasn't enough to put a smile on his face. The pool water on the trip felt more like water that was approaching the boiling point on a stove. Hot, hot, hot! :furious: It was not Disney, but Belle and Mickey were not as smart and wiley as Princess Cin and Jas so they weren't able to finangle a trip to Disney.:mad:

Behind everyone's back though Pa Grumpy started to plan a trip to the world shortly after returning from the Virginia fiasco. :wizard: It took over a year of planning, but he wanted to plan one last family vacation before Belle started college in the fall of 1988, and wanted to make it the best family vacation ever. Now such lofty goals can easily go astray, (National Lampoon's Vacation anyone?), but he was not to be daunted. The trip was planned for a week and a half in May 1988 right near Mother's day, and included a visit to Ma Tink's sister in southern Florida for a few days. Plus instead of 2 days in the family roadster, we enjoyed a 2 1/2 hour flight instead. :worship: (Ma Tink was thrilled not to have to sit in that car for days). Pa Grumpy got his wish. Hands down the best family vacation ever.::yes::

Ressies were made at the Poly again. (:sad: My last trip to the Poly)
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PolyOahu1988_opt.jpg
I know the buildings were renamed since this was taken, so I'm not sure what building this one is now. I remember we had a ground floor room, that had a patio overlooking the quiet pool.

We saw the Luau for the first time.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PolyLuau1988_opt.jpg
Mickey and Belle. I think this is one of my favorite pictures of the 2 of us.

Most importantly we got to visit EPCOT Center for the first time. Belle, again being a complete geek, fell in love with the place because of all the educational stuff. :lovestruc This maybe though the first time she wished for a solo trip so she could play around with the exhibits in the Innovations buildings. (Or whatever they were called then). Mickey, again, didn't have the same love for the educational stuff as Belle, but liked Epcot anyways.

Some favorite things from that first trip to EPCOT that are sadly gone now.

The World of Motion Ride
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/WorldofMotion1988_opt.jpg
I didn't have any pictures from inside the ride, but found this one of me, Mickey and Pa Grumpy outside the front. I used to love how the cars actually exited the building and passed by the entrance. As much as I love Test Track, I still miss this ride. Still it's a trade off I don't mind. Don't get me going on Horizons though. The Space ride has not real attraction for me whatsoever. I even ride the "rough" side, but I always get off feeling blah about it. Don't love it, don't hate it, just blah. Of all the rides at EPCOT it's the one I'd skip if I had to pick one. (And that includes the boat rides, and films in World Showcase). Horizons though was my favorite of the attractions at EPCOT. I'm still bitter that it's gone, especially for lame Space. Sadly I couldn't find any pictures of the ride.:(

Some pictures from the Imagination Pavillion. Yes, I know this is still there, but the best part of the pavillion is sadly all closed up. The upper level Imageworks play area. That stuff they have there now is just a sad imitation of what they used to have to play with on the upper level. Why in the world did they ever close up this cool area? :sad2: Also the ride was so much better then with Dreamfinder and Figment :figment: , and for all of it's 80's cheesyness I loved the Captain EO film. I'd always leave singing that change the world song. I recently hunted down the old movie on youtube. What a blast from the past!

The Color Tunnel
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/EpcotColor1988_opt.jpg
See, it just knew. Even then it "assigned" me my favorite color while walking through.

A view of Spaceship Earth from the upper level.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/EpcotUpper1988_opt.jpg
Okay not the best picture of Belle, Mickey and Ma Tink, but the best one I could find of the view. So pretty.

I think we lost hours up in that area playing with everything. I sadly never got to to the television thing, but I loved playing with the large colored pinboards that you could run your fingers under. I think this was the one area where Mickey and I agreed we wanted to spend the most time. Definitely is what I miss most from old EPCOT, and the worst thing is that from what I've heard, it's all still there on the closed upper level. What a waste! There are few things that I like to play around with anymore in the new Imagination area. (What should I expect - they ruined the ride at the Imagination Pavillion, why not the play area?)

I know I have some more good pics of Epcot from this trip so I'll try to post them when I find them.

Hedy

06-05-2008, 02:24 PM

I love these vintage photos.

If U Had Wings

06-05-2008, 09:16 PM

Thanks. I do too. I get a kick out of looking back at how things used to look. One of these days I want to go through the pics at my parents house. I know my father had some neat pictures of the Grand Floridan being built.

Tinkerbellarella

06-07-2008, 07:36 AM

Even the Loch Ness Monster rollercoaster at Bush Gardens wasn't enough to put a smile on his face.

BF and I love us some BG Williamsburg. Especially the new coaster, The Griffin. My #2 coaster behind Millenium Force at Cedar Point and in front of Rock n' Roller Coaster at MGM (NODHS).

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PolyLuau1988_opt.jpg

Aah. 80's hair and makeup. Gotta love it!

The World of Motion Ride

I miss this. I too loved that the cars traveled outside. Oh and Horizons. How I miss thee. Let me count the ways.

Some pictures from the Imagination Pavillion. Yes, I know this is still there, but the best part of the pavillion is sadly all closed up. The upper level Imageworks play area. That stuff they have there now is just a sad imitation of what they used to have to play with on the upper level.

I only have the vaguest recollection of this. :( I wish I could remember more or had pictures from when this was still intact on our first trip.

willwriteforears

06-11-2008, 11:12 AM

skier_pete

06-13-2008, 10:00 AM

Day 7 - Thursday August 28 - Another Epcot day.

Hah...FINALLY looks like we will be at the same park on the same day. As I've posted before...we will be at the same resort at the same time...I was wondering if we were ever going to go to the same park...I guess one day!

We doing
Sun 8/24 - Epcot
Mon 8/25 - Typhoon Lagoon
Tue 8/26 - MK
Wed 8/27 - Off / DTD
Thurs 8/28 - Epcot
Fri 8/29 - AK
Sat 8/30 - MK
Sun 8/31 - DHS

One of the thing that astounds about Disney is how each trip can be so completely unique. In fact, each trip we take I sort of come up with a "theme" of the trip. This trip is about two things - slower pace and more focus on DD5.

Actually, here's something you might get a kick out of since you have two princesses in your family. Our DD does NOT like being called a princess. She gets defensive and says "I'm not a princess...I'm a girl!" It will be interesting seeing how she responds to the CM all calling her princess this trip. (She didn't have this attitude until recently.)

SkierPete

If U Had Wings

06-16-2008, 01:40 PM

Hey, I love your pix from your past trip! Methinks I'll have to rummage around in my parents' basement (where most of our family pictures have been stowed, alas) for nostalgia's sake. Unfortunately (or fortunately, for my vanity; my hair's much cuter now) I don't have a scanner, so I'm not sure I could post pictures of my childhood trips. But I will have to check them out. :)

My mom has tons of pics from our old trips (my father was always snapping tons of pics). She keeps them all locked up in a chest though so it's not easy to get at them. Usually I wait until they go away for a day or two.

I'm slowly working through my trips with posting pics here, and there is one trip I'm reluctant to post pics from. I don't know what in the world I did to myself, but every pic I look horrible in. Only true dedication will let me post any pics from that trip.

Hah...FINALLY looks like we will be at the same park on the same day. As I've posted before...we will be at the same resort at the same time...I was wondering if we were ever going to go to the same park...I guess one day!

We doing
Sun 8/24 - Epcot
Mon 8/25 - Typhoon Lagoon
Tue 8/26 - MK
Wed 8/27 - Off / DTD
Thurs 8/28 - Epcot
Fri 8/29 - AK
Sat 8/30 - MK
Sun 8/31 - DHS

One of the thing that astounds about Disney is how each trip can be so completely unique. In fact, each trip we take I sort of come up with a "theme" of the trip. This trip is about two things - slower pace and more focus on DD5.

Actually, here's something you might get a kick out of since you have two princesses in your family. Our DD does NOT like being called a princess. She gets defensive and says "I'm not a princess...I'm a girl!" It will be interesting seeing how she responds to the CM all calling her princess this trip. (She didn't have this attitude until recently.)

SkierPete

We are looking to take it easy on this trip as well. My brother and SIL are going to be the hardest to go along with this as they are both super park commando people. With it being August and both my father and my SIL's father getting older we really need to take it easy. Her dad was having problems keeping up 2 years ago. There is also no need this year. We have 10 days.

That's too funny about your DD. My nieces are still into the princess thing, but they have decieded that they don't necessarily want princes. My older niece told me once she didn't want to marry a prince. She wanted to have the castle all to herself so she could do whatever she wanted. :lmao:

You have to wonder where they get these ideas from sometimes!

We are defintely gate-opening people. So if your going into Epcot early I'll be on the lookout. That's the morning I'm going in for my Segway tour. I can't wait to ride it again.

MomofCKJ

06-17-2008, 10:40 PM

Hey!I just found you! Your princesses are adorable! And what a fun aunt you are to do all these trips with them! The AG store looks like a blast!

I am with Mom Tink, no cooking on vacation! :thumbsup2

And our trips overlap! I just checked your itinerary and on Monday the 25th we are both at Epcot. Perhaps our paths will cross, if they do say hello and I'll do the same!

Boma, yum-o! The Mulligatawny soup there was my favorite! So delish!

We stayed at POFQ last trip and really enjoyed it. Such a peaceful atmosphere!

Allyson

If U Had Wings

06-17-2008, 11:20 PM

Hi! Thanks for stopping by.

I love spending time with the 2 girls. They are both so used to having their entire family around they don't understand we aren't always around.

I love my Epcot days. It's one of my favorite parks. I'll have my LGMH's on my bag, so if you see me say hi!

I'm hoping to take a solo trip myself next year.

Tinkerbellarella

06-18-2008, 08:16 AM

I'm hoping to take a solo trip myself next year.

Perhaps you'll join us for Fabby LapuLapu Fest 2009??? :thumbsup2

Lady Lallie

06-18-2008, 08:27 AM

Perhaps you'll join us for Fabby LapuLapu Fest 2009??? :thumbsup2
::yes::

If U Had Wings

06-18-2008, 08:55 AM

Perhaps you'll join us for Fabby LapuLapu Fest 2009??? :thumbsup2

I am definitely up for Fabby LapuLapu Fest 2009. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of a solo trip then. I've even been thinking of trying to rent DVC points for the weekend to try out DVC accomadations.

willwriteforears

06-18-2008, 11:14 AM

My mom has tons of pics from our old trips (my father was always snapping tons of pics). She keeps them all locked up in a chest though so it's not easy to get at them. Usually I wait until they go away for a day or two.

My parents are leaving town in late June and I'm house/dogsitting. PERFECT time to go through photos! :thumbsup2

If U Had Wings

06-19-2008, 01:13 PM

Okay, I need some friendly opinions and a few questions I'm hoping someone could help out with.

We will be arriving on 8/22 and have two days before our free dining package starts. Since we are going with people that are staying offsite, we have plans for inside the parks for those two days. My parents already have 2 one day complimentary passes apiece so they are all set for their first two days. I, however need to buy passes for myself for two days.

I figured out that 2 single one day tickets will cost me about $148. That was what I was intending to buy. Then the talk of Fabby Lapu Lapu Fest 2009 started. I started doing a bit of research (because heh, it's never to early to start planning a Disney vacation, right?) Hmmm. If I purchase multi-day passes with the no expiration option now, I'll be all set for 2009. That way I'll have picked up my tickets for 2009 at 2008 prices, and while I'd have to shell out more money now, I'll save quite a bit of money in the long run. (And it will be one less expense I'll have to worry about next year).

For example, if I bought just the 2 tickets now, and then next year bought a 3 day pass it would cost me about $365 total. (And that's not accounting for any price increase). If I bought a 5 day pass now with a no expiration option it would only cost me $277.

Which would you do? I'm leaning towards getting the pass with the no expiration on it, but keep asking myself what if I end up not going to Disney next year? Then I've wasted the extra $100. Should I just take the chance? I know the tickets won't expire, but I know that after 2009 it's going to be quite awhile before I'm able to head to Disney again. (Mom and I are heading to Italy in 2010).

Also in case I deceide to go with the no expiration tickets, I have a question for anyone who's been to Disney in December. Would it be worth it to spring for the extra $50 and get the park hopper option on them? Since my folks only have one day passes I won't need them for the option for at least 2 days this year. I'll only be going for a long weekend in 2009 (Fri-Mon probably) so I know a hopper isn't essential. On the other hand I was thinking with the parks closing early a park hopper would allow me to partake in any extra magic hours. Also since this will be a solo trip I might be more open to bouncing between the parks so I can see exactly what I want to see. So for anyone familiar with the parks in Dec. would a hopper help to get a bit more out of a long weekend trip?

This is all just too many decisions for me. Honestly I think this has been taxing me more than any other plans for this trip. Probably since I'm the only one this is affecting, and I have to make the decision completely on my own.

Thanks for any opinions or advice! I'm driving myself nuts over this.:crazy:

Hedy

06-19-2008, 01:18 PM

I'd think about buying the chaeper ticket now, then maybe adding on at the end of your trip.

I found I didn't use my PH as much during my december trip, but I had 1 non-park day.

Tinkerbellarella

06-19-2008, 01:29 PM

For example, if I bought just the 2 tickets now, and then next year bought a 3 day pass it would cost me about $365 total. (And that's not accounting for any price increase). If I bought a 5 day pass now with a no expiration option it would only cost me $277.

Which would you do? I'm leaning towards getting the pass with the no expiration on it, but keep asking myself what if I end up not going to Disney next year? Then I've wasted the extra $100. Should I just take the chance? I know the tickets won't expire, but I know that after 2009 it's going to be quite awhile before I'm able to head to Disney again. (Mom and I are heading to Italy in 2010).

I would totally but the tix now. Because the ticket pricess WILL go up. They do every year. :sad: Might as well save yourself the $88+ now than pay more later. Even if you don't end up going next year, or for a while after that, it's likely that someday youll be back and you'll already have the tickets.

willwriteforears

06-19-2008, 01:33 PM

Lady Lallie

06-19-2008, 01:42 PM

I would totally but the tix now. Because the ticket pricess WILL go up. They do every year. :sad: Might as well save yourself the $88+ now than pay more later. Even if you don't end up going next year, or for a while after that, it's likely that someday youll be back and you'll already have the tickets.

