Disneymoon PT report *1/8-1/15* 8 Days before the World!!!! Final Budget is up! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Alarose

11-30-2008, 02:07 PM

Readers, lurkers, and especially commenters welcomed!

Easy Clickey Links

Yes...that is what I am calling them. Even though they aren't so easy to make....at least I had a HORRIBLE time figuring this out. LOL, thanks again Christine! Anyway, I always think it is so clever when people put those handy dandy links in their trip report threads for easy navigation through their thread….so I thought I’d practice with my pre trip report

Easy clicky links (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28962954&postcount=1)
That’s here silly! Doesn’t matter how many times you click…you will always be taken back here :P
]
Cast: Husband-Steve, Wife- Tessa (me), and us (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28963031&postcount=2)
A little bit about Steve, a bit about Tessa, and some about us

Our Magical Wedding (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28963698&postcount=4)
A few snapshot photos from our magical day

Our wonderful and spectacular AAA agent Tracy A.K.A. Dsnymoners! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28964736&postcount=5)
Thanks to Disboards, I found a wonderful AAA agent named Tracy A.K.A. Dsynymoners

A Bit About Our Budget (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28964840&posted=1#post28964840)
How to stay in our budget??? Where to splurge??? Where to cut???

The Plan: When? (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28977701&postcount=13)
I choose January 8th-15th? Why???

The Plan: Hotel? (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28977757&postcount=14)
What value hotel will we choose? Hmmmm

The Plan -Meals (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28985265&postcount=18)
What will we be doing for that thing we call FOOD? Will I end up cutting corners herre too?

The Plan- Transportation (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28985281&postcount=19)
How will we be getting to our magical vacation? Car, plan, air balloon?

The plan- Tickets (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28985296&postcount=20)
What package will we end up choosing for this trip? Park hop or no park hop? Water park or no water park?

Mickey Kicked us Out of Disney World!!!! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28995344&postcount=26)
What in the world???

Day 1 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28990345&postcount=23)
Finally! We are coming to the fun stuff! Hmmm…we are getting to Orlando at 2:00 Let's go to MK! Why??? Come look!

Day 2 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29011697&postcount=28)
Our first full day at Magic Kingdom

Day 3 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29042786&postcount=37)
Today we are going to go to my least favorite park. Epcot...mayber this year will be different?

Day 4 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29235238&postcount=49)
Now, on to one of my favorite parks! Animal Kingdom!

Day 5 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29258757&postcount=50)
Now...on to Hollywood Studios...well, kind of.

Day 6 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29259838&postcount=51)
Finally! A full day at Hollywood Studios...no wait it isn't...

Day 7 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29260060&postcount=52)
On to day 2 of Epcot!

Day 8 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29260098&postcount=53)
Departurer day. No...don't look! It is too sad!

Our Honeymoon Overview (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29392494&postcount=57)
Ok...so I made some changes to the above. I don't think I'll have time to update above, but look here to get a general idea of what our week is going to loo like!

Our Final Budget (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29392767&postcount=58)
Our goal was to stay under $2000 for this trip for everything! Did we make it???? Is that even doable???

Alarose

11-30-2008, 02:12 PM

Part 2: Cast: Us! Steve and Tessa

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/IMG_0229.jpg

If you would like, hit the link to read about our Walt Disney ’themed’ Fairy Tale Wedding. The wedding was NOT at Disney world, but it was Disney themed. It was a beautiful day!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2004218

“WE WANT MORE!!!”

Alright, alright!

Steve and I met April 2007 at an all-boys party that my friend and I crashed. My friend and Steve actually semi-dated for a few weeks, but it didn’t work out. She said Steve was too ‘nice,’ and she knew we would be perfect together. It took awhile, but they (our friends) finally got us together, and we have rarely been apart since.

We dated for over a year, and then on April 12 Steve took me out on a motorcycle ride and proposed out in the middle of a park. I laughed, I cried, I yelled yes, and jumped up in down. It was a wonderful day!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/IMG_0390.jpg

More about this man I call husband

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/IMG_0125.jpg

Steve is my husband! Yes, he is already my husband. We got married on October 25th, 08. Because of work reasons, we couldn’t take our official honeymoon until January. He is hard-working and a mechanic at a nice sized shop where we live. He is a manly man…well, at least he thinks he is. Don’t tell him, but he is a child at heart…he loves watching a good Walt Disney movie at times, likes playing card and board games, and on occasion he chases my cat Meeko around the house. http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/n123600240_30138351_7209.jpg

All of this makes dh (my husband Steve) a perfect specimen for Mickey Man, http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/6d864a9329458d16.jpg

but “GASP” he has NEVER been to Walt Disney World, or anything Disney, before! Steve is from a largish family (3 other brothers and a sister) and they were farmers. I come from a farming family also…more abut that later, but they had different priorities.

The journey of getting husband to agree to go to Walt Disney World for our honeymoon…

I just had to mention that the original honeymoon plan was just to go to a nice place somewhere sunny in January. It would have still been a nice trip, but I wouldn’t be near as excited as I am now.

I mentioned to Steve even pre-engagement/pre-seriousness that someday, if I got married, I would love a honeymoon at Disneyworld. But, alas like many people, Steve was under the impression that WDW was a place only for children.

I mentioned about a month after we got engaged that I would still LOVE to go to Disney world for our honeymoon. I didn’t push him. I really did not want to JUST go to WDW for our honeymoon JUST because I wanted to. I wanted it to be something that he wanted to do.

I really didn’t think it was going to happen. I sat down with him shortly after our first discussion about DW and gave him my game plane…I just laid the information down in front of him. I basically told him that I knew he would have a wonderful time if he let himself. I also told him if he really did not want this, I would not mention it again. I would not hold it against him, and I would have a wonderful time wherever we went. I knew we were lucky to be going anywhere at all. My bubble though…my dream was popped when he said he would rather not go to WDW for our honeymoon. He told me he could see someday going, but not until we had kids and some more money worked up. :guilty:

A few weeks later, we met some friends of mine for dinner…and they had some friend alongs with them that had JUST gotten back from Walt Disney World for their honeymoon. I did not know this…and contrary to what Steve believes I did not set this up. We heard all about their amazing trip. We heard all about it for over an hour. Steve was very interested, asked questions, but didn’t say much about it after. I didn’t bring it up, like I promised.

Additionally, my parents are big WDW fans and go yearly, so Steve heard about their trips too.

Now, I am not sure if it was because of the Disneymoon we heard about, or if it was hearing how wonderful Disney was from my parents, who Steve truly respects, but one day about a month and a half after we were engaged…seemingly out of the blue, Steve says to me. “You know, I’ve been thinking about the honeymoon, and I think you are right. Disneyworld seems to a great place for us. I think we should go IF you can get the trip within our budget..”

I about cried. I hugged him. I really don’t think he would have changed his mind if would have pushed him at all, but he knew how important it was to me. Most importantly, he wanted to go too. And…Ohhh….a challenge…I love challenges. Our budget was $2,500” which was really a MAX. I’ll talk about that later.

So…I talked about Steve…now I would like to share some information about the other person in our cast…me!

More about this person I call Tessa...me!

Hi!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/IMG_0103.jpg

I am currently working at a day-care (two-year old teacher in a two-year old room…eak! :scared1: ). I graduated from college in 2006 with an elementary education degree and special education endorsement. I am working at a day care because the place I moved to this past July (which is where Steve is working) recently had a drop in enrollment, and a lot of teachers lost their jobs. I’m afraid it will be a few years before I will get into the school system here. For now though, the day care is working out.

So, as you can imagine…I’m also a child at heart :cutie: . This January will probably be my 7th trip to WDW, but the last time I went was in 2003...so it was a few years ago.

The last trip…mother/daughter trip 2003
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/2323232327Ffp4373Evq3D32673E53B73E3.jpg

I have a horrible memory (got to mention now worst than most…I had a bad head injury as a child which affects my memory capacity ) and I can’t remember too much of it…so this trip will be an adventure for both of us.

I also come from a farming family, but my parents made these trips a priority. I’m sure just like most of you have experiences, if you really want to go to Disney…you can make it happen. So, instead of spending money on our house, Christmas…we went to Disneyworld. It is what we wanted. As I mentioned before, my memory is horrible so I can’t remember specifics of these trips, but the bonding was there. They were wonderful. :cloud9:

Alarose

11-30-2008, 02:18 PM

"Ok...I am having trouble getting the links to go...someone please help! I am trying to search in the tech. board, but how do I get the links to link to certain posts????"