I agree, as long as you're the type of person who could buy the ticket and not lose it. :thumbsup2I think you should buy the non-expiring tickets. I was toying with doing something like this but it is too much for my brain right now. You will be back to Disney...someday so I think it's worth it. :goodvibes

skier_pete

06-19-2008, 04:02 PM

Also in case I deceide to go with the no expiration tickets, I have a question for anyone who's been to Disney in December. Would it be worth it to spring for the extra $50 and get the park hopper option on them? Since my folks only have one day passes I won't need them for the option for at least 2 days this year.

Thanks for any opinions or advice! I'm driving myself nuts over this.:crazy:

Don't buy the PH option now if you are not going to use it this trip...PH option can be added at any time you need it...NEVER add it ahead of time. (Unless it's free of course.) Since you need a 2-day ticket, i would think buying a non-expiring ticket would make sense, though.

Also Miss Belle, seeing as your family and my family are staying at the same resort at the same time, would you be interested in a DISmeet one of our early days...just to meet so that as we see eachother around the FQ we can say "HI!". I really enjoy the chance to meet fellow DIS-ers. Send me a PM if you are interested...I would be willing to give you my cell phone # if you are nervous about giving out your personal info...you could give me a call once we get there....

SkierPete

If U Had Wings

06-19-2008, 10:14 PM

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I'm leaning towards getting the non-expiration passes now, without the hoppers. This way it will be one less expense I have next year. Then I can have a much cheaper vacation next year.

Pete, I definitely would be interested in a dis-meet. When it gets a bit closer we can exchange some info.:thumbsup2

skier_pete

06-20-2008, 08:37 AM

Pete, I definitely would be interested in a dis-meet. When it gets a bit closer we can exchange some info.:thumbsup2

Sounds good....Barely 2 months away! BTW, I think all your tales of trips past and future are great!

SkierPete

Donald is #1

06-22-2008, 02:36 PM

Hi! Somehow, I have missed the link to your pre-trip in your signature until now! :confused3 But I am on-board now.

Grandma Tink sounds like me when it comes to cooking on vacation. I always eat out when I am on vacation.

I will be the odd man out for your park hopper question. My recommendation is to go for the park hopper. Then again, I park hop at least 1/2 of each trip.

If U Had Wings

06-22-2008, 09:13 PM

I will be the odd man out for your park hopper question. My recommendation is to go for the park hopper. Then again, I park hop at least 1/2 of each trip.

Thanks! I'm still on the fence about the park hopper add on. I think I'm going to have to sit down and really pay attention to what I want to do that weekend.

If U Had Wings

06-30-2008, 02:11 PM

I've been sadly neglecting my little pre-trip report here. Last week I was out of sorts all week. I was feeling down about being single and childless, more so than usual. I was weepy, and wanted nothing more than to curl up in a ball on the sofa and avoid everything (work included). :sad: I eventually dragged myself to work, only because I knew if I didn't go I'd be cutting into my Disney vacation time. I don't know how productive I actually was while I was there, but I went. Then I found out a good friend of mine had a tragedy happen Monday morning, so having to attend a funeral didn't really help any last week.

Oddly enough it was talking to the two princesses on the phone Thursday that really helped bring me out of my funk a little bit. princess: princess: Princess Cin chatted with me for about 15 minutes about what color her nails were currently painted (2 pink, 1 blue, and 2 purple on each hand - plus sparkly decals), and then Princess Jasmine got on and only wanted to tell me how much she loved me. :cloud9: When I told her I loved her too, I was told I wasn't saying it loud enough. (Obviously these things need to be screamed). I don't know how she always seems to know exactly what I need to hear, but she always does. I felt worlds better after getting off the phone with them. I may not have a man, or my own kids, but I have the best nieces ever and that's a truly wonderful thing to have. I am very, very lucky. :lovestruc

I partook in a little pre-trip shopping therapy as well. I'm trying to hold off on clothing for now, although unless I stick to my diet for the next 2 months I am going to need to pick up some new shorts. They all fit, but are a bit uncomfortably snug. It won't take too much to fit correctly so I'm not going to worry about it yet. I'll give it to the beginning of August. I have plenty now, so I'd rather not have to waste any money if I don't have to.

I did however succumb to a bit of Dis shopping pressure and picked up one of these:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/bagg.jpg

I have always watched the threads with people discussing the merits of the Baggaline bag and would watch, but to be honest I really didn't need a new park bag. I have a Vera Bradley look alike backpack that I just picked up last year. It's lime and turquoise, lightweight and holds everything that I need it to easily. Then I clicked a link someone posted on the budget board for bagsbuy. With the discount code they had posted, and another discount for registering for the site it came to slightly less than $20 shipped. (And if better judgment gets the best of me, free shipping back is included as well). I picked it up in lime, although I was tempted by the turquoise as well. I guess we never really need a new bag, but...

I also picked up 2 of these:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/packit.jpg

These may be the greatest packing accessories ever. Eagle Creek Pack-It folders. They keep everything perfectly neat and organized in my suitcase. I bought some a few years ago for a Disney trip and got hooked on them. You can even use them in a duffle bag (which I have done) and everything arrives, neat and wrinkle free. I lent my small ones to my mom a few years back. She claims she returned them, but I have torn my entire house apart and have found nothing. She went and bought herself new ones, and I had borrowed hers last year. Since we are all going together this year that wasn't an option and I had to shell out for some new ones. Luckily I found a great sale. Normally they sell for about $20-$22 for the small ones, but I found a place selling discontinued colors for only $9. Whoo Hoo!!

I did a bit more shopping for some other odds and ends for my trip as well. I picked up a new battery for my camera, as well as a new memory card. (I may pick up another memory card as well). I needed some new mineral makeup, so placed an order for that with Everyday minerals. Love that stuff in the heat. It's the only makeup I'll wear in the parks in the heat. I don't even realize that I have it on.

I also picked up a new pair of Keds for walking around the parks. I want to pick up another kind of shoe, so I can alternate them and cut down on my chances to develop blisters. I was going to wear my regular Nike sneakers,but I think they are going to be way too hot on my feet in August. I went to Dick's this weekend and looked at the Crocs they had on the clearance table. They had some Athens and Ithaca flip flops marked down to about $15, but of course not in my size. I'm not sure that I could handle a pair of flip flops all day long anyways. I tried on the new Adrana style and really liked them for the most part. I just wish they had a heel strap. I hate feeling like my shoes might fall off. I also went over to the LL Bean outlet and looked at their Teva-like shoes. My brother and SIL swear by those, but I can't get past how ugly they are. Then again I wear crocs so am I really one to talk about ugly shoes?

I'm thinking of starting to do some test walks to try out my crocs. I wanted to start doing some nightly walks to prepare myself for extensive park walking. (Plus it will help with that weight/shorts issue). I'm going to wear my regular Mary Jane and Cayman crocs and see how my feet feel after a walking for a few miles. Last year I wore my Mary Jane crocs to MNSSHP and they were fine, but that was only for half a day. I wore them for 2 shifts at my part time job this weekend (about 12 hrs. total) and my heels were very sore by the end of the day yesterday. My job requires me to stand in one place for the most part, so I'm hoping they work better if I'm actually walking in them.

Who knew it would be so hard to find shoes for Disney? Things are much easier when it's a bit cooler and I can just wear by regular sneakers.

Princesskeyblade

06-30-2008, 03:15 PM

I did however succumb to a bit of Dis shopping pressure and picked up one of these:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/bagg.jpg

I have always watched the threads with people discussing the merits of the Baggaline bag and would watch, but to be honest I really didn't need a new park bag.

I have this exact bag and I LOVE it! I love love love it! :banana:

I hope you like it too!

If U Had Wings

06-30-2008, 08:56 PM

I have this exact bag and I LOVE it! I love love love it! :banana:

I hope you like it too!

I'm dying for it to arrive. I got the shipping confirmation last night, but nothing yet. I hate waiting!

Hedy

06-30-2008, 09:57 PM

:grouphug: :grouphug:
It took me 2 years on the DIS to gave to bagalinni peer pressure. Of course, now it might not come in time for my trip to other place...

If U Had Wings

06-30-2008, 10:40 PM

The baggalini pressure is just terrible isn't it? I'm weak when it comes to bags anyways.

Tinkerbellarella

07-01-2008, 08:18 AM

If U Had Wings

07-01-2008, 10:00 AM

I, too, have oft coveted the Baggalini (if not in lime green) and considered it for this trip. But because it's just two of us, both adults (physically, if not mentally) and I didn't want anything draped across my shoulders, my little clutch with the wriststrap worked out better.

However, that certainly does not mean there isn't a Baggalini in the considerations for future trips! Particularly ones with the godson who will require much more "stuff".

I brought a wristlet last year when I went with my bff, and sadly ended up having to use my larger bag. I just couldn't manage to fit everything into my little bag. Scary that even with just carrying around my own stuff I was still carrying a camera, poncho, trip itinerary, water bottles and a lightweight fleece. (Learned the hard way on that one after the first day. Lots of rain + a/c = shivering cold temps).

Oddly enough I normally carry the worlds smallest bags to work every day.

willwriteforears

07-01-2008, 01:09 PM

My parents are leaving town in late June and I'm house/dogsitting. PERFECT time to go through photos! :thumbsup2

Yes I'm quoting myself (found it again while scrolling to figure out where I'd left off). Because I am currently house sitting and have yet to go photo-hunting. Methinks I'll have to do that tonight. Considering that the Internet may still be out, I ought to have the time!

Oddly enough it was talking to the two princesses on the phone Thursday that really helped bring me out of my funk a little bit. princess: princess: Princess Cin chatted with me for about 15 minutes about what color her nails were currently painted (2 pink, 1 blue, and 2 purple on each hand - plus sparkly decals), and then Princess Jasmine got on and only wanted to tell me how much she loved me. :cloud9: When I told her I loved her too, I was told I wasn't saying it loud enough. (Obviously these things need to be screamed). I don't know how she always seems to know exactly what I need to hear, but she always does. I felt worlds better after getting off the phone with them. I may not have a man, or my own kids, but I have the best nieces ever and that's a truly wonderful thing to have. I am very, very lucky. :lovestruc

It's amazing how children often seem to sense just what we need, isn't it? :lovestruc Glad you're out of your funk. :hug:

I partook in a little pre-trip shopping therapy as well. I'm trying to hold off on clothing for now, although unless I stick to my diet for the next 2 months I am going to need to pick up some new shorts. They all fit, but are a bit uncomfortably snug. It won't take too much to fit correctly so I'm not going to worry about it yet. I'll give it to the beginning of August. I have plenty now, so I'd rather not have to waste any money if I don't have to.

I did however succumb to a bit of Dis shopping pressure and picked up one of these:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/bagg.jpg

I have always watched the threads with people discussing the merits of the Baggaline bag and would watch, but to be honest I really didn't need a new park bag. I have a Vera Bradley look alike backpack that I just picked up last year. It's lime and turquoise, lightweight and holds everything that I need it to easily. Then I clicked a link someone posted on the budget board for bagsbuy. With the discount code they had posted, and another discount for registering for the site it came to slightly less than $20 shipped. (And if better judgment gets the best of me, free shipping back is included as well). I picked it up in lime, although I was tempted by the turquoise as well. I guess we never really need a new bag, but...

I also have a baggalini and love it! Mine's sea green, though. I never filled it entirely while at the park, but I liked knowing I could if I needed to. And with kiddos in the group, I think it'd be all the better to have. :thumbsup2

If U Had Wings

07-01-2008, 02:23 PM

Once again I am completely irritated with my travel agent. I've been trying to get in touch with him to review a few issues with my reservation before we pay the final amount on July 7th. Our package is listing the wrong number of days, even though the check in/check out days are correct. It also has us listed for 10 day park hoppers, which we no longer needed since we shortened our package to take advantage of free dining. We only need 8 day hoppers now. I also had questions regarding trip insurance, and some questions regarding our balance.

I went to AAA to talk to him on Saturday, (which since they close at 5pm Mon-Fri. is the only day of the week I can actually go there) and he wasn't there. I sent him an e-mail yesterday and I haven't heard from him yet. I tried calling him, and their phone system has a weird glitch and when I put in the extension I keep getting connected to some woman who isn't even in my local AAA office.

It just makes me want to scream! I am never using a travel agent again. Seriously. I know more about what is going on then my agent does. I feel as if I wasn't pressing my agent, I would have never have gotten the deals that I did. Last time I booked a trip I used Small World, and while my agent always got back to me and was on top of new discounts, it was just hard since she wasn't located anywhere near me.

Never, never, again. I truly feel that in this day and age there is no reason why a response can't be made in a relatively short period of time. There is no reason to just leave someone hanging

Tinkerbellarella

07-01-2008, 02:49 PM

I truly feel that in this day and age there is no reason why a response can't be made in a relatively short period of time. There is no reason to just leave someone hanging

Except laziness. And when all is said and done, I would TOTALLY let AAA know how you feel.

I am also an AAA member and wouldn't think twice about letting them know when they aren't doing a good job. Since they so diligently remind me when my renewal payment is due. It's a service and they SHOULD know whether or not the service they are providing is helpful or harmful to their customers.

willwriteforears

07-01-2008, 03:05 PM

Except laziness. And when all is said and done, I would TOTALLY let AAA know how you feel.

I am also an AAA member and wouldn't think twice about letting them know when they aren't doing a good job. Since they so diligently remind me when my renewal payment is due. It's a service and they SHOULD know whether or not the service they are providing is helpful or harmful to their customers.

::yes:: What Tink said.

If U Had Wings

07-01-2008, 11:55 PM

He finally sent me back, but only after I called once again. (Finally found a number that worked).

Now I have to call him back again, to see if I can get the new discount code applied to my 2 night room only portion. I think it's a bit better than the AAA discount.

My father is stopping by to pay tomorrow. What's the chance he's not there?