That was me before! Thank you so much 2xcited2sleep for helping me out!

Alarose

11-30-2008, 02:57 PM

Part 3: Our Magical Wedding

Again, if you want to read some more (maybe after these teaser picks you may want to) please go up and click on the link to the wedding day journal…but I thought I’d post some pictures from this wonderful day.

Quick info.
We got married on October 25th, 2008 at our home church. The wedding was Disney Themed…we had Cinderella carriages on the tables at the reception. The cake had Mickey Mouse outlines on it and Cinderella glass slippers. It was wonderful. I’ve always dreamed of getting married at home among family and friends, and even though the day was not perfect…it was still a perfect day.

Steve waiting for me
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/n672099663_1581039_1320.jpg

Walking down the aisle with dad
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/n672099663_1581056_7990.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/n672099663_1581057_8379.jpg

Up front with pastor
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/n672099663_1580940_6259.jpg

“You may kiss the bridge”

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/7YQ7OCA5JIW8GCACS8J4PCAAOQKHPCAXNL6.jpg

“I now would like to introduce Mrs. And Mrs. Steven…”
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/n672099663_1580874_2762.jpg

They threw stuff at us!” I think I swallowed one…
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/11-7-200874519PM-1.jpg

On the bus on the way to the reception…ewwww..lol, sry another kissing picture
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/n830867590_938898_2481.jpg

The carriages at the reception
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/carriage.jpg

Us entering the reception
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/asrdfraew.jpg

The cake

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/n1492666427_30099480_8492.jpg

Cutting the cake…and then eating the cake
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/dsfds.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/jjj.jpg

Eating…and then toasts
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/n672099663_1580886_5951.jpg

Father/daughter and mother/son dance (with niece Lola invited to join us after a bit)
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/SteveMom.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/of50332442e.jpg

Now…the dance starts.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/of50590442kmkl.jpg

Hard to tell, but I believe she is having fun lol
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/of50332442lkmmk.jpg

Getting jiggy with it!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/f50590442oijijoijssss.jpg

Now, time for the Karaoke! Yes, we had Karaoke…and we had a blast!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/n123600279_30216813_8458.jpg

Me singing to my husband… awwww
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/n123600279_30216822_1205.jpg

Getting tired…time to leave
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/n123600279_30216823_1519.jpg

The next morning…after our honeymoon night. Do I look uncomfortable…I am! Guess who threw her back out last night? LOL, now you have to go look!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/img_0709.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/img_0711.jpg

Alright, I posted a few more than a ‘few’ pictures. I really hope you enjoyed!

Here is the link again to my wedding day journal if you are interested.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2004218

Alarose

11-30-2008, 04:01 PM

Part 4: Our wonderful and spectacular AAA agent Tracy A.K.A. Dsnymoners!

So, on May 21 I posted this thread on disboards

“Wonderful AAA agents and other questions”http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1832996&page=1&highlight=

I basically asked if anyone knew of any excellent AAA agents, and one contacted me. She has been a wonderful help from the very beginning. She has put up with my multiple emails, requests, and pickiness lol.

I had decided even before being contacted by her to go through AAA. This is something my family has done in the past, and the $15 change is worth the help we got from these wonderful agents.

Again, Tracy has been a great help. She made the change when I switched hotels. She applied the deals as they came out. She has gotten back to me when she could within hours when I’ve contacted her.

Tracy, if you read this…thank you!

Alarose

11-30-2008, 04:08 PM

Part 5: A Bit About Our Budget
Steve is a mechanic….I’m working at a day care. We are in our mid-20s. Understandably, our budget is pretty tight. I mentioned earlier that our budget is going to be $2,500. Part of me still really wants to splurge a bit more on this trip…it is our honeymoon. The other part…the majority, knows that we really can’t afford it. So, unless we want to start out our lives together is Disney Debt. We need to make some cuts someplace.

Where to cut? The hotel???

I really always imagined…if someday I got to go on a honeymoon to Disneyworld I would get to go to one of the Deluxe resorts…Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club Resort, Contemporary…‘wistful sigh.’ :cloud9: My ultimate dream was to stay at my favorite Deluxe resort…Animal Kingdom lodge….’drool.’ :banana: $240 a night is just out of our budge. Now, I KNOW we may have been able to afford Animal Kingdom if we would have made cuts other places…food, how long we stayed, ticket options…. We just figured out our priorities….and right now staying at a Moderate or Deluxe hotel is not a priority. We would rather stay longer at a Value than shorter at a Deluxe.

So, Value it is.

Where to cut? The stay???

Now, this was a pretty brief discussion. If Steve was going to go to Walt Disney World, his first time I wanted him to have at least 5 or 6 full days to experience it. Also, he has a week off of paid vacation, so we decided to use it!

Where to cut? Food???

Now, I know another way we could have saved some money is if brought along our own food for meals and ate in the room, or just ate a bunch of counter serves and maybe one nice meal or two…we may have been able to afford a nicer hotel then too.

BUT, when I went to Walt Disney World with my mom back in 2003 we did the Regular meal plan and LOVED it! :woohoo: I know it is quite a bit different than it was back in 2003 (tipping not included…bah humbug), but this was also a fairly brief discussion.

Also, I knew Steve and I knew he would enjoy his dining experience more if it was pre-paid for.;)

We wanted to spurge a bit on eating…so we got the Disney Magic Your Way Plus Dining package.

Where to cut? Transportation???

We decided almost right away that we were going to fly. Driving would have taken away at least four days out of our vacation, and we only had a limited number of days we could be away from work.

So, flying we will go!

Where to cut? Tickets?

So, we decided to cut a bit for tickets. The flexibility of Park Hopper and the extra opportunities of Water Parks and more would be nice… but I decided to TRY to plan without park hopper. It saved us a few hundred bucks. Also, we are going during Januarry, so it is kind of cold for waterparks….maybe another time we can check them out.

So, magic your way package…no park hopping and no water parks.

Synopsis.

Hotel: Large cut here. We are going to choose a Value resort but on Disney property.

Length of stay: At least 6 days…which is a pretty long stay at Disney World…so a bit of a splurge here.

Meals: Splurge here…doing the Magic Your Way Plus Dining

Transportation: No cut here…going to fly! Coach though.

Tickets: A bit of a cut here…trying to have no park hopper and not doing water parks.

Alarose

11-30-2008, 04:14 PM

Well, I really hope you are enjoying so far! :)

WOW! :scared1: I've been working on this for over 4 hours! :surfweb: Opps...so...the 'in progress' items will be posted at a different time! I'll be checking in later today though...'maybe' working...but I need to do something a bit more productive lol

Thanks for reading!

Alarose

11-30-2008, 06:11 PM

ohhh quick question for those in the know. I am looking through some pre-trip reports and people are posting their tags. We don't have these yet??? Should we? Our trip in a little over a month away...now I'm worried. Did I forget to do something...did they get lost? eak! :surfweb:

BeckWhy

11-30-2008, 07:59 PM

Tessa your dress is AMAZING!

I can't wait til your trip! I know you are reading through my TR, but I love Pop. Until this trip I would not have stayed anywhere else. It's just very "Disney" for me.

I've also gone in January... and it can be cold... it would really suck to pay all that money for the water parks for it to possibly be too cold to go there.

And we never park hop... we can almost always get everything done we want to in one day.

It is pretty funny... we have a lot in common... my ex was a mechanic... I used to work in day care..

Alarose

12-01-2008, 07:36 AM

Thank you Beck! It really was a great day.

So, you are a fan of Pop? I'm glad you have enjoyed your previous days there.

So you don't park hop? When I've gone in the past, we have park hopped. One good thing for not park hopping is you don't waste time traveling. I think we arre there plenty long, so we should have no problem seeing everything. The biggest problem I am having is picking good days at Holiwood Studios for Fantasmic...the one day there is Fantasmic it is going to be super busy. I may be using two days at Fantasmic, and that first d ay when we go see Fantasmic not spending too much time in the park (either go to DTD for the day or hotel touring)

kgle

12-01-2008, 10:51 AM

Alarose

12-01-2008, 01:08 PM

Wow great PTR! You looked amazing for your wedding and your dress is absolutely beautiful :) I am excited to hear more about your trip! I am keeping my fingers crossed that you get bumped up to AKL with some pixie dust! pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust:

Thank you so much kgle! Pixie dust gladly accepted...and needed. It makes me want to cry sometimes seeing other people's picturres of these beautiful resorts. I've been reading about some other people's grand vacations, and mine seems pitaful in comparison. LOL I know I am super lucky just ot get a chance to go to Disney. It will be wonderful no water where we stay or what we get to do, but I would be doing this :banana: if we got magiced up to to even a moderate.

Thanks!

Ok...working on my next installment. :)

Alarose

12-01-2008, 01:11 PM

Part 6: The Plan- When?

So, as I mentioned before…we had to wait until after January to go on our honeymoon because Steve’s vacation time doesn’t start until January. So, I went as early in January as possible LOL!

And…according to Tour Guide Mike (yes, I subscribed to Tour Guide Mike…loved this site! So helpful) these dates have relatively low crowd levels.

Well, one thing that put a little hick-up in our plans is I found out the 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon was going to be going on during our stay (8th-10th). So, I know that ups the crowd levels a bit, but I hope not too much. We are already stuck in our days. Anyway, it is only going on for a few days that we are there. We should be good.

So, again January 8th-15th

Alarose

12-01-2008, 01:14 PM

The Plan: Hotel

As I mentioned before, I wish we could swing even a moderate into this trip. Part of me thinks, "well, it is our honeymoon." The other part would rather stay longer in a value hotel than shorter in a delux. My dream would be Animal Kingdom Lodge...sigh.

So, we had decided to stay at a value hotel, but which value hotel?

We were first planning on staying at an old favorite of mine All Stars Sports. All Stars has a wonderful bus system, I loved the themes, and I loved our previous two stays there (like in 1999 and 2003).

Picture of our All Stars Sport room in 2003
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/2323232327Ffp433B3Evq3D32673E53B73E.jpg

Other pictures of the resort (got from online sources)

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/38ae0793f7bb9134.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/f7175b8accaa39a0.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/cc88d82d2e0a151c.jpg

I didn’t change my mind until a few months ago when I was reading about Pop Century. It was a resort I did not even think about…I think it was just in production stage or brand new when we came in 2003 (I may be wrong…). I was just reading how much newer and cleaner it was than some of the other resorts. It was also a place that I have never stayed, so Steve and I can experience Pop Century the first time together. I now the cons are the bus system some people say isn’t as good as All Stars. True, POP has it’s own system…but the buses come less frequently. My mom is a huge fun of All Stars, and thinks I’m kind of nuts for switching over. I guess we’ll have to see.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/2a1bdd277ebae536.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/87e083dd9c665e54.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/956a3c15921c7594.jpg

When Tracy (my AAA agent from disboards) made the reservations for me, I made a preference for a room in the 70s section and a king sized bed. She also noted that this trip was for our honeymoon. I know they can’t promise our preferences, but I am really hoping that it is our honeymoon will at least secure us a King bed

So, the hotel we will be staying at is Pop Century hopefully in the 70s or 50s section with a King sized bed (fingers crossed)

MiaBella05

12-01-2008, 02:09 PM

popcorn:: subscribing popcorn::

BeckWhy

12-01-2008, 06:46 PM

Tessa,

I'm a pretty big fan of POP... but when you start reading through my TR (as I post it) you'll realize I start to get annoyed there.

I decided that I want to stay in a deluxe my next trip. I'm not sure what any future discount includes, but with the 4/3 deal it'd only cost us about $500 more per person to stay at AKL. Some have tried to talk me into staying at a moderate, but if I did that I'd only stay at POFQ and I know that sells out fast when it comes to discounts. I've gotten a pretty good job now and I think I can afford the difference.

I used to park hop when I was a kid. And I'm not that worried about travel time. Most days I plan on a nap at the hotel anyways.

When it comes to Fantasmic... MAKE SURE YOU ARRIVE EARLY! At least 30 minutes early. This is the one show that I can't stress that enough. Two times we've gone and it's been dead in the park and Fantasmic filled up so fast.

Also, when you called for your room requests, did you tell them its your honeymoon? It will be the year of celebrations or whatever and marriage is a big celebration! Also, I think every time you call tell the CM first thing something like "OMG! I'm so excited to be going to WDW for my honeymoon!" or something.. not saying it will change anything... but you never know.

Thank you so much kgle! Pixie dust gladly accepted...and needed. It makes me want to cry sometimes seeing other people's picturres of these beautiful resorts. I've been reading about some other people's grand vacations, and mine seems pitaful in comparison. LOL I know I am super lucky just ot get a chance to go to Disney. It will be wonderful no water where we stay or what we get to do, but I would be doing this :banana: if we got magiced up to to even a moderate.

Thanks!

Ok...working on my next installment. :)

Don't look at your honeymoon/vacation as pitiful based on what other people say or do. Different things are important to different people. I mean you may spend more time in your room than we do (since its your honeymoon) but really you won't do too much in the room anyways.

I've always budgeted my vacations because I'd rather drive a $50,000 car than stay in an expensive hotel that I'm only in about 10 hours out of the day (9 of which is sleep).

Part 6: The Plan- When?

So, as I mentioned before…we had to wait until after January to go on our honeymoon because Steve’s vacation time doesn’t start until January. So, I went as early in January as possible LOL!

And…according to Tour Guide Mike (yes, I subscribed to Tour Guide Mike…loved this site! So helpful) these dates have relatively low crowd levels.

Well, one thing that put a little hick-up in our plans is I found out the 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon was going to be going on during our stay (8th-10th). So, I know that ups the crowd levels a bit, but I hope not too much. We are already stuck in our days. Anyway, it is only going on for a few days that we are there. We should be good.

So, again January 8th-15th

I've been during the marathon. Mostly only the MK is affected. We really didn't see much of the runners anyways except in the fast food restaurants. Well, at the airport they were all over.

In regards to your comments about POP's buses - Only one day did we wait more then 5 minutes for a bus. There was always multiple buses at the close of the night for Pop. And buses were coming so frequently they rarely allowed people to stand.

The only other resort that I saw a lot of buses to was Caribbean Beach Resort.

Alarose

12-01-2008, 08:16 PM

Tessa,

I'm a pretty big fan of POP... but when you start reading through my TR (as I post it) you'll realize I start to get annoyed there.

I decided that I want to stay in a deluxe my next trip. I'm not sure what any future discount includes, but with the 4/3 deal it'd only cost us about $500 more per person to stay at AKL. Some have tried to talk me into staying at a moderate, but if I did that I'd only stay at POFQ and I know that sells out fast when it comes to discounts. I've gotten a pretty good job now and I think I can afford the difference.

I used to park hop when I was a kid. And I'm not that worried about travel time. Most days I plan on a nap at the hotel anyways.

When it comes to Fantasmic... MAKE SURE YOU ARRIVE EARLY! At least 30 minutes early. This is the one show that I can't stress that enough. Two times we've gone and it's been dead in the park and Fantasmic filled up so fast.

Also, when you called for your room requests, did you tell them its your honeymoon? It will be the year of celebrations or whatever and marriage is a big celebration! Also, I think every time you call tell the CM first thing something like "OMG! I'm so excited to be going to WDW for my honeymoon!" or something.. not saying it will change anything... but you never know.

Don't look at your honeymoon/vacation as pitiful based on what other people say or do. Different things are important to different people. I mean you may spend more time in your room than we do (since its your honeymoon) but really you won't do too much in the room anyways.

I've always budgeted my vacations because I'd rather drive a $50,000 car than stay in an expensive hotel that I'm only in about 10 hours out of the day (9 of which is sleep).

I've been during the marathon. Mostly only the MK is affected. We really didn't see much of the runners anyways except in the fast food restaurants. Well, at the airport they were all over.

In regards to your comments about POP's buses - Only one day did we wait more then 5 minutes for a bus. There was always multiple buses at the close of the night for Pop. And buses were coming so frequently they rarely allowed people to stand.

The only other resort that I saw a lot of buses to was Caribbean Beach Resort.

Thanks for the advice for Fantasmic. This is one of my favorite shows! I've only seen it once...can't wait to see it again.

I don't know if I've read your latest installment, but what about Pop wasn't working out for yoou? Hmmmm I'll need to read:surfweb:

And Yes...we made sure people knew it was our honeymoon LOL. We are planning on getting pins and Mickey and Minnie Mouse wedding ears. Yeah, when I first heard about the theme being Magical Celebrations...Honeymoon= celebrations. I got to say I was a bit disapointed when the angle they went was all about b-days. Maybe there will be extra bonuses later....fingers crossed.