If U Had Wings

07-01-2008, 11:58 PM

Another reservation was made for my trip, and a very important one at that. I worked out a time with Mickey and made appointments for the two princesses to get get all princessified at the castle Bippidi Boppidi Boutique location. princess: I'm just doing the cheapest package (hair and makeup). I figured they'd lose the press on nails quickly, and they own enough princess dresses to clothe a small city already so the larger packages didn't really seem worth it. This will be my gift to them on this vacation instead of some souvenir.

I think they are going to love the makeovers. They are both complete girly girls so this is right up their alley. They are having them done right before lunch at the castle on their last day. They are bringing their dresses with them, so in the end they will look completely the part. I was lucky enough to get them appointments at the same exact time. I would have loved this as a kid, but we never would have had the money for this kind of thing. (Heck I would love it now. I'm still disappointed there is no party I can wear my Belle dress for while I'm down there). I love that I can spoil my nieces a little bit and do this for them. It's one of the great privileges of being an aunt. :hug:

I had wanted to keep it a surprise, but Ma Tink let the secret slip while painting their nails the other day. I don't know if they really got it though, because once Ma Tink realized that they didn't know what she was talking about she changed the subject. I think they thought she was just talking about eating at the castle.

I haven't said anything to my brother and SIL yet, but I will be one of the adults going in to sit with the girls while they are in the chairs. They each need to have someone sit with them, and one will be me. I figure, since I'm paying and not getting to do lunch at the castle, I'm allowed.

I've also allowed in my budget for them both to get crowns if they want them, and they chose one of the hair styles that don't come with the crown. They just won't understand if one gets a crown and the other doesn't. Things need to look perfectly equal, and I'm thinking that one of them may be opting for the styles with the extensions. Right before we leave for vacation, they both are getting their long hair cut off and are donating their hair to Locks for Love.

Princess Jasmine is really excited about doing this, but lately Princess Cin has been having some misgivings. She told us she doesn't mind having her hair cut but "she doesn't want the sick kids to have her hair." We really thought at first that she was just saying that to be silly, or that she didn't want her hair cut off, but no she just doesn't want anyone to have her hair. I think my brother was going to sit down with her to try to allay her fears. Her little 4 year old mind, probably can't understand why in the world there are some kids that want her hair.

Woo Hoo! Almost time to pay the balance on our trip!

Tinkerbellarella

07-02-2008, 08:13 AM

I love that I can spoil my nieces a little bit and do this for them. It's one of the great privileges of being an aunt. :hug:

I can't wait to spoil my godson with Disney like this.

Right before we leave for vacation, they both are getting their long hair cut off and are donating their hair to Locks for Love.

Princess Jasmine is really excited about doing this, but lately Princess Cin has been having some misgivings. She told us she doesn't mind having her hair cut but "she doesn't want the sick kids to have her hair." We really thought at first that she was just saying that to be silly, or that she didn't want her hair cut off, but no she just doesn't want anyone to have her hair. I think my brother was going to sit down with her to try to allay her fears. Her little 4 year old mind, probably can't understand why in the world there are some kids that want her hair.

Aww. This is real sweet. A friend of mine just did this this past weekend. I'm sure Princess Cin will come around.

Princesskeyblade

07-02-2008, 09:45 AM

Right before we leave for vacation, they both are getting their long hair cut off and are donating their hair to Locks for Love.

Princess Jasmine is really excited about doing this, but lately Princess Cin has been having some misgivings. She told us she doesn't mind having her hair cut but "she doesn't want the sick kids to have her hair." We really thought at first that she was just saying that to be silly, or that she didn't want her hair cut off, but no she just doesn't want anyone to have her hair. I think my brother was going to sit down with her to try to allay her fears. Her little 4 year old mind, probably can't understand why in the world there are some kids that want her hair.

Awwww... She will come around...

Do they have a place that will take and donate the hair on property? I want to get this done after MNSSHP and I was hoping that there was a place that cuts the hair and donates it on site.

Hedy

07-02-2008, 09:52 AM

Awwww... She will come around...

Do they have a place that will take and donate the hair on property? I want to get this done after MNSSHP and I was hoping that there was a place that cuts the hair and donates it on site.

No they don't. You *could* always get your haircut there, then ship the ponytail off once you get home, but I wouldn't want to schlep around a ponytail in my luggage.

Hedy

07-02-2008, 09:55 AM

I love that I can spoil my nieces a little bit and do this for them. It's one of the great privileges of being an aunt.

Agreed. ::yes::

willwriteforears

07-02-2008, 10:55 AM

If U Had Wings

07-02-2008, 01:33 PM

I can't wait to spoil my godson with Disney like this.

It really is the most fun. I don't usually spoil them with physical things, although they both know they have me wrapped around their little fingers and that I will do anything for them. Luckily they don't take advantage. Too much at any rate.

Awwww... She will come around...

Do they have a place that will take and donate the hair on property? I want to get this done after MNSSHP and I was hoping that there was a place that cuts the hair and donates it on site.

I'm not sure. They are having it done before they leave. I think they can't wait to get it cut. They're hair is getting so long, and it's been so hot.

What a great thing for them! Please take lots of pictures and post them so we can revel in your nieces' cuteness. :goodvibes
There definitely won't be a shortage of pictures. There never are with those two. :) I don't think that Britney Spears has had her picture taken as often as the two of them. My family is a bit addicted to their cameras. I think I had it worse when I was kid. I had 7 aunts and uncles, plus my parents and grandparents all snapping away. My friends who would be around for parties when I was a kid were always horrified and would try to hide.

All us kids were so conditioned to just turn and smile. My nieces are now the same.

Aww, she'll come around. She may be worried that somehow giving her hair to "sick kids" will make her sick in turn. Kid logic can come up with some strange ideas. :)

I hadn't even thought about that. I'm going to try to have a talk with her when I see her tomorrow.

Princesskeyblade

07-02-2008, 02:35 PM

I think they can't wait to get it cut. They're hair is getting so long, and it's been so hot.

I feel their pain...:goodvibes

MRYPPNS

07-02-2008, 06:43 PM

Well look who just got caught up with this PTR......me!

If U Had Wings

07-03-2008, 12:17 AM

Well look who just got caught up with this PTR......me!

Thanks for coming by to visit! I'm so far behind on my trip reports too.

Charleston Princess

07-05-2008, 09:57 PM

If U Had Wings

07-05-2008, 11:52 PM

I read all of your PTR this evening and I just love it! :lovestruc

Now let's see if I can remember everything I wanted to say:
1. Your nieces are adorable!
2. POFQ is wonderful! We stayed there last June and this June! It's my favorite moderate -- well, I've never stayed at CBR, but out of the other three, it's my favorite!
3. We are big kids at our house, too, and love the American Girls! Chelsea and I are planning on going to see the Kit movie soon!
4. I love all the vintage photos! I think I will have to do that in my next PTR!

Can't wait to read more!!! popcorn::

Hope you had a great 4th!

Thanks. They are the apples of my eyes. I am really looking forward to our trip for some good bonding time with them. I'm going to take the girls to see the new movie. They love the Samantha movie, and when I showed them the Molly movie they really liked that one too. It got my older niece asking all kinds of questions about WWII.

I've never stayed at any of the other moderates. I had wanted to stay at the then Dixie Landings back when I graduated from college, but was only able to get in at Port Orleans. I fell in love with it, and haven't moved to a new moderate yet. Had I gone to disney with my Bff this year, I was going to try Coronado, but ended up back at POFQ. No complaints from me!

I have some more pics to post, I just have to scan them in.

Lady Lallie

07-06-2008, 08:16 PM

I am all caught up.

Could someone please come see the new Kit movie with LL? I have no little girls to go with! :rotfl:

If U Had Wings

07-06-2008, 10:38 PM

Welcome back!!

Too bad your no where near me! My brother will probably take the girls, so I'll be seeing the AG movie alone.

Lady Lallie

07-07-2008, 09:09 AM

Welcome back!!

Too bad your no where near me! My brother will probably take the girls, so I'll be seeing the AG movie alone.
That is too bad! I really want to see it. That is one movie I can't drag DH too. :lmao:

willwriteforears

07-07-2008, 09:53 AM

I am all caught up.

Could someone please come see the new Kit movie with LL? I have no little girls to go with! :rotfl:

Welcome back!!

Too bad your no where near me! My brother will probably take the girls, so I'll be seeing the AG movie alone.

That is too bad! I really want to see it. That is one movie I can't drag DH too. :lmao:

My parents are currently visiting my mom's family in Texas. My mom, two aunts, and grandmother all went to see AG. My dad (who has no fellow XY-chromosomes with him; brave man) went to see Hancock by himself. :rotfl:

Lady Lallie

07-07-2008, 09:55 AM

My parents are currently visiting my mom's family in Texas. My mom, two aunts, and grandmother all went to see AG. My dad (who has no fellow XY-chromosomes with him; brave man) went to see Hancock by himself. :rotfl:
:lmao: Good for him!

Did they like it?

willwriteforears

07-07-2008, 10:11 AM

:lmao: Good for him!

Did they like it?

I believe the word used was "cute." :thumbsup2

If U Had Wings

07-07-2008, 01:14 PM

I can't wait. I've seen the other two AG movies and really liked them.

If U Had Wings

07-07-2008, 02:10 PM

Shoes have been weighing heavily on my mind lately. Shoes for my August Disney trip in particular. I'd like to blame reading the Lapuettes board for putting these ideas into my head, but really I'd probably be obsessed anyways.

Normally on my Disney trips I alternate my Keds with my regular Nike sneakers and I'm more or less a happy camper. Occasionally I'll bring my J Crew flip flops with me if I know I'll be going on Kali River Rapids or something, but I don't worry too much. My feet are usually happy, and I have no problems at all.

This trip I was worrying. Primarily because of the August factor. My Keds will be fine, but my regular Nike's would be like little furnaces on me feet all day. So I've been making a few small forays into the world of shoe shopping.

Ugh! :mad:

I know, I'm weird. I hate shoe shopping. I may just well be the only woman in the world who does, but I detest it. I was "blessed" with wide, high arched feet making shoe shopping a veritable chore. Finding shoes that work well is tough. Zappos has made my life easier, but it's definitely not cheap and can be time consuming. After years of dealing with shoe issues, I can usually tell by looking at a shoe if it has a chance of working. Ordering online that is not always possible.

I had been contemplating crocs for my trip. I have a pair of Caymans, and a pair of Mary Janes, but I wasn't sure if they were comfortable enough to wear all day. With the Caymans my arch is so high that they don't "float" the way they are supposed to when I wear them. My arch touches the top of the shoe, and causes a bit of rubbing after awhile. My Mary Janes are better, but lately when I wear them for extended periods of time, I've been getting pains in the heels of my feet. I wore them last year for MNSSHP with no problems, but I wasn't having this heel problem then. I'm thinking maybe they are just getting a bit worn and need to be replaced. I've done some reading on the Dis boards, and it seems others have had a few issues with the Mary Jane styles.

I was thisclose to putting an order in with ShoeBuy for a pair of Crocs Adaras this weekend, but they were out of my size in every color. On the 4th my sister in law and brother arrived at my folks house having made a pit stop at the LL Bean outlet on the way. I was informed Bean's was having a 20% off everything sale. :woohoo:

I went the next day and ended up coming home with 2 pairs of shoes for $35. :thumbsup2

These:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/sandals.jpg
Except the ones I picked up are light grey with blue straps. I like them, but am not sure that they will have enough arch support all day long. I'll have to start taking some evening walks wearing them. They only came to about $15 though after the additional 20% off so I'm keeping them anyways.

I also picked up a pair of these:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/summersneakers.jpg
They are the Mary Jane summer sneakers. The ones I got are a bit of a darker grey color. They must have been a return, as they were the only ones they had in this style. They were a normal width, but feel wide enough. They are very light weight, and very supportive which I like. My only issue with them is that the strap over the top is a bit tight. They have them in the catalog in wide widths, but if I order new ones they will be quite a bit more. I got these for about $20, and I think the ones in the catalog run about $30 or so. I know it's not a lot more, but I'll have to factor in shipping costs as well. Maybe I just need to do some test walks.

At least I'm finding shoes that should work. I just need to do some real walking in them!

Lady Lallie

07-07-2008, 02:26 PM

I believe the word used was "cute." :thumbsup2:goodvibes

I can't wait. I've seen the other two AG movies and really liked them.
I have seen all of them I think, but not the complete Molly one. Have you seen felicity? I adore that one. They are such great movies for girls. I want to buy Kit for myself, I am trying to talk DH into it. Budget smudget. :lmao:

I heard either on the DIS or at work ( I can't remember which ) that an AG store is coming to Natick, Mass. :banana: I am so going to go.

Hedy

07-07-2008, 02:30 PM

FWIW, my mom has a bunion, so she needs wides, and the wides in the mary jane version of the LL Bean shoe didn't work for her. (she ended up with LL Bean's version of Keen's). I love my Crocs Adaras.

Charleston Princess

07-07-2008, 03:24 PM

I am no help when it comes to shoes -- tennis shoes, Mary Jane crocs, and flip flops were what I packed for WDW and I wore my tennis shoes for park touring.

I really like the two pairs of shoes that you got, though! :thumbsup2

willwriteforears

07-07-2008, 03:59 PM

If U Had Wings

07-07-2008, 09:55 PM

I have seen all of them I think, but not the complete Molly one. Have you seen felicity? I adore that one. They are such great movies for girls. I want to buy Kit for myself, I am trying to talk DH into it. Budget smudget. :lmao:

I heard either on the DIS or at work ( I can't remember which ) that an AG store is coming to Natick, Mass. :banana: I am so going to go.

I got a Molly for Christmas a year ago. I love her. My mom actually has 3. :rotfl: So much for being the adult in the family. She had a Marisol, and then she got Julie and Ivy last year for Christmas. She's too funny with them. She always dresses them up. My older niece told her she loves her because she's nothing but a big kid.

FWIW, my mom has a bunion, so she needs wides, and the wides in the mary jane version of the LL Bean shoe didn't work for her. (she ended up with LL Bean's version of Keen's). I love my Crocs Adaras.

I really want a pair of the Adaras. I'm going to keep watching Shoebuy to see if they get my size back in stock. I'm going to try wearing the Mary Janes tomorrow. If they aren't feeling good, I'll return them and try the wides.

I am no help when it comes to shoes -- tennis shoes, Mary Jane crocs, and flip flops were what I packed for WDW and I wore my tennis shoes for park touring.

I really like the two pairs of shoes that you got, though! :thumbsup2

Thanks. My primary shoe is going to be my Keds, I just want to have a back up. I'm hoping one of those pairs will do the trick.

Love the Mary Jane sneaks!

Whenever I hear (or read, I guess) "heel pain," I think "plantar fasciitis" because I dealt with it for about 6 months when I was 22. So unfun! Anyway, if your heel hurts from more than just wearing a specific pair of shoes, and especially if it hurts first thing in the morning right after you get out of bed, you might have FP (not the happy kind that gets you on a ride).

But I hope it's just the shoes!

I'm hoping it's just the shoes. It starts to bother me while I'm wearing my crocs, and a bit the next morning and then disappears. After that it doesn't bother me until the next week when I wear them again. When I stopped wearing them for a few weeks I had no problems at all.

willwriteforears

07-08-2008, 09:54 AM

I'm hoping it's just the shoes. It starts to bother me while I'm wearing my crocs, and a bit the next morning and then disappears. After that it doesn't bother me until the next week when I wear them again. When I stopped wearing them for a few weeks I had no problems at all.

Oh, good, that does sound like just the shoes. :goodvibes Plantar fasciitis would hurt regardless of the shoes.

If U Had Wings

07-09-2008, 04:37 PM

There has been one part of my trip plans that I haven't been completely forthcoming with. It's not even part of the plans, but it's definitely worth mentioning as it may become a larger issue during our trip itself. It's our family's not so secret little secret. :ssst:

Mickey and Minnie have a bit of a mixed marriage. :eek:

No this has nothing to do with being a mouse or a rat. It doesn't even have anything to do with race, nationality, color or religion.

None of those things matter. Those are nothing, mere trifles that don't really matter in the grand scheme of things. This mixed marriage is far more serious. In a lesser family it would tear them apart.

What kind of intermingling could put this kind of a strain on a family? :confused3 This kind -

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/yanks-sox1.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/yanks-sox2.jpg

(Hint: Look at the T-shirts)

:scared1: Yes, my true blue Yankee fan brother married a die hard Red Sox fan. The rest of the family is still wondering how things like this could happen :rolleyes: , but I guess love truly is blind. :rotfl:

Now they aren't just fair weather fans. They are both fervent fans. Their house is one you need to stay away from in the month of October if both teams are in the playoffs. (Ugly, just ugly!) They torment each other to no end, and usually at that time of the year, one of them can be found not talking to the other.

While we are on vacation the Yanks and Sox will be playing each other up at Fenway Park. Now currently both are teams are trailing Tampa Bay of all teams, but still this has the chance to put a bit of a strain on the trip mid-week. I am sure that both of the grandfathers will be checking in constantly on their cell phones for score updates. Hopefully Mickey and Minnie will behave themselves. (As well as the two grandfathers who will be routing for opposite teams).

My nieces, to put it nicely are growing up a bit confused. :crazy2: Princess Jasmine likes to nice to everyone, and say she likes both teams just the same, but when pressed by the kids in the neighborhood (who let her know this just isn't possible) she'll admit to being a Red Sox fan. Princess Cin has no issues, and will readily admit she's a Yankee fan. Of course their primary interest in baseball games is currently the snacks you can eat.

Hedy

07-09-2008, 04:44 PM

I thought that sort of marriage was outlawed. :confused3 :confused3 :rotfl: :rotfl:

We're on Minnie's team, ourselves.

MRYPPNS

07-09-2008, 04:56 PM

Another one here for Minnie!

micandminforever

07-09-2008, 05:07 PM

I can't wait. I've seen the other two AG movies and really liked them.

I went to see Kit today, it was adorable. It was also fun watching the younger girls bring their AG dolls to the movie. So if your nieces have not seen the movie yet remind them to take their AG dolls.

willwriteforears

07-09-2008, 05:16 PM

My nieces, to put it nicely are growing up a bit confused. :crazy2: Princess Jasmine likes to nice to everyone, and say she likes both teams just the same, but when pressed by the kids in the neighborhood (who let her know this just isn't possible) she'll admit to being a Red Sox fan. Princess Cin has no issues, and will readily admit she's a Yankee fan. Of course their primary interest in baseball games is currently the snacks you can eat.

:rotfl: Suppose one team or the other started offering, say, Mickey Bars at home games. Would they get two new true die-hard fans?

I'm not a huge baseball fan, myself. I did take note, however, when our Rockies made it to the World Series last season with their stellar record--and then lost the World Series horribly. :eek:

Lady Lallie

07-09-2008, 06:06 PM

:lmao: How does THAT happen? :lmao:

I am on Minnie's side, GO SOX! :goodvibes

Tinkerbellarella

07-09-2008, 08:53 PM

Lady Lallie

07-09-2008, 08:55 PM

I'm willing to admit something that will have ALL of Red Sox Nation hunting me down...

NO, I DON'T like the Yanks.

Frankly, I just don't care.

One.

Wit.

About baseball.

Tink is completely, 100% and totally a football girl. Go Pats. :banana:I have to admit I am not as jazzed up about baseball as in my youth. We got tickets for a wedding present to August 16th and I am meh about it. I am sure it will be fun but not my cup of tea. Though Jason Varitek still makes me all warm & fuzzy. :cloud9:

If U Had Wings

07-09-2008, 10:47 PM

I thought that sort of marriage was outlawed. :confused3 :confused3 :rotfl: :rotfl:

We're on Minnie's team, ourselves.

They do get some entertaining reactions when they go to the games together. They like to hit one Yanks/Sox game at Fenway and one in the Bronx. Lots of shocked reactions.

Another one here for Minnie!

With all the posters here from NE, I figured there would be alot of Sox fans. Here in Southern CT, being so close to NY everyone is very divided. Lots of Yanks, Sox and Mets fans everywhere. My brother though is right in the middle of Sox territory now in Northern CT. Funniest was once when I was in Boston and met up with a Yankee fan working at a gas station. I think his boss was ready to fire him.

I went to see Kit today, it was adorable. It was also fun watching the younger girls bring their AG dolls to the movie. So if your nieces have not seen the movie yet remind them to take their AG dolls.

I can't wait to see it. I will definitely have to remind them to bring their dolls.

:rotfl: Suppose one team or the other started offering, say, Mickey Bars at home games. Would they get two new true die-hard fans?

I'm not a huge baseball fan, myself. I did take note, however, when our Rockies made it to the World Series last season with their stellar record--and then lost the World Series horribly. :eek:

They would probably be easily swayed by Mickey bars. :rotfl: We always joke around that they will both probably get so sick of the Sox/Yanks nonsense that they will end up rooting for Colorado.

I'm willing to admit something that will have ALL of Red Sox Nation hunting me down...

NO, I DON'T like the Yanks.

Frankly, I just don't care.

One.

Wit.

About baseball.

Tink is completely, 100% and totally a football girl. Go Pats. :banana:

Luckily they do agree on football - both Giants fans.

I have to admit I am not as jazzed up about baseball as in my youth. We got tickets for a wedding present to August 16th and I am meh about it. I am sure it will be fun but not my cup of tea. Though Jason Varitek still makes me all warm & fuzzy. :cloud9:

Being at games in person is much more fun than watching on tv. I started becoming a huge fan once I worked for a company that gave us free tickets. I worked with a friend of mine, and we'd go constantly. Got completely addicted.

My mom has become a completely addicted fan as well from going to the games. I knew we had her hooked when she started watching the games when my father wasn't home, and she would yell at the umps. Never thought in a million years my mom would be hooked on baseball.

Charleston Princess

07-09-2008, 11:13 PM

Catching up, finally! With the differing loyalties felt by Mickey and Minnie, it could make for a very interesting trip report about midway through your vacation! :laughing:

I am going to go to do the Tomahawk Chop now in honor of our Atlanta Braves. ;)

MRYPPNS

07-10-2008, 07:33 AM

I'm willing to admit something that will have ALL of Red Sox Nation hunting me down...

NO, I DON'T like the Yanks.

Frankly, I just don't care.

One.

Wit.

About baseball.

Tink is completely, 100% and totally a football girl. Go Pats. :banana:
Football is the one sport that DH and I watch together every Sunday. We put little DS in his Patriots uniform and I make snacks...it's a lot of fun.

MomofCKJ

07-10-2008, 08:09 AM

Going to the Sox/Yankees game in Fenway on the 27th and proudly wearing my Red Sox attire!

Though Pats are number one in my heart....and well I have a new found love for the Celtics too.....

Allyson

willwriteforears

07-10-2008, 09:44 AM

They would probably be easily swayed by Mickey bars. :rotfl: We always joke around that they will both probably get so sick of the Sox/Yanks nonsense that they will end up rooting for Colorado.

They don't need to convert to the Rockies this season, that's for sure! We're not doing so hot (from what I've gleaned from the morning news).

Being at games in person is much more fun than watching on tv. I started becoming a huge fan once I worked for a company that gave us free tickets. I worked with a friend of mine, and we'd go constantly. Got completely addicted.

I generally don't get into any sort of sports unless I'm there in person. But games cost money, ergo, not a big sports fan, am I.

I will watch select Olympic Games, however. :thumbsup2

Tinkerbellarella

07-10-2008, 10:04 AM

Luckily they do agree on football - both Giants fans.

The Pats fan in me just had a little hissy fit.

Football is the one sport that DH and I watch together every Sunday. We put little DS in his Patriots uniform and I make snacks...it's a lot of fun.

BF is so proud that "his girl" watches and LOVES football.
I keep asking him how many days until the 09 season starts. :goodvibes

If U Had Wings

07-10-2008, 01:46 PM

I generally don't get into any sort of sports unless I'm there in person. But games cost money, ergo, not a big sports fan, am I.

I will watch select Olympic Games, however. :thumbsup2

I actually watch very little Olympic coverage. At least very little summer Olympic coverage. Love the winter Olympics though.

The Pats fan in me just had a little hissy fit.

BF is so proud that "his girl" watches and LOVES football.
I keep asking him how many days until the 09 season starts. :goodvibes

I won't let on then that I'm a Giants fan too. :)

I love football too, but baseball will always be my favorite since my chance of getting to see a Giants game in person is slim to none.

I did win tickets to the Super Bowl back in 2000 which was completely awesome, even if my team wasn't playing. It was my only time visiting Atlanta. Loved it even though the game fell in the middle of a big ice storm. Being from NE the storm wasn't anything to us, but we were amazed to watch all the cancellations on tv. They were even cancelling church, which I don't think I had ever seen before. :rotfl:

Donald is #1

07-10-2008, 07:12 PM

Mickey and Minnie have a bit of a mixed marriage. :eek:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/yanks-sox1.jpg

:scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

Another vote for minnie's team here!:rotfl2:

If U Had Wings

07-11-2008, 01:32 AM

s it too early to start packing yet?

Lately I've been feeling as if I'm running out of things to do before my trip. I know this makes no sense to anyone but me, but normally I'm running around like a nut until the very last minute trying to get everything done. This time I'm feeling like all the big stuff is done. It must be my fellow Lapuette's being a good influence on me. :thumbsup2

This week I took care of the rest of the big stuff. Monday was our 45 day mark, so final payment was made on the balance of the trip. :banana: :banana: I'll still have to pay for the second half of the room only portion of our trip, but that isnt' until check in. I also still owe my mother $150 more, but I'm just waiting on my brother to pay me for his portion of our Segway tour for the money.

Sunday I also finally stopped procrastinating and ordered my tickets for the first two days before my package kicks in. I ordered them from Undercover Tourist and got a pretty good deal with the Mousesavers discount. I did a little shopping around and they really were the best price I could find. I ended up going with a 5 day, non expiring, non hopper pass. That will cover my first 2 days this year, and then 3 days towards a solo weekend trip next December. I wasn't sure about adding the park hopper option, so I figured that I could always add that next December when I would need it. I actually would have preferred a 6 day pass so I'd have 4 days next year, but that UT didn't have that option. :confused3 The deal for the 5 day pass was good so I just went with it. I'll just deal with next year's trip next year. ;)

I also took care of a few smaller things this week. I bought my Lush solid shampoo for the trip. This can also double up as my body soap so will cut down on how much I have to pack. Plus as it's solid so I can carry it with no worries in my carry on bag. I absolutely adore the stuff. I shopped at my first Lush store at the Orlando airport last year and got hooked. Definitely a dangerous place for my wallet.

I still have a few things to take care of so I'm going to channel our Lady Listy and get my act together.

1. Pick up a mail hold form at the post office. Normally when I go away one of my parents would run by and check my mail, but as they will be with me this year I have to make other arrangements. I used to have a wonderful neighbor I'd ask, but she moved and I don't really trust my other neighbors. Much easier just to have them hold it at the post office, and then deliver everything when I return.

2. Put in request for my Disney Visa rewards card as soon as the points I earned from purchasing my passes register. I plan on using my rewards points as my personal souvenier money. I don't plan on spending a lot of money on souveniers but I do have a couple of things I'm thinking of buying. Since I work so close to World of Disney it's just silly for me to lug things home on the plane that I can just bring home from work with me. Still I'm thinking of the following souveniers:

- A princess dress for my American Girl doll. They just don't carry these in NY any longer.
- A new piece of jewelry from the pick a pearl location at the Japan pavillion in Epcot.
- A new Disney beach towel.
- Any new Donald Duck rubber duckies that may have come out.
- Possibly some new mouse ears.

:sad1: I still haven't forgiven myself for passing on the glow in the dark Mickey treat pails last Halloween, so this year if there is something I really want I'm buying it. (Within reason of course). I regretting not buying that pail immediately last year, and by the time my parents got down there during Halloween week they were sold out.