Glad to hear that you have been there during the Mararthon weekend and it didn't seem too bad. Oh oh though, we are planning on the MG for the first day lol.

So, no longer than 5 minutes for the busses??? that's not bad.

LOL, I had to laugh at your comment about how long we'll be in the room. LOL, we probaby won't be spending too much 'awake' time in there either. We will have been married for a few months already, so hopefully we will be out of 'that stage.' We ARE planning on going back to the room for afternoon naps. That is one peice of advice I picked up on.

Alarose

12-01-2008, 08:19 PM

Part 8: The Plan -Meals

So, I already basically said what we are going to be doing about this. Disney Dining Plan! Yes, I know I could probably save some money here by eating in the room or even just watching where we eat, but I got so spoiled with my mom when we did the Disney Dining Plan last time. I am so excited!

I’m trying to tell Steve about how wonderful the food is, and how full he will be. There is no way he has any idea until we are there though lol

So, from January 8th-15th we (total for the two of us) get 14 Disney Dining Counter Services, 14 Table Services, and 14 snack credits. Where will we be eating? What Signature Dining place will we try? You’ll have to wait and see ;)

Alarose

12-01-2008, 08:19 PM

Part 9: The Plan- Transportation

Well, I already basically told you what we are going to do for this. We will fly! Northwest Airlines

We will leave Thursday, January 8th at 6:50 A.M. (ewwww….which means I’ll be moving by like 4:30). We should arrive in Orlando at 4:54 P.M. (two stops, coming from Iowa). Now, I don’t think we will get to Pop Century until at least 6:30 P.M… someone let me know if this is wrong.

Then we will leave (sob) Orlando Thursday, January 18th at 8:20 A.M. and should arrive in Iowa by 2:40 (shorter layovers). I wish we had short layovers for the trip there and not back…oh well.

Alarose

12-01-2008, 08:20 PM

Part 10: The plan- Tickets

Yup, already told you this already too. We are going to do Disney Magic Your Way tickets. We are hoping not to do any park hopper or water parks. I am still kind of keeping my fingers crossed for the free upgrade offer they usually come out with for January, but I am now kind of doubting because of the awesome 4/3 deal (which I LOVED)

2xcited2sleep

12-01-2008, 08:25 PM

Alarose

12-01-2008, 08:46 PM

Hi Tessa!

Your wedding photos are beautiful. I especially like the Disney touches like the Cinderella carriages and the mickey cake. You both look very happy! :goodvibes

And congratulations on coordinating a Disneymoon! That was fate happening upon your friends who were just back from their trip!

Your plans look great. I'm looking forward to hearing more about it and of course am looking forward to your trip when it is cold and dark here in CT and I need a burst of Disney magic!

:goodvibes

Thank you! Even though I couldn't have a wedding at Disney, I brought Disney to my wedding lol. It was a wonderful day, and we are very happy.

LOL...it will be SOO nice getting out of this Iowa cold in January....brrrrr!

Thanks for reading! ;)

Alarose

12-02-2008, 08:14 AM

Part 11: Day 1

Thursday, January 8th, 2008

NOPE! Not anymore! Got an update from the airline that one of our layovers was canceled! So, insteed of arriving at Orlando at 5:00 (which was going ot make me probably miss Spectro...only night we could go see it)...we will be there a WHOLE THREE HOURS EARLY!

I felt that pixie dust! Thanks tink!

SOOO...updated DAY !

6:35 A.M. (was 6:50) the airplane takes off for the wonderful world of .. Minneapolis. Our ONLY layover now! I like Minneapolis’s airport though. We have a layover there from 8:06-10:25 A.M. That should give us plenty of time to tour the airport, find some coffee and breakfast.

I got a pretty good deal on these tickets (coming from a fairly small airport around here). We are paying $575.98 for the both of us. I bought these tickets months ago.

Our next stop WAS going to be Grand Rapids Kent County Intl, and we WERE going to have to stay there for TWO HOURS! Nope, no more :)

Then, we arrive! On to Orlando! I’ve never flown directly to Orlando before…I’ve flown to Panama City Beach, FL to visit family and then drove to Orlando. I’ve ridden to Orlando, but this is the first time I’ll fly right into Orlando airport. I bet there will be some Disney funs right with us on the plane.

We should land in the beautiful, hopefully warm, state of FL by 2:13 P.M.

We are going to do the ME (Magical Express) service right to the hotel, so then we will head right to the ME Service desk. From what I have been reading, this weight isn’t too long. Then we have the wonderful 45 minute drive on the ME bus to Pop Century.

So...no hurry now to get back to POP and then to Magic Kingdom for Spectro...

So, we have time to settle in a bit! We will make it back to the hotel and unpack and settle in our room. Also, we are going to run some errands. First, we need to pick up some tickets we’ll need later in the week. Then, we will use some of our snack credits to pick up a few items from the Pop Century food court.
Also, we have some other items to collect. Like…pick up one of these

And these!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/10906484_icon.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/10906485_icon.jpg

And these!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/3013M.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/3014M.jpg

Also,
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/refillablemugs.jpg

Then, about 5:45/6:00. We will head to Magic Kingdom for the 7:00 Spectromagic show :rotfl2: . Before or after the show, the plan is to grab some dinner from Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café (use one of our CSC…counter service credits).

Then, after the show...we will head back to the hotel for some much needed sleep!

:banana:

BeckWhy

12-02-2008, 10:28 AM

Thanks for the advice for Fantasmic. This is one of my favorite shows! I've only seen it once...can't wait to see it again.

I don't know if I've read your latest installment, but what about Pop wasn't working out for yoou? Hmmmm I'll need to read:surfweb:

And Yes...we made sure people knew it was our honeymoon LOL. We are planning on getting pins and Mickey and Minnie Mouse wedding ears. Yeah, when I first heard about the theme being Magical Celebrations...Honeymoon= celebrations. I got to say I was a bit disapointed when the angle they went was all about b-days. Maybe there will be extra bonuses later....fingers crossed.

Glad to hear that you have been there during the Mararthon weekend and it didn't seem too bad. Oh oh though, we are planning on the MG for the first day lol.

So, no longer than 5 minutes for the busses??? that's not bad.

LOL, I had to laugh at your comment about how long we'll be in the room. LOL, we probaby won't be spending too much 'awake' time in there either. We will have been married for a few months already, so hopefully we will be out of 'that stage.' We ARE planning on going back to the room for afternoon naps. That is one peice of advice I picked up on.

In regards to Fantasmic, I think when we were there in January 2004 we arrive 15 minutes early and the place was pretty empty. But when we were there in Sept 2006 we got there 15 min early and all that was left was standing room. This past trip I made sure we got there early. Maybe 25 minutes. The stadium was mostly full. But there was an entire section they weren't seating people. That section maybe filled up 1/2 full. So I think it is really hit or miss with Fantasmic. I mean when we were there in 2006 DS was rated a 3/10 from the Unofficial Guide's website, and this past year it was a 7/10.

I haven't updated my TR yet, I'll get to it today though. I hope to get a few out today.

Part 8: The Plan -Meals

So, I already basically said what we are going to be doing about this. Disney Dining Plan! Yes, I know I could probably save some money here by eating in the room or even just watching where we eat, but I got so spoiled with my mom when we did the Disney Dining Plan last time. I am so excited!

I’m trying to tell Steve about how wonderful the food is, and how full he will be. There is no way he has any idea until we are there though lol

So, from January 8th-15th we (total for the two of us) get 14 Disney Dining Counter Services, 14 Table Services, and 14 snack credits. Where will we be eating? What Signature Dining place will we try? You’ll have to wait and see ;)

I think DDP is great. We didn't do it this year because I thought we'd be more pressed for time (and they eliminated the appetizer from the list). We loved it when we got free dining in 2006 though.

I haven't ate at any sig place yet, but have you checked out the menus? I'd do that. All restaurants have good reviews and bad reviews. I think if you like sushi then California Grill is the place. Or if you like steak, Yatchsman Steakhouse. I really wanna try Yatchsman. I love the Yatch and Beach Clubs.

As for your question about how long it takes to get from Airport to POP, it actually really only takes about 40 minutes once the ME bus is moving. It can take you about 20 minutes give for take to walk through the airport (unless you rush it than it doesn't take long at all). If you wait for your own luggage, I don't know how long that takes. It takes about 5 minutes to check into ME, and I've never waited more than 10 minutes or so for the ME bus to POP to come.

I don't think it takes a couple of hours from MCO to POP. Our plane was scheduled to land at 2:46 pm (I know we landed early too), plus I went to the Disney Store and the Seaworld Store, and the NASA store. Plus we went to the wrong terminal for ME. We were checked in and arrived at our room at 4 pm exactly (I'm not kidding!). So it really doesn't take that long.

Your plane tickets sound pretty decent priced. We paid $330 for the two of us and they were direct flights.

Alarose

12-02-2008, 12:56 PM

In regards to Fantasmic, I think when we were there in January 2004 we arrive 15 minutes early and the place was pretty empty. But when we were there in Sept 2006 we got there 15 min early and all that was left was standing room. This past trip I made sure we got there early. Maybe 25 minutes. The stadium was mostly full. But there was an entire section they weren't seating people. That section maybe filled up 1/2 full. So I think it is really hit or miss with Fantasmic. I mean when we were there in 2006 DS was rated a 3/10 from the Unofficial Guide's website, and this past year it was a 7/10.

I haven't updated my TR yet, I'll get to it today though. I hope to get a few out today.

I think DDP is great. We didn't do it this year because I thought we'd be more pressed for time (and they eliminated the appetizer from the list). We loved it when we got free dining in 2006 though.

I haven't ate at any sig place yet, but have you checked out the menus? I'd do that. All restaurants have good reviews and bad reviews. I think if you like sushi then California Grill is the place. Or if you like steak, Yatchsman Steakhouse. I really wanna try Yatchsman. I love the Yatch and Beach Clubs.

As for your question about how long it takes to get from Airport to POP, it actually really only takes about 40 minutes once the ME bus is moving. It can take you about 20 minutes give for take to walk through the airport (unless you rush it than it doesn't take long at all). If you wait for your own luggage, I don't know how long that takes. It takes about 5 minutes to check into ME, and I've never waited more than 10 minutes or so for the ME bus to POP to come.

I don't think it takes a couple of hours from MCO to POP. Our plane was scheduled to land at 2:46 pm (I know we landed early too), plus I went to the Disney Store and the Seaworld Store, and the NASA store. Plus we went to the wrong terminal for ME. We were checked in and arrived at our room at 4 pm exactly (I'm not kidding!). So it really doesn't take that long.

Your plane tickets sound pretty decent priced. We paid $330 for the two of us and they were direct flights.

With Fantasmic going to only one show a week...we are taking no chances. The plan is to be there a good hour or more before the show. I hear crowds are just nuts. I really hope they add more shows as the time gets closer. :scared1:

I looked through quite a few Signature/2 credit menues...lol, the one we actually chose really isn't too much of a Romantic/Honeymoon place. Still, a place I am sure Steve and I are really going to enjoy. I kind of left the choice us to Steve (I am planning so much, I wanted him to feel he had some say). I gave him menues to some of these nice places that had good reviews and then to a few of the dinner shows. Guess which one he choose. Yup, Hoop Dee Do Music Review. LOL, no I'm excited though. It is so us lol

PHEW! I feel much better about the time between the airport and the hotel. We could work with an hour or more. I feel much better. We should have time to run into the park for the parade then.

Alarose

12-02-2008, 12:59 PM

Ok ok....it was a dream

Lastnight I had the strangest dream...we were checking into the Pop Century hotel (which by the way had huge balloons on the ceiling that kept popping...lol, something Steve had said earlier) and suddently Mickey and Minnie came stomping into the lobby with their wedding gear on. They had 'angry' faces on. Then the CM with them proceded to tell us we weren't allowed at Disney because we were staying at POP for our honeymoon.

Ok...so, the dream sounds funny, and now it is funny. I was like :scared1: though! I woke up Steve (still half asleep) and said something like "Mickey doesn't like me."

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/1c8c5f62b3cb2e36.jpg

LMAO:lmao:

I had to share

BeckWhy

12-02-2008, 01:10 PM

With Fantasmic going to only one show a week...we are taking no chances. The plan is to be there a good hour or more before the show. I hear crowds are just nuts. I really hope they add more shows as the time gets closer. :scared1:

I looked through quite a few Signature/2 credit menues...lol, the one we actually chose really isn't too much of a Romantic/Honeymoon place. Still, a place I am sure Steve and I are really going to enjoy. I kind of left the choice us to Steve (I am planning so much, I wanted him to feel he had some say). I gave him menues to some of these nice places that had good reviews and then to a few of the dinner shows. Guess which one he choose. Yup, Hoop Dee Do Music Review. LOL, no I'm excited though. It is so us lol

PHEW! I feel much better about the time between the airport and the hotel. We could work with an hour or more. I feel much better. We should have time to run into the park for the parade then.

My experience with Hoop-Dee-Doo Review isn't the best, but I know people who visit it every trip. Just one word of advice: make sure you know your transportation!

The show lasts about 2 hours, so if any of the parks are still open you could possibly go there, but make sure they have at least an hour of open time life (ie if you are done at 9 pm, and Epcot closes at 9, don't go there). We waited for EVER for the bus to DTD before I flipped out on a bus driver cuz we couldn't get back to our hotel (I was sick after eating there too).

Alarose

12-03-2008, 11:32 AM

Part 12: Day 2

Friday, January 9th, 2008

So, today is our first full day at Disney World. I am taking us to the one park that most people think about when they think Disney World. Magic Kingdom!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/untitled-1.jpg

I was a bit worried when I heard MK crowds will be busier because of the Marathon…but according to TGM they should be too bad.

9:00 Park opening: Leave by 8:15
The park opens at 9:00 A.M. and closes at 8:00 P.M. We want to hit the park opening, so we plan on leaving the room by 8:00/8:15, fill out mugs at the food court, and then get in line for the bus to MK.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/Pop-Century-Transportation-1.jpg

We are just doing one day at MK, so we should be fairly busy.

Lunch: Pepper Market
We are planning on heading to Coronado Springs to the Pepper Market for a late lunch.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/peppermarket.jpg

Break: 2:00-4:00
Then after lunch we will head back to POP for a 2 to 3 hour break (probably nap…a time I remember I needed during my last trip lol). Steve doesn’t quite believe he’ll need a nap, but I know we will both crash.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/Pop-Century-Rooms-1.jpg

Magic Kingdom Evening
Then early evening we will head back to Magic Kingdom and finish touring the park. I am hoping to keep my plans fairly simple when it comes to the attractions. I feel like I am already over planning a bit, but I want to at least have my fast-pass plan ready for the morning. After that we plan on just wondering.

Dinner: Crystal Palace
Then we have a 6:20 dinner reservation at the Crystal Palace.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/ms_crystal.jpg

Wishes at 8:00
I wanted to end our first night with a bang, so we are going to see the 8:00 Wishes fireworks show. We are planning on sitting somewhere along main street, in front of Cinderella’s Castle.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/wishes2.jpg

Back to hotel
We will leisurely make our way back to the hotel after the fireworks. I know crowds are just nuts after Wishes, so we will probably hang around the park for a little while until the crowds thin, and then head back to the hotel for the night.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/Disney_Pop_Century_Rubix_Night.jpg

Snack choices
Each day I have some good snack choices to use for the dining plan. Here is what we have to choose from for Magic Kingdom. I think we will probably use a handful of credits at the Main Street Bakery for breakfasts for the next few mornings, but I wanted to leave a choice.
- Funnel Cake. Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom
- Main Street Bakery
- Cream Cheese Pretzel at The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland

So, what do you think? I was a bit hesitant about starting Steve out at Magic Kingdom, because it is so child oriented. I think he’ll have a blast there though.

Alarose

12-03-2008, 11:39 AM

My experience with Hoop-Dee-Doo Review isn't the best, but I know people who visit it every trip. Just one word of advice: make sure you know your transportation!

The show lasts about 2 hours, so if any of the parks are still open you could possibly go there, but make sure they have at least an hour of open time life (ie if you are done at 9 pm, and Epcot closes at 9, don't go there). We waited for EVER for the bus to DTD before I flipped out on a bus driver cuz we couldn't get back to our hotel (I was sick after eating there too).