3. Make my tip envelopes and get money ready for them before hand. Most of our meals are buffets and family style meals, so I can really have all this stuff ready to go ahead of time. I am figuring my tips for my DDP meals to come up to about $42. I also am planning on another $200 or so for my two OOP meals (Brown Derby and Crystal Palace) as well as my CS meals the first two days, breakfast the day we leave for Disney, and a glass of wine or two at dinner. I just don't want to find myself short in this area. I also need to get tip envelopes made for mousekeeping and for the princess's FGIT.

4. Review my "delicates" situation, and be sure I have enough comfy ones for the trip. Put in an order with VS if I don't have enough. I think I need a few new bras, and am ticked with myself for missing out on using the $15 off code I had. I tend to be very picky when on vacation - only the most comfortable ones will do.

5. Make an appointment for an eye exam. My contacts have been driving me nuts, and I think I need new ones. I've been wearing my glasses, but don't really want to have to wear them daily in Disney when it's so hot.

6. Deceide if I want to lug my laptop along with me. This will determine which personal bag I carry. I brought it with me last year, and liked it for watching a movie on the plane, but it's heavy and I don't know if I want to bother. I purchased a video nano ipod this year, so I can always just remove the majority of music from it and put on a few movies instead. Would be much easier to carry, and I could lock it up in the room safe.

7. Possibly pick up some new shorts. If I can stick to my diet and drop about 10 lbs or so before the trip, my existing shorts will be fine. If I don't they will be a bit snug. This should be reason enough to stick to the diet, as I certainly would rather not have to waste money on more shorts when I already own plenty.

8. Make matching T-Shirts for the family. I have the supplies waiting, and a cute design that someone on the Creative Disigns made for me I just need to get them made. The grandfathers have even agreed to wear matching shirts. :wizard:

9. Last, but certainly not of least. Go to Home Depot on a mission to liberate Alien Green Mickey heads before they become part of a government conspiracy and get rounded up by Scully and Mulder. Of course their liberation will be short lived as I plan on locking them between two melted pieces of plastic. Last year I didn't laminate my LGMH's and it with the all the rain they were little wadded up bunchs of paper in not time. (And can you tell I'm dying for the new X-Files movie?)

I think that's it. I hope that's it. I've been tempted to try making some tie dyed Mickey shirts for the girls, but haven't committed to that yet. It's still a possibility though.

micandminforever

07-11-2008, 07:02 AM

It sounds like you have everything in order, and are ready to have fun, fun, fun at Disney with the two princesses.:banana:

Tinkerbellarella

07-11-2008, 08:29 AM

Is it too early to start packing yet?

::sigh:: I wonder the same thing myself. Every day. :)

I bought my Lush solid shampoo for the trip. This can also double up as my body soap so will cut down on how much I have to pack. Plus as it's solid so I can carry it with no worries in my carry on bag. I absolutely adore the stuff. I shopped at my first Lush store at the Orlando airport last year and got hooked. Definitely a dangerous place for my wallet.

I love the idea of LUSH. Unfortunately, everytime I go in there I last all of 35 seconds before I end up with a migraine and need to leave.

Charleston Princess

07-11-2008, 08:35 AM

Looking at your list, I think you still have quite a few things to keep yourself busy -- I think you should definitely try the tyedye t-shirts so I can decide if I want to do them. ;)

Lady Lallie

07-11-2008, 08:39 AM

s it too early to start packing yet?No. It's never too early. I have been contemplating to start as well. :thumbsup2

Lately I've been feeling as if I'm running out of things to do before my trip. I know this makes no sense to anyone but me, but normally I'm running around like a nut until the very last minute trying to get everything done. This time I'm feeling like all the big stuff is done. It must be my fellow Lapuette's being a good influence on me. :thumbsup2 Reason# 7,658 that the DIS is wonderful.

Sunday I also finally stopped procrastinating and ordered my tickets for the first two days before my package kicks in. I ordered them from Undercover Tourist and got a pretty good deal with the Mousesavers discount. I did a little shopping around and they really were the best price I could find. I ended up going with a 5 day, non expiring, non hopper pass. That will cover my first 2 days this year, and then 3 days towards a solo weekend trip next December. I wasn't sure about adding the park hopper option, so I figured that I could always add that next December when I would need it. I actually would have preferred a 6 day pass so I'd have 4 days next year, but that UT didn't have that option. :confused3 The deal for the 5 day pass was good so I just went with it. I'll just deal with next year's trip next year. ;) You can always add days can't you? I am a little fuzzy on this pertaining to our 1 day tickets we had to buy for our WL portion of the trip...must find out.

I also took care of a few smaller things this week. I bought my Lush solid shampoo for the trip. This can also double up as my body soap so will cut down on how much I have to pack. Plus as it's solid so I can carry it with no worries in my carry on bag. I absolutely adore the stuff. I shopped at my first Lush store at the Orlando airport last year and got hooked. Definitely a dangerous place for my wallet. I have never heard of lush. It's solid? I am confused.

I still have a few things to take care of so I'm going to channel our Lady Listy and get my act together. *Sniff Sniff* Pardon me while I wipe the tear from my eye.

1. Pick up a mail hold form at the post office. Normally when I go away one of my parents would run by and check my mail, but as they will be with me this year I have to make other arrangements. I used to have a wonderful neighbor I'd ask, but she moved and I don't really trust my other neighbors. Much easier just to have them hold it at the post office, and then deliver everything when I return.If you go to usps.com you can do this online. They only let you do it two weeks in advance but this is what I did when we went to Bermuda. It worked beautifully. :goodvibes They will even deliver it all at the end if you wish.

2. Put in request for my Disney Visa rewards card as soon as the points I earned from purchasing my passes register. I plan on using my rewards points as my personal souvenier money. I don't plan on spending a lot of money on souveniers but I do have a couple of things I'm thinking of buying. Since I work so close to World of Disney it's just silly for me to lug things home on the plane that I can just bring home from work with me. Still I'm thinking of the following souveniers:I did this last night for DH's card.

3. Make my tip envelopes and get money ready for them before hand. Most of our meals are buffets and family style meals, so I can really have all this stuff ready to go ahead of time. I am figuring my tips for my DDP meals to come up to about $42. I also am planning on another $200 or so for my two OOP meals (Brown Derby and Crystal Palace) as well as my CS meals the first two days, breakfast the day we leave for Disney, and a glass of wine or two at dinner. I just don't want to find myself short in this area. I also need to get tip envelopes made for mousekeeping and for the princess's FGIT.I think we are all getting fidgety! I am on trip planning overload.

9. Last, but certainly not of least. Go to Home Depot on a mission to liberate Alien Green Mickey heads before they become part of a government conspiracy and get rounded up by Scully and Mulder. Of course their liberation will be short lived as I plan on locking them between two melted pieces of plastic. Last year I didn't laminate my LGMH's and it with the all the rain they were little wadded up bunchs of paper in not time. (And can you tell I'm dying for the new X-Files movie?)I bought luggage tag laminate thingys at Target. They worked really well for our luggage tags and that is what I am going to use for LGMH. Because I am insane, I like the fact that they are nice and even and you don't have to cut them and risk them not being symmetrical. Plus they have this cool little plastic thingy to attach them.

If U Had Wings

07-11-2008, 09:34 AM

It sounds like you have everything in order, and are ready to have fun, fun, fun at Disney with the two princesses.:banana:

I'm going to see the girls tomorrow. Will have to do my auntly duty and start getting them all hyped up about the trip.:hyper:

::sigh:: I wonder the same thing myself. Every day. :)
I think I am going to take out my carry on bag at any rate. I like to have it out so I can just drop things in as I think of them. It's small so I can keep it tucked under my bed and out of site from those who would mock my early packing.

I love the idea of LUSH. Unfortunately, everytime I go in there I last all of 35 seconds before I end up with a migraine and need to leave.

Oddly enough it doesn't bother me too much, although I can't walk into my local Macy's through the main entrance because the perfumes cause the same migraines.

Looking at your list, I think you still have quite a few things to keep yourself busy -- I think you should definitely try the tyedye t-shirts so I can decide if I want to do them. ;)

:) I'll keep that in mind. I really want to do them, but am very afraid of the mess. It's certainly a project I won't be doing with the girls at my house.

You can always add days can't you? I am a little fuzzy on this pertaining to our 1 day tickets we had to buy for our WL portion of the trip...must find out.

From what I read yes you can, just like I can upgrade the pass to a hopper later by paying Disney the $50. The more I keep thinking of what I want to do on my solo trip the more I think I'm going to really need hopper tickets. With only 3 days it's going to be a tight squeeze. Hoppers would give me a chance to just head to a place like AK to ride the safari and Everest and then still go somewhere else. Normally I like spending the whole day at AK, but with only 3, it's going to be the first to go.

I have never heard of lush. It's solid? I am confused.
Lush (http://usa.lush.com/cgi-bin/lushdb/00143?expand=Haircare)is a bath/body products store. Everything is all natural, cruelty free, and many of them are vegan as well. All kinds of goodies.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/solid.jpg
This is one of their solid shampoos. (The shine formulation). They have a few others as well. I like this one for the shine and the fact that it isn't really scented. I normally go through tons of shampoo with my thick hair, but this lasts for ages. I also, for the first time in years, don't have to use conditioner to get a comb through my hair. I bought my first bar at the Orlando airport last year on the way home from my trip and fell in love with the stuff. Luckily there is one not too far away from my office.

The stuff is a bit pricey, but as it lasts forever I end up saving money in the end. This year I'm stocking up though the week after Christmas. The majority of the stuff in the store is buy one get 2 free that week. :woohoo: I wasn't prepared last year. This year I will be!

If you go to usps.com you can do this online. They only let you do it two weeks in advance but this is what I did when we went to Bermuda. It worked beautifully. :goodvibes They will even deliver it all at the end if you wish.

I didn't know you can do this online now. Like this even better.

I realized last night that I need to add two things on to my list.

10. Buy more transfer paper. Started working on the t's last night and realized that the package only held 5 sheets of paper. I thought it had 10. I think what happened was that the paper for white shirts only had 10 sheets and the colored shirt paper only had 5. I'm doing the designs on white, but the people on the creative board said that the colors come out much better if you use the colored paper shirts.

11. When it gets closer to the trip, exchange info with LL so we can possibly have a meet-up on the 30th.

Lady Lallie

07-11-2008, 09:46 AM

11. When it gets closer to the trip, exchange info with LL so we can possibly have a meet-up on the 30th.
Yes! I meant to post about that before when I responded. :goodvibes

I forgot...what are your plans for that day? We are arriving and then plan to head to EPCOT.

willwriteforears

07-11-2008, 10:21 AM

Sunday I also finally stopped procrastinating and ordered my tickets for the first two days before my package kicks in. I ordered them from Undercover Tourist and got a pretty good deal with the Mousesavers discount. I did a little shopping around and they really were the best price I could find. I ended up going with a 5 day, non expiring, non hopper pass. That will cover my first 2 days this year, and then 3 days towards a solo weekend trip next December. I wasn't sure about adding the park hopper option, so I figured that I could always add that next December when I would need it. I actually would have preferred a 6 day pass so I'd have 4 days next year, but that UT didn't have that option. :confused3 The deal for the 5 day pass was good so I just went with it. I'll just deal with next year's trip next year. ;)

Since my friends and I stayed off-site (cough) we also got our tickets from Undercover Tourist using the mousesavers discounted link. We'd wanted a 6-day option, as well, and noted the lack of it--but since the 7-day was only a dollar more than the 5-day, at the time, anyway, we went with that.

I also took care of a few smaller things this week. I bought my Lush solid shampoo for the trip. This can also double up as my body soap so will cut down on how much I have to pack. Plus as it's solid so I can carry it with no worries in my carry on bag. I absolutely adore the stuff. I shopped at my first Lush store at the Orlando airport last year and got hooked. Definitely a dangerous place for my wallet.

I got solid shampoo at Basin in DTD! I have yet to try it out, though. I'd never before seen solid shampoo, and really bought it just because it looked "neat"--but all the travel pluses you mention are great! :thumbsup2

6. Deceide if I want to lug my laptop along with me. This will determine which personal bag I carry. I brought it with me last year, and liked it for watching a movie on the plane, but it's heavy and I don't know if I want to bother. I purchased a video nano ipod this year, so I can always just remove the majority of music from it and put on a few movies instead. Would be much easier to carry, and I could lock it up in the room safe.

I took my laptop with me, but solely because we thought we'd want to access e-mail a couple times during the trip. And we did. But if you don't need Internet access at all, the iPod Nano sounds great!

7. Possibly pick up some new shorts. If I can stick to my diet and drop about 10 lbs or so before the trip, my existing shorts will be fine. If I don't they will be a bit snug. This should be reason enough to stick to the diet, as I certainly would rather not have to waste money on more shorts when I already own plenty.

::yes:: I hear ya. My next clothes shopping expedition shouldn't be until fall, and honestly I'll need a few new items no matter what, but it'd be far better to get them in a smaller size. But if I had the option of not spending money at all, I think that would be motivation enough to stick to a diet. :goodvibes

If you go to usps.com you can do this online. They only let you do it two weeks in advance but this is what I did when we went to Bermuda. It worked beautifully. :goodvibes They will even deliver it all at the end if you wish.

Yup, that's what I did while I was gone! It was lovely to just have my big stack of mail waiting for me when I got back. I figured if it wouldn't fit in my apartment-size mailbox (but it did), the USPS could use one of the larger package boxes and give me the key for it.

11. When it gets closer to the trip, exchange info with LL so we can possibly have a meet-up on the 30th.

Sniff sniff. You and LL get to meet, TK and Tink get to meet... sadly no one was there at the same time as me. :sad1:

Again: Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest '09. Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest '09....

Lady Lallie

07-11-2008, 10:26 AM

Sniff sniff. You and LL get to meet, TK and Tink get to meet... sadly no one was there at the same time as me. :sad1:

Again: Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest '09. Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest '09....It warms my heart to see you mention Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest '09 so much in your posts. I am so glad that we are all still trying to plan to make it!! :goodvibes

I have googled Lush and I am intrigued. I need shampoo so I am thinking why not give it a whirl?