Yes, I hear this place is pretty hard to find. Mom set up a game plan for me though. I can't remember what it is...but I have it somewhere lol.

I can't remember what I had planned after HDD...I think hotel touring? Hmm I'll have to go look.

Thanks!

BeckWhy

12-03-2008, 09:46 PM

BeckWhy

12-03-2008, 09:48 PM

I think your best bet is to go to DS or Epcot. They are about the same distance.

Alarose

12-04-2008, 07:44 AM

Tessa,

Make sure you buy your refillable mugs the night before! The lines can be crazy at Pop in the morning. We never had a long wait, but sometimes you never know.

So I definately suggest taking 15 minutes first thing in the morning and getting breakfast at Main St Bakery. I got a cinnamon roll there and it was huge and so good!

Going from Pepper Market to Pop may take you up to an hour or longer! I'm not sure what the best way is, but I wouldn't go back to the MK just to switch buses. EPCOT, AK and DS are better choices.

I want to make sure i understand. Beck, do you mean take the bus from Pepper Market to DS or Epcot...or take the bus from Magic Kingdom to DS or Epcot. LOL, I am thinking you mean the first, but I'm a bit confused.

Yummmmm I remember the pic of your cinnamon roll and how good you said it was. If I remember right, don't get what Eric got lol. I think I even showed Steve the pictures of the food there, and he was like "we are going to go there, right?" lol

BeckWhy

12-04-2008, 08:19 AM

I want to make sure i understand. Beck, do you mean take the bus from Pepper Market to DS or Epcot...or take the bus from Magic Kingdom to DS or Epcot. LOL, I am thinking you mean the first, but I'm a bit confused.

Yummmmm I remember the pic of your cinnamon roll and how good you said it was. If I remember right, don't get what Eric got lol. I think I even showed Steve the pictures of the food there, and he was like "we are going to go there, right?" lol

To get from MK to Coronado Springs take the bus from MK to CS. To get from CS to POP you need to go from CS to EPCOT or DS and then to POP.

I thought Eric's sandwich was really good. He didn't like it though. But I definately think the cinnamon roll is better bang for your buck!

Alarose

12-04-2008, 07:35 PM

Ok, got it. Thanks! So, no bus connecting CS and Pop. That is good to know!

LOL, I am glad we decided to try NOT to park hop. I think we would get lost in the transitions from park to park lol.

So, I'm playing around with the thread's title....trying to get something a bit more original :banana:

princess22

12-04-2008, 07:50 PM

I just wanted to say Congrats on your wedding! It looks like it was beautiful.

Just a comment on the bus from Pepper Market. I would go to Hollywood Studios over Epcot. It's more of a straight route, even Epcot is a little far out of the way. But I'm the kind of person who doesn't like taking the long way!

Alarose

12-05-2008, 07:43 AM

Alarose

12-05-2008, 08:16 AM

Part 13: Day 3

Saturday, January 10th, 2008

Today we are going to Epcot! I have two days planned at Epcot…this is day 1.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/2344562165_96e033199e.jpg

Epcot is one of my least favorite parks (that I remember). Even when I went with my mom a few years ago I got a bit bored. Maybe this year will be different now that I’m older and with Steve. We’ll see. I can see Steve loving it though.

9:00 park opening: Leave by 8:15
The park opens at 9:00 A.M. and closes at 9:00 P.M. Again we will make a stop in the PC lobby to fill up our mugs and then get in line to wait for the Epcot bus.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/2702483528_d6ae209498.jpg

Lunch: Sunshine Seasons
I’ve heard this is a yummy place.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/466779888_c64f097f8a.jpg

Break: 2:00-4:00
Now it is time for the ‘rest’ time of our day. This will also help us escape some crowds if it gets busy.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/92627388_40b54cd05f.jpg

Epcot evening
After our break, we‘ll head back to the park to continue touring.

Dinner: Le Cellier at 5:45
Yes, we did get a reservation at Le Cellier! This is one of my favorite ’food’ places.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/196560837_e6d0e646cc.jpg

IllumiNations (Possibility) at 9:00 P.M.
I am going to check the weather, and if there is any chance of rain at the end of the week we are going to go to IllumiNations this night. If the weather looks good, I want to wait until the end of the week (end it with a bang).
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/2171768767_5ecaee690a.jpg

Back to hotel

Tonight will be a lightly later night than the night before, so I except when we get back to PC…we’ll crash.

Snack choices
I didn’t find as many snack choices for Epcot as I did Magic Kingdom. Does anyone have any other suggestions??? Here is what I got…from what my mom says we will be happy going here twice.
- Kringla Bakeri og Café, Norway, Epcot http://allears.net/menu/menu_k.htm (Kringla Sweet Pretzel $3.79, School Bread $2.49)

Alarose

12-05-2008, 09:37 PM

No, really...readers welcomed :goodvibes

princess22

12-06-2008, 08:41 AM

Alarose

12-06-2008, 10:30 AM

There is also a bakery in France which normally has pretty good stuff. Funnel Cakes are near the American Adventure. Oh, and in Japan they have amazing snow cones. I'm not sure if you can use a snack credit for them, but they are the best snow cones I have ever had!

Steve is a huge fan of Funnel Cakes. Thanks for the tip!

What is the bakery called? Probably hard ot miss...will just follow our noses lol :banana:

2xcited2sleep

12-07-2008, 03:44 PM

Ah, funnel cakes. So much yumminess in World Showcase. And hurrah for an ADR at Le Cellier! :yay:

Alarose

12-08-2008, 08:15 AM

ty 2excited2sleep!

I am excited we got reservations there. Vry yummy place!

Well, I am exactly one month from our honeymoon vacation! Whoohooo!

30 days to go!

Alarose

12-10-2008, 12:02 PM

Whohoooo! Party! Woot woot! :banana: :banana: :banana: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

I am just super happy right now! I got a WONDERFUL email from my airline letting me know there was a major schedule change for our DEPARTURE day on January 8th! Instead of arriving at Orlando at 4:54 (or something like that), we arre arriving at 2:13! WHOHOOOOOOO!

This means we won't have to miss Spectromagic! We should be able to even get some unpacking and unwinding AND Magic Kingdom time!

I'll have to completely change Day 1, but oh well No complaints! :banana:

Alarose

12-10-2008, 12:04 PM

Ohhhh I just realized WHY we are saving so much time! We no longer have a layover at Grand Rapids!

We go from Dubuque, to Minneapolis, RIGHT to Orlando! Yeah!

Alarose

12-10-2008, 12:17 PM

DAY 1 is updated! :goodvibes

BeckWhy

12-11-2008, 04:58 PM

gk90

12-18-2008, 09:10 AM

Congrats and enjoy your disneymoon! Your wedding pictures are lovely! And please don't feel bad about not spending as much as others--you're doing the smart thing by sticking to a budget and not getting in over your head. I'm sure it will be magical for you.

About Epcot, Kringla is one of our favorite snack and lunch places. While you're in Norway enjoy the Maelstrom ride and the gift shop--great photo ops with the trolls, and rubbing their noses will bring you good luck.

For a lovely souvenir that will last a long time why not go to the department store in Japan and do the pick a pearl? Here are a couple of threads on it:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1022091&page=18
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1343458&page=0&highlight=pearl+epcot

Alarose

12-19-2008, 11:42 AM

I can't believe that EPCOT is your least favorite! I have to spend at least 2 days there! Try to check out the little shows that are put on through World Showcase like Servuer Amusant in France and Sergio in Italy.

I love that pic of Sunshine Seasons! I have never seen it like that before.

For snack choices in Epcot... I love the bakery in France. I never ate at Kringla before though.

Yeah, I might enjoy Epcot more this year...again it was quite a few years when I went last time. We are planning on spending two days there :) Thanks for the advice about watching the shows...I'll make sure we don't miss those.

Thanks..lol, I just did a search for Sunshine Seasons and that is one of the pics that came up.

Congrats and enjoy your disneymoon! Your wedding pictures are lovely! And please don't feel bad about not spending as much as others--you're doing the smart thing by sticking to a budget and not getting in over your head. I'm sure it will be magical for you.

About Epcot, Kringla is one of our favorite snack and lunch places. While you're in Norway enjoy the Maelstrom ride and the gift shop--great photo ops with the trolls, and rubbing their noses will bring you good luck.

For a lovely souvenir that will last a long time why not go to the department store in Japan and do the pick a pearl? Here are a couple of threads on it:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1022091&page=18
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1343458&page=0&highlight=pearl+epcot

Thank you so much! It was a wonderful wedding ;) LOL, I will have to go rub noses with a troll lol. :lmao:

Thanks for the idea about picking a pearl. I will check into that!

Ok, working on my next day...finally! LOL, I'll just be finishing my pre-trip reporrt when it will be time to go.

Alarose

12-19-2008, 12:11 PM

Part 14: Day 4

Sunday, January 10th, 2008

We are going to go check out Animal Kingdom!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/Disney-s-Animal-Kingdom-Screensa-1.png

Now, I’m a big fan of Animal Kingdom…love animals. I think Steve will enjoy it too…especially some of the rides I remember. Also….a new one…I will finally get to ride Expedition Everest! Yeah! :cool1:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/Disney-s-Animal-Kingdom-Screensaver.png

9:00 park opening: Leave by 8:15
The park opens at 9:00 A.M. and closes at 5 P.M. Again we will make a stop in the PC lobby to fill up our mugs and then get in line to wait for the Epcot bus.

Lunch: Flame Tree BBQ
This is one of the few counter services I remember eating with my mom. The ribs here are sooo yummy!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/BFE401.jpg

Break: ???
Now, I am not sure if we will actually head back to the hotel for a break today, because we are going to make an early night. If we are finished with Animal Kingdom by 2:00 then we might head back to the hotel or go to DTD, or hotel touring…

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/orlando-city-guide-ga-12d.jpg

What time do you think we’ll finish Animal Kingdom???

Dinner:
We will be eating at Boma at 5:50. I know the park closes at 5:00, but this way we can spend some time looking around my favorite resort! I ate at Boma before, and liked it. Originally, Steve and I weren't going to eat here because Steve didn't like what he saw on the menu. She said he'd try it though. He normally likes trying different stuff, so I'm sure this will be a hit.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/Boma2.jpg

Snack choices- I couldn’t find too many snack choices that we liked for Animal Kingdom. Maybe we can sneak over to DTD to get snacks from there.

Evening
- Again, depending on how we are feeling. If we are tired and just want to head back to the hotel and swim or watch T.V…that sounds good. Or, we might go to DTD after dinner for awhile, or hotel touring. We’ll see how we feel.

- I also started looking into doing a Carriage ride at Port Orleans or a wagon ride at Wilderness. I think probably the later for money and flexibility reasons. That might make a fun evening.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/12CarriageRide03-holland.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/fortwilderness22.jpg

But no park in the P.M. ;)

Alarose

12-21-2008, 12:29 PM

Day 5: Monday, January 12th, 2008

We are going to have a pretty easy day today. Mainly because today we are planning our park to be Hollywood Studios….because I really want us to see Spectromagic. Double edged sword…because of Spectromagic…Hollywood Studios is going to be busy.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/2284849246_c43f75808b_o.jpg

9:00 park opening: Leave by 10:00

Tehehe…lol, that was kind of fun to type that. Yeah, this morning we are going to sleep in a bit. Have breakfast at Pop. Leave for HS about 10:00. Maybe hit a ride or two, but mainly focus on getting to our afternoon reservation at…

Lunch: Sci-Fi @ 12:00 P.M.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/rest-scifi2.jpg

Down Town Disney Afternoon:
After lunch we ‘may’ wander around Hollywood Studios a little bit. We have a full day planned there the next day though, so I don’t want to spend too much time on attractions. So we will head to Down Town Disney and make use of the coupons we got for our vacation.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/orlando-city-guide-ga-12d-1.jpg

- Miniture Golf Voucher- We love mini golf! We will probably head to Disney’s Fantasia Miniaturre Golf Course for one round of mini-golf.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/01_entrance.jpg

- Planet Hollywood $15 meal vchr (free stuff is always good)

- Planet Hollywood Merch. Vchr- we’ll go ahead and pick out one souvenir from Planet Hollywood too.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/WSK.jpg

Dinner: Wolfgang Puck Express: Downtown Disney.
Early dinner (5:00 P.M.). Use 2 counter services (this is till considered a Counter Service at night, right???).

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/Wolfgang-Puck-Express09.jpg

- I am hoping that we will have some time to run back to Pop Century at least for a little bit, so we have time to grab some things for the evening Fantasmic Show (a blanket at least).

Hollywood Studios Evening:

Fantastic @ 7:00 P.M. Get seats by 6:00 P.M.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/untitledee.jpg

Fantasmic is my favorite show at Walt Disney World! I am so excited! I am a little worried because there is only one show of Fantasmic during our stay.

Back to hotel:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/Pop-Century-Rooms-1.jpg

I don’t think we will be getting a break this afternoon, so I think we will be more than willing to head back to the hotel after Fantasmic and hit the sack.

Snack choices

- So, I really don’t think we will be at all wanting to get a snack in the afternoon because of the $15 credit at Planet Hollywood…but if we do…probably head to Goofy’s Candy Company.

Alarose

12-21-2008, 01:45 PM

Day 6, January 13th, 2008

Today we are going to spend the entire morning at Hollywood Studios

9:00 park opening: Park closes at 7:00 P.M.

So, we will not get to sleep in today like yesterday. We will leave the hotel by 8:15 so we can make the rope drop at 9:00 P.M.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/hollywood-studios-picture-002.jpg

Lunch: Toluca Legs Turkey Company, Hollywood Studios
There aren’t too many good lunch choices at HS, but Turkey Legs are always yummy. We’ll probably be using our Snack Credit here too.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/2350856397_1a5846dd1c.jpg

Break: 2:00-4:00 P.M.
Now it is time for the ‘rest’ time of our day. This will also help us escape some crowds if it gets busy.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/956a3c15921c7594.jpg

Evening entertainment and dinner: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Pioneer Hall- Fort Wilderness:
After our break we plan on leaving Pop Century and heading straight to Fort Wilderness for this show. Steve and I are VERY excited! The plan is take the bus from POP to MK. Then take the little boat (what is it called?) to Fort Wilderness (second stop). I think if we leave at 4:00, we should get there in plenty of time for the 5:00 show.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/Disney_Fort_Wilderness_Hoop_Dee_Doo.jpg

I don’t know how long this show will be? I am guessing we won’t have time to go back to Hollywood Studios. Will 9-2:00 be plenty of time to fully enjoy Hollywood Studios? I may need to tweak my plans for Hollywood Studios the day before…just so I make sure we have plenty of time.

Wagon Ride at Fort Wilderness:
Tonight ,after HDD would be a great time to partake in the Wagon Ride at Fort Wilderness. This would be a wonderful way to end the night!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/fortwilderness22.jpg

Back to Hotel:
If we are still feeling ambitious, we could go back to DTD (especially if our time is cut there the day before to try to fit in more HS activities). I am guessing we will be ready to hit the sack though.

Alarose

12-21-2008, 02:04 PM

Day 7: Wednesday, Jan. 14th:

Today we are going to have our second day at Epcot!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/2344562165_96e033199e.jpg

I know I said earlier Epcot is not my favorite park. Hopefully this year will be different. I know it has the most to see, and I am excited to see it with my husband.

9:00 park opening: Park closes at 9:00 P.M.
The park opens at 9:00 A.M. and closes at 9:00 P.M. Again we will make a stop in the PC lobby to fill up our mugs and then get in line to wait for the Epcot bus.

Lunch: Beer Garten; Epcot- Germany
So, we are actually going to be meeting a very special couple here. My parents. LOL, yes we will be meeting my parents for lunch during our honeymoon. The thing is they are snowbird and go to FL in November and I wouldn’t see them either wise until March. So, we are both looking forward to this meal. Lunch is it though…I think they are even going to park hop so they don’t run into us again.

Break: 2:00-4:00
Now it is time for the ‘rest’ time of our day. This will also help us escape some crowds if it gets busy.

Epcot evening
After our break, we‘ll head back to the park to continue touring.