If U Had Wings

07-11-2008, 12:32 PM

Yes! I meant to post about that before when I responded. :goodvibes

I forgot...what are your plans for that day? We are arriving and then plan to head to EPCOT.

My only plans that day are for dinner, and that's not until late. (CG for fireworks :) ). I've already informed my family that I will probably be running off that day to meet up with a friend of mine. I didn't mention that I've yet to meet this friend, but I dont' think they'd be surprised. I have a good friend of mine that I met through my knitting blog. It was tough to explain the first time though. They were convinced that some kind of crazed looney was going to meet me. :rotfl:

Since my friends and I stayed off-site (cough) we also got our tickets from Undercover Tourist using the mousesavers discounted link. We'd wanted a 6-day option, as well, and noted the lack of it--but since the 7-day was only a dollar more than the 5-day, at the time, anyway, we went with that.
I hadn't even thought of a 7 day option. Where in the world is my mind?

I got solid shampoo at Basin in DTD! I have yet to try it out, though. I'd never before seen solid shampoo, and really bought it just because it looked "neat"--but all the travel pluses you mention are great! :thumbsup2
I'm a complete convert to the stuff. I never in a million years thought I'd like it. Just seemed a bit odd, but the overly enthusiastic sales girl at Lush sold me on the stuff. Seriously though, what in the world do they hype those girls up on? I've yet to enter a Lush store that wasn't staffed with the happiest, peppiest group of people. They make Disney cast members look laid back.

I took my laptop with me, but solely because we thought we'd want to access e-mail a couple times during the trip. And we did. But if you don't need Internet access at all, the iPod Nano sounds great!
That's what I'm thinking too. I can't see myself paying the crazy amounts for internet service, and I have a new Palm Centro phone now that my e-mail is pushed to.

My sole reason for bringing it would be to download my pics. I really think I'm leaning towards leaving it home. Save my shoulder a bit from lugging it around.

Sniff sniff. You and LL get to meet, TK and Tink get to meet... sadly no one was there at the same time as me. :sad1:

Again: Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest '09. Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest '09....

Definitely next December then. I've got my passes in hand now! I am really looking forward to a solo trip the more I think about it.

willwriteforears

07-11-2008, 01:19 PM

Definitely next December then. I've got my passes in hand now! I am really looking forward to a solo trip the more I think about it.

I'm really liking the idea, too. When I first thought about going to Disney World, I'd kinda been banking on going solo, but then my friends wanted to come, and we like to do stuff together once a year if we can, so :thumbsup2 But a solo trip would give me a chance to just whiz through the attractions I'm interested in, and then have lots of time blocks for people-watching and picture-taking. :woohoo:

If U Had Wings

07-11-2008, 01:58 PM

That's exactly what I was thinking. Lots of time to take it easy. I've already started a list of what I want to do. Trying to postpone posting it though until I'm ready to start that PTR. ;)

If U Had Wings

07-11-2008, 02:11 PM

While I was thinking about this I thought I'd post the designs that some wonderful Disers made for me on the Creative board.

This is the one I'm making the T-Shirts from. Everyone took a vote and this won unanimously.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DisneyClanDissized.jpg

(Of course I played around with this one, to change the names before posting here). The designer was Telyn. She was so nice to personalize the t-shirts on the figures for me. Love it.

I had originally had Mickey and Minnie's pics say Mommy and Daddy since the girls would be wearing these. Mickey and Minnie requested their names, which Telyn was nice enough to change for me. I still have the original design so I'm thinking of making the girls shirts with the original Mommy/Daddy design and making everyone else's with their names. Any thoughts?

This was the other won that someone else designed for me. I'm ashamed to admit that I can't remember exactly who.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/wingsdis.jpg

I still love this one too, although I didn't catch until much later that Princess Cin's name was spelled wrong. I'm thinking of using this for my trip binder and for my scrapbook.

Lady Lallie

07-11-2008, 02:39 PM

willwriteforears

07-11-2008, 02:45 PM

Those are both so cute! That's what I love about the Dis--everyone is so nice here! I love that those who are artistically talented are willing to make designs for people they've never met in real life. :goodvibes

If the princesses want shirts with "Mommy" and "Daddy," and everyone else have the ones with names, I think that sounds great. :thumbsup2

Charleston Princess

07-11-2008, 04:42 PM

Too cute!!! I like the first one the best, too!

muppetkaties

07-11-2008, 04:56 PM

hey, I'm just joining in!! Love the trip report so far, and the vintage pics are great!

If U Had Wings

07-11-2008, 09:24 PM

Those are so adorable! I am partial to the first one though. :goodvibes

Those are both so cute! That's what I love about the Dis--everyone is so nice here! I love that those who are artistically talented are willing to make designs for people they've never met in real life. :goodvibes

Too cute!!! I like the first one the best, too!

Thanks. It's so wonderful that these people are so generous with their time. I want to go and find some tip envelopes for the trip next.

hey, I'm just joining in!! Love the trip report so far, and the vintage pics are great!

:hippie: Thanks for stopping by! There will be some more vintage pics as soon as I figure out what in the world I did with them. :)

Donald is #1

07-11-2008, 09:51 PM

I love the t shirt designs! I would probably go with the first one but both are great!

Lady Lallie

07-11-2008, 10:38 PM

Thanks. It's so wonderful that these people are so generous with their time. I want to go and find some tip envelopes for the trip next.

I love the tip envelopes from mcraft17. They are awesome and easy to make too. :thumbsup2

If U Had Wings

07-15-2008, 02:04 PM

Just a quick post right now, as I should be back to work, but just wanted to post that tonight is t-shirt night. I had planned on making them last night, but ended up running around finding new t-shirts for the girls and for my mom.

Mom stated she didn't want to wear a boxy t-shirt, so I had to hunt her down a more fitted style at H&M. I'd been having problems finding a small enough t-shirt for Princess Cin, as AC Moore's doesn't carry x-small. I found the cutest tank at H&M in her size, but if I bought her a special tank I needed to get the same tank for Princess Jasmie. Any of you who deal with kids know the importance of equality. Of course the H&M I was in didn't have her size, so I had to go running around to a few other H&M's to find her one. Luckily I found it.

This t-shirt project is begining to get a bit pricey. I keep buying more t-shirts. Originally I had bought plain white t-shirts for everyone. Then I decieded that I wanted a more fitteded one, plus the new ones for my mom and the girls, and then I had to get a new one for my SIL because I hadn't thought of the fact she likes to wear her t's really big. I think I've bought about 20 shirts so far. I have a huge pile of white shirts sitting in the middle of my living room.

I also tried to buy some new shorts last night at Steve and Barry's. I was just in there last week and they had tons of shorts. Yesterday they had about 5 pairs, all in a size 8, which is about a size 4 or 6 anywhere else. Sooo not going to fit. I'm guessing they must have pulled them, because they couldn't have sold all those shorts in a week. Really annoying.

I'm going to make a stop at the LL Bean outlet tonight to see what they have. I saw a few styles I liked at J Jill online so I can always go back in order them if I don't find what I want at Bean's.

Hedy

07-15-2008, 02:28 PM

I love the stick figures with the Boston/yankees shirts!

wow, the T shirt project sounds intense.

willwriteforears

07-15-2008, 03:09 PM

Sheesh, that is some devotion to your T-shirts! I hope the princesses and paparazzi all like them and appreciate the time and money you put into them!

If U Had Wings

07-17-2008, 04:55 PM

I've been running around quite a bit this week, trying to knock off things on my Disney "to-do" list. I hate leaving things for the last minute (although I usually end up doing just that). I'm determined this time not to do that.

Done this Week :thumbsup2
1. Scheduled an Eye Exam. The place I wanted to go to unfortunately wasn't covered by my insurance so I made an appointment for Friday at a place near my office. Luckily all I have to pay is my co-pay so the fact that I'm visiting a doctor in the middle of Manhattan isn't going to dent the budget. Supposedly he will price match the online places for contacts so I should be okay. It's only the lens fitting that might be an ouch factor. My insurance covers $120 for the lens and fitting.

I was looking around online and have it in my head that I want new glasses too. Particularly I want these glasses:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/L663_Purple.jpg
And these for sunglasses:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/L647brown.jpg
They have them in a really cool purple color too that I loved, but what color would you make the lenses then?

My existing glasses are a very blah pair of metal framed glasses. I want a pair of cute Lulu Guiness glasses. :cool2: A responsible person would just put new lens in her existing glasses. I actually do need a pair of prescription sunglasses though. I haven't been able to wear my contacts all week, and it's been horrible having no sunglasses to wear. I did some bargin hunting online and I could only find these two particular styles was in England, though there were American places that sold Lulu glasses. I don't know if that means they are either brand new styles, or old discontinued styles. Not that it matters. No new glasses. Need to be the responsible person.

2. Made Matching T-Shirts for the Family .
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/PileoShirts-NoName_opt.jpg
For the princesses - special shirts with ruffles:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/GirlsShirts-NoNames_opt.jpg
Once I got going with them they were very easy to make. The ones for the girls were the toughest. I didn't realized how many gathers were up at the top of them. It made it very tough to get even.

I was going to make an attempt to make Tye-Dyed Mickey shirts, but turns out I don’t have to now. My brother and SIL put in an order from someone on Ebay for Tye Dyed Mickey shirts for the entire family. :stir: Evil minds obviously think alike. Mickey thinks one of our MK days will probably be best to dress - as he put it, a bunch of dorks.:crazy: :crazy: :crazy:

3. I made the decision to leave the laptop at home. I can access the internet and my e-mail with my smart phone, and I can watch movies on my Nano, so the only reason I would really be using my camera for would be to download new pictures every night. Just doesn’t seem worth lugging it around just for that.

4. Shopping. I think I'm done now. I stopped a shopping center on my way home Monday and ended up with a few good deals. I picked up 2 pairs of shorts at LL Bean
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/shorts.jpg
And J Jill.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/jshorts.jpg
I may have to make a repeat trip to J Jill as they had some good basic tanks onsale that I didn't pick up on Monday. I love J Jill, but my biggest problem with them is how long their pants are. I'm average height (5'5") and really could wear their cropped pants as regular pants. They have petites, but not always in my size. They had tons of cute shorts on sale, but this year bermudas must have been in because when I tried those on they looked like capri pants on me. :scared1: These were the only shorter ones they had on in my size.

I also ordered this dress from Newport News.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/dress.jpg
This wasn't on my official list, but I had been thinking about picking up a simple sundress for my dinner ADR at the California Grill. When I saw this one for only $25 I had to get it. Plus I found a coupon code so it came up to even less than that. Keep your fingers crossed for me that it fits. :worship:

The only thing that I may still need to pick up is a couple of bras. I had ordered a couple of the Angels Embrace line from VS during the clearance sale. I was hoping that I'd like them as much as I love the Dream Angels style. I don't. They are okay, but the ones I ordered have a bit too much "push" to them and I'm just not feeling secure. That's the last thing I want to be dealing with all day long at Disney. I'll probably just order another style from VS. I just can't justify the $50 price tag on the Dream Angels. Ugh! :sad2:

willwriteforears

07-17-2008, 05:25 PM

The t-shirts are very cute! Glad they all worked well, despite the difficulty with the princesses' ruffles.

Also love the sundress! :worship: for a good fit.

And yes, bermudas are back in style! Which makes me happy since I'm 5'9" and am now saved from having "Who wears short shorts" going on in my mind as a soundtrack whenever I try on shorts in stores.

I've never hear of J Jill. I may have to seek them out, since I'm always trying to find pants (and shorts in summer) that are long enough!

Lady Lallie

07-17-2008, 07:47 PM

I love love love love the dress. I hope it fits. :worship:

The t-shirts came out really well too. You have had a busy week! :goodvibes

If U Had Wings

07-17-2008, 09:25 PM

I've never hear of J Jill. I may have to seek them out, since I'm always trying to find pants (and shorts in summer) that are long enough!

J Jill also has tall sizes. I can't imagine how tall they must be. I love their stuff.

I love love love love the dress. I hope it fits. :worship:

The t-shirts came out really well too. You have had a busy week! :goodvibes

Thanks. I'm excited about the shirts. I'm hoping everyone likes them.

Charleston Princess

07-17-2008, 10:11 PM

You have had a busy week!

Love the dress and the t-shirts turned out awesome!!!

Tinkerbellarella

07-18-2008, 08:16 AM

For the princesses - special shirts with ruffles:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/GirlsShirts-NoNames_opt.jpg

These are adorable! All of the tees came out so nice!

3. I made the decision to leave the laptop at home. I can access the internet and my e-mail with my smart phone, and I can watch movies on my Nano, so the only reason I would really be using my camera for would be to download new pictures every night. Just doesn’t seem worth lugging it around just for that.

I thought about NOT bringing mine, but I just don't think it's going to happen. I have a friend who might allow me to borrow his wireless card so that means I could bring my laptop with me and possibly post some live updates. The draw would be too strong to say no! And I like being able to upload my pics nightly.

I also ordered this dress from Newport News.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/dress.jpg

So pretty!

If U Had Wings

07-18-2008, 09:04 AM

I thought about NOT bringing mine, but I just don't think it's going to happen. I have a friend who might allow me to borrow his wireless card so that means I could bring my laptop with me and possibly post some live updates. The draw would be too strong to say no! And I like being able to upload my pics nightly.

If I had a broadband access card maybe I would have brought it. I just know I'm too cheap to pay $9.95 a day for internet access. ;)

micandminforever

07-18-2008, 08:19 PM

I love the ruffles on the princesses T shirts. It really dresses them up.

I like the dress you picked out also, but then red is my favorite color.

If U Had Wings

08-04-2008, 12:31 AM

My poor little pre-trip report has been sadly lacking lately. Lets not even go into how far behind I am on thread reading. My grandmother and aunt came visiting from Florida so that pretty much took over a good portion of my time. I loved getting to see them :lovestruc , but have yet to recover sleep wise since they went home on Tuesday. I forgot how much my family likes to sit around and talk for hours when they get together. I'm just not used to it anymore. I think it's an italian thing. Sit my family around a table (always around a table - never in a living room or anything) with some coffee and some Stella Dora cookies and they will be there for hours. Monday I had to work, but my mom had a few of my grandmother's sisters over along with some other family. They got to my mom's at noon and were still there when I got to my mom's at almost 7:30 pm. They were there until about 11pm or so. Like I said they can talk. Still, lack of sleep and all, it was pretty great to see them.

My grandmother gave me a wonderful present during the visit. She gave me her engagement ring. She wanted to be sure I got it, so she wanted me to have it while she is still around. She told me she wanted me to have it since I have never married. (Her only grandchild not to). I have to admit I got a bit weepy. :sad:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC01016_opt.jpg

I'm not sure how I'm going to wear it. My mother suggested having the diamond reset into a different ring, or a necklace. While I'm not completely adverse to that idea, I'm not sure that I want to take it out of it's original setting because of the sentimental value for me. Still I don't know if I want to go around wearing an engagement ring when I'm not engaged. I'm thinking maybe a jacket would help change the appearance without having to change the ring itself. :confused3 Anyone have any ideas?

Anyways I have been doing some trip planning and testing. Shoes have been one of my main concerns for this trip, as I think it's going to be too hot for my regular gym sneakers. I had purchased these from the LL Bean outlet.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/summersneakers.jpg

They are wonderful!! :thumbsup2 I can't say enough good things about these. The ones I had bought originally were pewter in the regular width. They fit, but there was one little spot that was a bit snug. I wore them a few times to work, and wore them for walks at lunch. If I was going to be wearing them anywhere but Disney I would have worn those. With the extensive walking at Disney I was a bit worried about that one snug spot, so I went online and ordered a pair of the wide width ones in blue. Perfect! They are very lightweight, and air flows through the mesh like material keeping the tootsies very cool. Plus I like that they have all the support of a regular sneaker. I wore them one day when it was pouring out, and was happy to find that the water ran right out of them. No walking around in squishy shoes. They will be a very good choice for Kali River Falls. I love them so much I'm keeping the original ones as well. I'm going to save them just for beach wear. That way I won't get my good ones all sandy.

I had picked up these at the LL Bean outlet as well.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/sandals.jpg

Not bad, but I didn't like them as much as the summer sneakers. There was a small piece of heavy duty thread that was originally cutting into my little toe on one foot. I used my nail file on it, and it solved the problem. They are comfortable enough, and definitley cool. I'm just not sure I will be comfortable walking around all day with my toes exposed. I didn't realize this bothered me until I wore them to work a few times. With the crowds in NYC I was petrified that my toes were going to get squashed. I don't think Disney will be much better. Still I will probably bring them just in case, but I don't think they will be my go-to shoes.

As if shoes weren't enough to worry about there is still the bag issue to deal with as well. I had purchased a baggalini after reading so many rave reviews here on the Dis boards.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/bagg.jpg

I'm not sure how I feel about it. I love all the pockets, especially the one on the front of the strap. It's lightweight, water resistant and just the right size. Those are the good points. I'm not finding it terribly comfortable though to carry. I've worn it for a few walks and have mixed feelings about it. I am a bit full figured in the chest area, and it falls funny there. The strap manages to fall directly between the girls in a terribly unflattering way. Yes I am vain enough to care about such things. Once a few things are in it, the bag tends to slide down my back a bit and choke me at the neck. If I wear it slung over one shoulder it's not that bad. I'll probably end up using it anyways.

The rest of the plans are going well. We are going to have two days of matching t-shirts. The ones I made and then a tie-dyed Mickey day. I was going to attempt to make the shirts myself, but my brother went ahead and ordered them from an Ebay seller. They haven't arrived yet, but here is a picture of what they will look like.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/8c06_1_b.jpg
Some of us are getting tanks, and the rest of the family is getting t-shirts. I went with a tank, just because I figured it would be a little bit cooler.

I went last week for an eye exam and bought a new supply of contact lenses. My doctor this time recommended dailies, and so far I'm really liking them. I don't like the price so much, but my eyes feel so much better. My allergies really bother my eyes so changing my lenses really helps. I tried on some new frames while I was there ad found some I really liked, but they were all so expensive! I just can't justify spending $400 on a pair of frames. :scared1: Since then I've been searching for frames I do like that aren't too expensive. Not having much luck. Most places all of the same dull styles, and I'd really like to find something a bit different. I want something with some color, or some bling. I really wanted to try on the Lulu Guiness ones' I posted about, but I can't find them anywhere. So far the one's I've liked best were from the Hilary Duff line surprisingly, and they were at Wal-mart. I'm going to try looking at Costco and Sam's Club this weekend before making any decisions. I did order a pair of really cheap glasses from Zenni Optical and I'm curious to see how they come out. I found out about them on the budget board. The ones I got were only $8 (complete) so I'm not expecting wonders. I only plan on using them as backups so as long as I can see out of them they will be fine. I just wanted to have something with my correct prescription, as my old glasses are too strong. It was cheaper to buy a pair of $8 glasses than to replace the lenses on my old glasses.

I finished up all my tip envelopes except Le Cellier. (Ran out of ink on my printer), Spent a good amount of time Friday night cutting them out and gluing them together. I'm pretty happy with how they came out.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC01002_opt.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/DSC01003_opt.jpg

I think most of them where designs by Donatalie on the Disigns creative board. I apologize if any of them were designed by someone else. The original designs though were made for just printing on regular envelopes. I, however really liked the style that made it's own envelope so I played around with my Seashore program and put the designs onto one of those envelopes. They came out a bit small, but they will still hold money comfortably.

I still have a few things to do before I leave.
1) Call my brother and talk to him about the Photopass CD. I'm pretty sure he wants to go in on one. I just want to be sure we both don't order one.
2) Go to Staples to laminate LGMH.
3) Print out Le Cellier envelope as well as BBB invites for the princesses.
4) Order water from Staples to have shipped to resort.

It's getting so close! I can't wait to get there!:banana: :banana:

Lady Lallie

08-04-2008, 09:43 AM

Look at you with only 18 days to go!!! :yay: :dance3: :banana: :dance3: :yay:

I tried the bagallini on at a store and I really didn't like it. It was not flattering at all nor very comfy for me either. I do however love my Vera Bradley Messenger bag even though it's bigger and not quite waterproof. It's very comfortable and very lightweight.

Your envelopes look great!! I can't wait to use mine either.

It seems like everyone is solving their shoe dilemmas for their upcoming trips. The sneakers are too cute! :goodvibes

Hedy

08-04-2008, 10:32 AM

I love the tip envelopes.
Oh, and my $.02 on the ring. I inherited my grandmother's wedding ring. I wear it on my right hand. My mother wears her grandmother's wedding ring on her right hand. If I get married, I plan on using it as my wedding ring, just switching hands.

willwriteforears

08-04-2008, 11:06 AM

How sweet of your grandmother to give you her engagement ring! :lovestruc

Sadly, I don't have any ideas for how you could alter it without changing the setting. Other than to just put it on a chain and wear it that way. :confused3

Love the tip envelops and the tie-dye Mickey t's! :goodvibes

MRYPPNS

08-04-2008, 11:45 AM

My suggestion for the ring would be to have it re-set with one smaller stone on each side of the diamond. Maybe your grandmother's or your's birthstone. (Then wear it on your right hand.)

It looks like a good size diamond so you might want to use it for your own engagment ring when the time comes....again I would have it put in a new setting so that future husband can have a hand in it.

That was very lovely of your grandmother to want to make sure you had it. :hug:

Lady Lallie

08-04-2008, 11:49 AM

I forgot to comment on your grandmother's ring. First off, it's beautiful. I would go to a trusted jeweler and see what they suggest if you want to be able to wear it. :goodvibes

If U Had Wings

08-05-2008, 10:32 AM

I tried the bagallini on at a store and I really didn't like it. It was not flattering at all nor very comfy for me either. I do however love my Vera Bradley Messenger bag even though it's bigger and not quite waterproof. It's very comfortable and very lightweight.

That's kind of what I was thinking about the Baggalini. It just cuts across the chest in the most unflattering way. I have a Vera Bradleyesque knapsack that I usually wear at Disney, but I was afraid it was going to be too warm on my back for August. I think I'm going to just carry the Baggalini slung over one arm. It should be okay that way, just not optimal.

I love the tip envelopes.
Oh, and my $.02 on the ring. I inherited my grandmother's wedding ring. I wear it on my right hand. My mother wears her grandmother's wedding ring on her right hand. If I get married, I plan on using it as my wedding ring, just switching hands.

I was thinking I'd just wear it on my right hand. No rush though. I have to have it resized though anyways regardless of what I do with it. Gram has much skinnier fingers than I do. :)

How sweet of your grandmother to give you her engagement ring! :lovestruc

Sadly, I don't have any ideas for how you could alter it without changing the setting. Other than to just put it on a chain and wear it that way. :confused3

Love the tip envelops and the tie-dye Mickey t's! :goodvibes

Thanks. I was really surprised that she wanted me to have it. I thought for sure she would give it to one of her daughters or her other granddaughter. It meant so much to me.

My suggestion for the ring would be to have it re-set with one smaller stone on each side of the diamond. Maybe your grandmother's or your's birthstone. (Then wear it on your right hand.)

It looks like a good size diamond so you might want to use it for your own engagment ring when the time comes....again I would have it put in a new setting so that future husband can have a hand in it.

That was very lovely of your grandmother to want to make sure you had it. :hug:

Thanks for the ideas. I'm going to have to do a bit of research to see if I find anything that I really like. I'm not sure of the exact size of the stone, except that it's larger than a 1/4 carat. That's what my mom has and this one is larger than that. My grandfather didn't have the money for a ring when they first got engaged, so he didn't give it to her until years later. So really it's a fairly new ring and setting. I'm thinking that if I change the setting I may look for something a bit more vintagy looking.

I'm just hoping that my grandmother remembers giving it to me now. She had misplaced briefly a few months ago and was accusing my aunt and cousins of stealing it. (Along with her nightgown). Of course it was found wrapped up in a tissue behind her bed where it had fallen. I'm just hoping she doesn't forget that she gave it to me, and start accusing people of stealing it again.

I forgot to comment on your grandmother's ring. First off, it's beautiful. I would go to a trusted jeweler and see what they suggest if you want to be able to wear it. :goodvibes

Thank you!!

willwriteforears

08-05-2008, 10:50 AM

I'm just hoping that my grandmother remembers giving it to me now. She had misplaced briefly a few months ago and was accusing my aunt and cousins of stealing it. (Along with her nightgown). Of course it was found wrapped up in a tissue behind her bed where it had fallen. I'm just hoping she doesn't forget that she gave it to me, and start accusing people of stealing it again.

Oh, that'd be terrible! Hopefully she wrote herself a note to help her remember.

If U Had Wings

08-05-2008, 11:55 AM

Oh, that'd be terrible! Hopefully she wrote herself a note to help her remember.

My aunt was here visiting as well so I'm hoping she can convince her if she does forget. Hopefully it will be one of those things that sticks with my grandmother, especially as she has been so concerned with the ring.

MRYPPNS

08-05-2008, 02:09 PM

I'm just hoping that my grandmother remembers giving it to me now. She had misplaced briefly a few months ago and was accusing my aunt and cousins of stealing it. (Along with her nightgown). Of course it was found wrapped up in a tissue behind her bed where it had fallen. I'm just hoping she doesn't forget that she gave it to me, and start accusing people of stealing it again.

Thank you!!

That sounds like when they moved my grandmother to a nursing home....my aunts found cash stashed everywhere in her apt.

Tinkerbellarella

08-05-2008, 04:06 PM

I think it's an italian thing. Sit my family around a table (always around a table - never in a living room or anything) with some coffee and some Stella Dora cookies and they will be there for hours.

I honestly can't remember a single conversation at my nanna's that hasn't been had with food around the dinner table. :goodvibes Totally an Italian thang.

I'm not sure how I'm going to wear it. My mother suggested having the diamond reset into a different ring, or a necklace. While I'm not completely adverse to that idea, I'm not sure that I want to take it out of it's original setting because of the sentimental value for me. Still I don't know if I want to go around wearing an engagement ring when I'm not engaged.

If you really don't want to change the setting, wear it on your right hand and perhaps not on the ring finger. Or, as someone else suggested, save it for when you do get engaged. One of my closest friends used her grandmother's engagement ring as her own after her grandmother gave it to her.

I am a bit full figured in the chest area, and it falls funny there. The strap manages to fall directly between the girls in a terribly unflattering way. Yes I am vain enough to care about such things.

I don't think it's vain at all. I have the same issue whenever I wear anything cross-body. For me it's a matter of comfort rather than vanity. Look at it that way.

Hedy

08-13-2008, 10:27 PM

Single digit dance! :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

willwriteforears

08-13-2008, 10:51 PM

Single digit dance! :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

Can't believe I didn't notice that till now!

Single digits!

:banana: :banana::dance3: :yay::woohoo:party: :woohoo: :yay: :dance3: :banana: :banana:

Lady Lallie

08-14-2008, 08:23 AM

8 Days!!

:dance3: :yay: :banana: :woohoo: :cheer2: :upsidedow princess: :cool1: pixiedust: :hyper: :faint: :dancer: party: :rockband: :car: :jumping1:

If U Had Wings

08-14-2008, 01:51 PM

How sad is it that I'm the last one to notice I'm in single digits!

:cool1: :cool1: :banana: :banana: :cool1: :cool1:

I took the princesses to the beach yesterday so I'll blame that for being oblivious. Had so much fun with them, the weather was perfect. We spent about 5 hours there. Fun!

Actually a day from today I'll be leaving. We won't fly out until Friday, but the car will be on it's way to the airport a week from today. :goodvibes

willwriteforears

08-14-2008, 02:28 PM

skier_pete

08-15-2008, 11:44 AM

Pete, I definitely would be interested in a dis-meet. When it gets a bit closer we can exchange some info.:thumbsup2

It's a bit closer...would you like to exchange information. As I said before, I am willing to give out my cell phone # via PM or e-mail if you would like. I am sure if we get in touch early we will probably see each-other's families every day since POFQ is so small. We arrive Saturday night (8/23) our flight lands about 6 PM, so if we are on schedule we are hoping to be checking in around 7 PM and will be in the pool for a bit soon after. (DD is a fish and would probably be fine spending the whole week in the hotel pool.) We may even meet on Sunday morning when we are all re-checking in for Free Dining. (I will be down bright and early at 6 AM.)

SkierPete

If U Had Wings

08-17-2008, 02:35 AM

I was intending for my post today to be filled with all the last minute details I've been taking care of, my packed suitcase and the wonderful gift Princess Jasmine gave me today. Even though all that stuff is done, sadly this post today isn't going to be about any of that. Instead it's going to be about how it's looking like our trip is going to be cancelled. I'm so depressed I could cry.:sad:

I got a call from my mother tonight. She just found out that her brother died today unexpectedly. She didn't really get along with him, but he's her brother so was still upset. I didn't particularly like my uncle. He was pretty much a non-entity in my life. My only real memories of him are of him making a inappropriate sexual comment to me when I was a teenager, and of him being obnoxious and getting everyone kicked out of a hotel after my cousin's wedding. I'm ticked off that I'm going to have to miss my vacation because of this. Yes, I feel guilty about feeling that, but it's the truth.

We don't know what kinds of plans are being made yet. He lived in Florida so we are assuming the arrangements will be down there. No idea about when.

Mickey, Minnie and the princesses will probably still be going to Disney, but as I was staying with my parents we will probably be canceling. I'm just depressed beyond words. I was so looking forward to this trip, and had put so much work into all my plans. I just look at my packed bags and want to cry. I dread the thought of having to call Disney to start canceling all our reservations. Luckily we purchased trip insurance so we will get money back. The airfare we are just going to have to take the hit on.

I guess I'm going to have to live vicariously through everyone else's trip reports. Sigh.:sad:

Lady Lallie

08-17-2008, 07:54 AM

Charleston Princess

08-17-2008, 07:59 AM

I am so sorry, Crissy!!! I would be angry and sad, too! :grouphug:

MRYPPNS

08-17-2008, 09:52 AM

Oh this is very upsetting to me.....please find a way to go. Could you get yourself a room at a value resort if your parents won't go?? Please try to find a way to go....I'm afraid you'll be very regretful if you don't.

Donald is #1

08-17-2008, 01:36 PM

Oh no! :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: I am so sorry to hear that. How is your mother doing?

Do you think that you could still book a room on your own and go?

Hedy

08-17-2008, 03:33 PM

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:
I'm so sorry.
Would you be willing to try to get an offsite hotel? There might be availability.

micandminforever

08-17-2008, 03:40 PM

Do the princesses have room for you?

willwriteforears

08-17-2008, 03:56 PM

Oh Crissy, I'm so sorry to hear that! :hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug:

I agree with everyone else--is there a way you can still go? A room at a value or even staying offsite, like Heidi suggested?

I just feel sick for you. :sad2:

If U Had Wings

08-18-2008, 09:13 AM

Thank you everyone for all the kind thoughts. It means a lot to me. There have been a lot of calls back and forth to Florida trying to figure out what is going on. Right now our plans are still up in the air a bit. At the moment we are only cancelling the first two days, but we haven't made any hard decisions on the rest.

The funeral is scheduled for Saturday morning. I guess in Florida they do the wake/funeral service/burial all in one day, unlike up here where it's over two days at least. In order not to have to pay fees for changing our flights we are still flying in on Friday morning. From there we are going to rent a car and drive down to my grandmother's house. It's about 2 hours south of Orlando. Right now Ma Tink, Pa Grumpy and me are going to go to the funeral and then after spending the day there, driving back up to Orlando for a late check in, and meeting up with the rest of the group at AK the next day. I originally wanted to just spend the first two days at the resort by myself due to my personal feelings about my uncle, but in the end would feel too guilty about not being there for my mother and grandmother so am going. (Ma Tink is a bit upset that Mickey is not coming down for the funeral, but that's another story).

That's the plan right now, and is subject to change. I told my mom I understand if she wants to cancel the rest. I think she's feeling very torn about it. She wants to go, see the princesses and have a good time, yet she is feeling like she should be spending more time with her mother. Plus she has pinced a nerve about 2 weeks ago, and it's been hurting her alot. She's all worried about slowing us down, making us push her in a wheelchair for the trip duration etc. She doesn't handle personal medical issues very well, so she's been making herself sick over it. I told her to call her doctor last week, which she ignored, but she's calling first thing today. If she can't get in my dad's taking her over to the walk in clinic. Hopefully they will be able to give her something for the pain.

If they deceide to cancel the rest of the trip it's possible I may have my father drive me back to Orlando anyways to stay with the Mickey, Minnie and the gang. Of course the problem there is that I'd have to come up with money for all my food and tickets. My trip had been planned with the package and free dining so I don't have lots of cash around for that. I'd also have to make room reservations for my last 2 nights, as Mickey and Minnie will be driving back to Connecticut.

Who knows what is going to end up happening?

SkierPete - I'm not sure what we are going to end up doing, so maybe it's best to say I'll be on the lookout for you at the bus stops? Here is our daily plan (if we end up going).

Sunday - Animal Kingdom
Monday - Epcot
Tuesday - Morning Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom
Wednesday - MGM
Thursday - Morning Segway around the World Tour at Epcot
Friday - Magic Kingdom
Saturday - ? - Meeting Lady Lallie later on at Epcot
Sunday - Last day. Probably a park in the morning, but not sure which.

skier_pete

08-18-2008, 10:24 AM

SkierPete - I'm not sure what we are going to end up doing, so maybe it's best to say I'll be on the lookout for you at the bus stops? Here is our daily plan (if we end up going).

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have resisted giving advice as to me this is something you need to sort out on your own, but I hope you are still able to enjoy at least part of your trip.

We will be at MK on the Tuesday, and also Epcot on Thursday, so we may well see eachother. I will send you a PM with my phone #, please feel free to take it with you and give us a ring if indeed you do end up staying at POFQ. I would appreciate knowing that you made it, as I will be thinking about you guys whether you are there or not.

Until then, here is a little hug from our family to yours. :hug:

SkierPete

Lady Lallie

08-18-2008, 10:31 AM

Crissy --- I am happy to hear that you have figured your trip out somewhat. Pleast let me know if there is anything I can do to help, even if it's just chatting. :hug:

willwriteforears

08-18-2008, 10:58 AM

Crissy, I'm glad you have some tentative plans in place and hope they work out. :hug: I think it's very sweet of you to attend the funeral for your mother and grandmother's sake, despite how you felt about your uncle. It speaks very well of your character. :hug: :goodvibes

I'm pulling for you and hope that you're able to enjoy your trip to WDW in some fashion!

trixiequilts

08-18-2008, 11:50 AM

I just read your whole report, and wow, what a bummer. You are very kind to go to the funeral, and I hope plans work out as well as they can. You really deserve to have a good time!

Tinkerbellarella

08-18-2008, 12:42 PM

Aw hon, I'm sorry things have worked out the way they have (in all aspects). I'm wishing and praying things still work out for you and that you'll be able to enjoy some Disney time.

Lots of Skittle hugs for you and yours! You're in our thoughts.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

micandminforever

08-18-2008, 01:27 PM

Thoughts and Prayers with you and your family.:grouphug:

If U Had Wings

08-21-2008, 02:27 PM

This is really going to be the quickest of entrys today. I'm at work right now swamped beyond belief, and I need to be out of here on time today so I can drive to the airport with my family tonight.

We decieded to go on the trip, we are just shaving off two days off at the begining to go to the funeral. It's in Florida, about two hours south of Disney so we are keeping the same flight, renting a car when we get in, and then driving. Then Saturday we will drive back up to Disney and check in to the resort and head to AK with the princesses the next day.

My enthusiasm for this trip has dwindled greatly though. Between the funeral, being beyond busy at work, and being paranoid about the weather I just don't care at the moment. That's just sad isn't it? :confused3 I'm hoping my mood changes once we get down there. Of course my aunt called to tell us that the weather down there is the pits. Roads are flooding and it's just miserable.

I blame the forecast or adding to my mood. I'm all packed, but just realized that I left my gorillapod home. I'm not even sure where it is at the moment, so I'm not sure I'm going to go all the way back to get it.

Sigh.

Be back in a week, and I'll see LL there! At least that's one thing I'm still looking forward too.

Charleston Princess

08-21-2008, 03:26 PM

I hope that even though you aren't very excited right now, that you end up having a WONDERFUL time!!!

Tinkerbellarella

08-21-2008, 04:35 PM

Aw honey, let the Disney magic in once you're down there. I hope you have an extra MAGICAL trip.

We'll be thinking of you!!!

:flower3:

MRYPPNS

08-21-2008, 05:07 PM

I think once you smell that smell that is Walt Disney World you'll melt away to wonderfully fun time.
Safe travels.

willwriteforears

08-21-2008, 05:13 PM

I know the mitigating circumstances absolutely stink, but I hope you'll enjoy yourself and have fun once you get there. You'll be in our thoughts! :goodvibes :hug:

skier_pete

08-21-2008, 08:47 PM

See you there!

SkierPete

Lady Lallie

08-21-2008, 08:52 PM

I have faith in the Disney Magic lifting your spirits!!

See you soon!! :hug:

Princesskeyblade

08-22-2008, 10:17 AM

:hug: I hope after everything that you have a great time... and I can not wait to hear all about it!

Hedy

08-25-2008, 02:41 PM

Hope you're having a good time!

If U Had Wings

09-02-2008, 01:27 PM

Hi everyone! I got back from Disney Saturday night, and am still trying to get back to real world time not Disney time. It's proving to be very tough.

As if the "time difference" wasn't enough to get used to, I'm going through some serious princess/niece withdrawal. After a week of the cuties running up holding my hand, and using me for their own personal entertainment life is a bit more quiet now that I'm in my quiet apartment again. Sigh.

Lots of good stuff to tell about once I get settled in. To anyone leaving soon my one piece of advice is to head to Toy Story Mania right away if you have any intentions of riding, and don't forget your allergy medicine if you tend to need the stuff. Everything else can wait for my report.

Till then, thought I'd just share this pic Princess Jasmine and her present for me. I work part time for a movie theater so had gotten her passes to see Wall-E shortly before we left for vacation. She made me my own Wall-E to say thank you.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/wall-e.jpg

Isn't it just stinking cute? She did the whole thing herself other than the wheels, which my brother gave her a hand with. I adore it! I gave it a place of honor on my bookcase. She's such a sweetie. Not to be outdone my younger niece made me a card that said that she loved me because I make her happy. :lovestruc :lovestruc :lovestruc I love those two so much. I don't know what I did right to deserve nieces like them, but I'm awfully glad I did it.

Hedy

09-02-2008, 01:37 PM

Aww! how sweet. I hear you on the withdrawl.

skier_pete

09-02-2008, 03:51 PM

Glad to hear you had a great time! Also glad we got to meet - and chat - on the bus from MK! I will look forward to your trip report...don't know if I will write one or not - likelyhood is low as I am too time crunched. Great week and great weather. Also agree on your TSMM comment - that was totally insane! For those that haven't been there - there's was a LINE for a FP about 250 people deep at 9:15 AM. That's not for the ride, that's for FP!

SkierPete

Donald is #1

09-02-2008, 07:31 PM

For those that haven't been there - there's was a LINE for a FP about 250 people deep at 9:15 AM. That's not for the ride, that's for FP!

SkierPete

What! :scared1: Well, I guess that means that I will need to get everyone out at the crack of dawn for my November trip.

willwriteforears

09-03-2008, 10:06 AM

Glad you had a wonderful time!

Jasmine's Wall-E is absolutely adorable. :love:

Looking forward to hearing about the trip, and sorry you're going through Princess withdrawal. At least you live relatively close to them, right? Maybe you can visit again this weekend. :goodvibes

If U Had Wings

09-08-2008, 01:57 PM

After being back from the World for a week, I've finally been shamed into starting my trip report by fellow Lapuette's who got back Saturday and have started their reports already. :sad2: I'm going to blame PDD for my laziness.

To anyone new - :welcome: You can get caught up on my pre-trip craziness here -

Two Princesses and Their Paparazzi (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1762433)

In case you don't want to bother here's a recap of the cast:

The Princesses:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z126/Seastorm2/IMG_1385_opt.jpg
The princesses very excited to be leaving for Disney World, showing off their new short hairdos after donating their hair to Locks for Love.

"Jasmine" - (7) - The older of our two princesses. One of the sweetest kids you'd ever want to meet. Worrys endlessly about everything, but most of all her younger sister, Brutally honest, shy, and independent. Stickler for detail and authenticity. Knows what she wants, and lets no one stop her. Absolutely adores her grandmother.

"Cin" - (4) - The younger, reckless princess. Not happy unless she's doing something to make everyone laugh or to make herself the center of attention. Lives life without fear of failure or injury - will try anything. Certainly isn't going to let her big sister do things without her.

The Paparazzi:

Me (Crissy) - (37) - Single doting aunt to the two princesses. No children of my own, but feel I got a pretty good deal by having such great nieces.

Mickey (35) & Minnie (35) - My brother and Sister in Law and parents to Jasmine and Cin. It was their idea to include the rest of the family on their vacation to Walt Disney World, of which the rest of us were very greatful. Mickey shares his goofy personality with his daughter Cin, and Jasmine is the mini-me of Minnie.

Ma Tink (59) & Pa Grumpy (65) - Parents to me and Mickey. Our father is Grumpy. This manifests itself a few times this vacation, but under it all he is a huge softy at the mercy of the princesses. (Much like the real Grumpy). Ma Tink is adored by both princesses. Jasmine is perpetually trying to get her to move into her spare bunk bed. A bit under the weather this trip after pinching a nerve in her hip before leaving, and losing her brother but looking forward to a trip with the princesses nonetheless.

Pa Eeyore (69) - Father of Minnie. One of the few sources of tension this trip. More on that later.

When we left the pre-trip report, after months of planning by Mickey and me our trip was almost cancelled by the unexpected loss of Ma Tink's brother. Stay tuned for what happens.