Dinner: Coral Reef @5:40 P.M.
I really hope we get a seat right next to the large tank. I LOVE this place!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/232261353_c6594069dd.jpg

IllumiNations at 9:00 P.M. (if not done earlier…because of bad weather for tonight?)
Yes, we will end our honeymoon with a bang! I thought IllumiNations would be an excellent way.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/2171768767_5ecaee690a.jpg

Back to hotel:
It will be a late night and we will have to leave early to catch our plane, so back to the hotel we will go.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/Disney_Pop_Century_Rubix_Night.jpg

Alarose

12-21-2008, 02:07 PM

Day 8, Thursday, January 15th, 2008

Our plane departs from Orlando at 8:20 A.M. Could be earlier. We should arrive back home at 2:40 P.M. I hope that this day isn’t too much of a downer for us. This day is no fun writing about though. Sigh.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/smiles_407.gif

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/TessaZ2002/200611boeing-green-airplane.jpg

PrincessNewsie

12-29-2008, 01:02 AM

luckybug618

12-29-2008, 07:50 PM

We just got back form our 6 night honeymoon and we too were on a budget.... We stayed at All Star Movies to save money. Although we did do the Premium Plan. DH surprised me with the upping of the budget!!! I am an ESE teacher and he is a student.

We also went to WDW for our Disneymoon 17 weeks after being married. It was a great experience, although some people did ask when we got married and made comments like we were milking the congratulations. Then we'd explain we never had a honeymoon due to my job and they were very happy for us and changed their attitudes. This happened with guests and CMs. We wore the ears and buttons. Buttons daily and the ears only 2 days our of 7. It was os fun to hear Congratulations and remember how it felt to be newlyweds again without the stress of jobs.

You are going to have a great time!!! The hotel won't matter and they will do many special things for you make a note on all your reservations that it is your honeymoon. I made all the ADRs but DH called back and had them make a note on all our ressies. I had no idea!:love:

Enjoy your trip!! And if you want the headband style bride ears they sell them at Magic Kingdom in the shop right next to the Crystal shop. I saw them also at the stand under the train station when entering on the right side. The top hats we didn't see except in the christmas store.:bride:

Alarose

12-31-2008, 10:54 AM

I love Epcot for snacks.... We actually "treated" around the world for the trip we got engaged. They have churros in Mexico, that bakery in Norway, another bakery in france (with amazing creme brulee). We went to Tangeriene Cafe and got a counter service meal there, but I think I remember that they had snacks... If you're having problem selecting snacks in Epcot, I would try this thread. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1683477

Fellow disneymooner here ( May 2009)

Also, I love Epcot sooooo much, it's FH and my favorite park. We spend two days there. We spend two days at MK because it makes us happy, and one each at DAK and DHS. This trip we're spending THREE at EPCOT. I can't wait!

Thank you! I was getting a little nervious about spending two days at Epcot.... it really used to be my least favorite park. But like you said, I think this year we will have a great time!

LOL, I think that last day at Epcot we are going to do a bit of drinking around the world using our $200 gift card lol

Congrats on your upcoming trip!

We just got back form our 6 night honeymoon and we too were on a budget.... We stayed at All Star Movies to save money. Although we did do the Premium Plan. DH surprised me with the upping of the budget!!! I am an ESE teacher and he is a student.

We also went to WDW for our Disneymoon 17 weeks after being married. It was a great experience, although some people did ask when we got married and made comments like we were milking the congratulations. Then we'd explain we never had a honeymoon due to my job and they were very happy for us and changed their attitudes. This happened with guests and CMs. We wore the ears and buttons. Buttons daily and the ears only 2 days our of 7. It was os fun to hear Congratulations and remember how it felt to be newlyweds again without the stress of jobs.

You are going to have a great time!!! The hotel won't matter and they will do many special things for you make a note on all your reservations that it is your honeymoon. I made all the ADRs but DH called back and had them make a note on all our ressies. I had no idea!:love:

Enjoy your trip!! And if you want the headband style bride ears they sell them at Magic Kingdom in the shop right next to the Crystal shop. I saw them also at the stand under the train station when entering on the right side. The top hats we didn't see except in the christmas store.:bride:

I was also worried about people giving us funny looks/comments about not really being on our honeymoon. We went on a little get away just for the weekend right after the wedding, but this is the honeymoon! I can't believe how some people react sometimes. Wouldn't they think...hmmmm, if that couple spend $60 on wedding mouse ears....they must be on their honeymoon.

That is awesome that dh had some surprises! Mine wouldn't even know where to start to make any changes for our trip. I'm doing it all...he is pretty clueless what he is getting into lol

We ebayed the Mickey and Minnie Wedding Mouse ears :) So, they are ready to go. We paid about $40 for a brand new set insteed of $60....and this is the old Grooms hat and not the new funny one. LOL, right when I saw the new design, I bought an old one off ebay.

We did make special notes on our reservations about it being our honeymoon. I hope we run into some Disney Magic :) Just being there will be magical though.

Ok, I'm going update some things now!

Alarose

12-31-2008, 11:20 AM

Our Honeymoon Overview

So...I made some changes, and I didn't really want to go back and update each day...so I thought I'd make a post with a quick overview of what our trip is going to look like now :)

Day 1, Thursday January 8th

- Leave at 6:35 A.M. and arrive in Orlando by 2:18 P.M. (!!!)
- Check in at Pop Century (quickly)
- Head right to Magic Kingdom (will hopefully be there by 5:00 at the latest after ME and travel time)
- Go to a few attractions at MK (Disney Philm., Toontown)
- Grab food to go from Harbor House by 6:00
- Take food to spot for Spectromagic Parade, parade is at 7:00
- Head back to Pop (unpack, buy items, settle in)

Day 2, Friday January 9th

- Eat breakfast in room (get S or CS items from cafe. the night before)
- To go Magic Kingdom all day
- Eat lunch at Cosmic Ray's
- Go back to Pop for a 2/3 hourr break
- Head back to Magic Kingdom
- Dinner Crystal Palace at 6:20
- Wishes at 8:00 P.M.
- Head back to Pop for the night

Day 3, Saturday, January 10th

- Eat breakfast in room
- Head to Epcot for the day
- Lunch at Sunshine Seasons
- Break back at pop for 2 to 3 hours
- Go back to Epcot
- Dinner at Le Cellier at 5:45
- Possible IllumiNations IF weather looks bad towards the end of the week
- Back to room for the night

Day 4, Sunday, January 11th

- Eat breakfast in room
- Head to Animal Kingdom for the day
- Lunch at Flame Tree BBQ
- Break back at Pop for 2/3 hours
- Tour Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Dinner at Boma at 5:50 P.M.
- Go to Swan/Dolphin and tour
- Mini goft at Fantasia Gardens
- Back to room for the night

Day 5, Monday, January 12

- Breakfast- eat 2 credits from PC Cafe
- Head to Hollywood Studios late...10ish
- Lunch at Sci-Fi @12:00
- Break (short, 1 hour) back at Pop
- Go to DTD, use Planet Hollywood vchers, explore
- Eat dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express (leave by 5:15)
- Back to Hollywood Studios by 6:00 P.M., get seats for Fantasmic
- Fantasmic at 7:00 P.M.
- Back to hotel for the night

Tuesday, January 13th

- Breakfast in room
- Head back to Hollywood Studios, all day
- Lunch at Tuluca Legs Turkey Company
- Break at Pop for 2/3 hours
- Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue @5:00
- Wagon Ride at Fort Wilderness @7:00
- Back to hotel for the night

Wednesday, January 14th

- Breakfast in room
- Head to Epcot for all day (no break)
- Lunch at Berggren @12:00
- More Epcot
- Dinner at Coral Reef @5:40 P.M.
- IllumiNations at 9:00 P.M.

Thursday, January 15th
- Depart Orlando at 8:20 A.M. :headache:
- Arrives back home by 2:40 P.M.

Alarose

12-31-2008, 11:35 AM

Our Final Budget

Ok...remember I tried to keep our trip under $2000. Seemed kind of hard for a honeymoon at Walt Disney World. Did I do it??

Airplane Tickets (Iowa to Orlando, 2 people)= $575.98

Hotel- Pop Century (Standard room, 7 nights, 2 people)
8-Day Magic Your way Base Ticket
Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining
4/3 deal

= $1399.22

Grand total= 1975.20

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :rotfl: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cheer2: :headache: :cheer2: : :yay: :yay: :yay:

I did it! I did it!

Even better yet, we have that wonderful $200 gift card to use for tips and drinks at Epcot! :banana: ... can I count that as $1775.20 then??? :yay:

We also have money saved up to use for ourselves...additional drinks and souvenirs. :)

2xcited2sleep

12-31-2008, 11:41 AM

Congratulations on making your budget! Your plans look fantastic! Have a magical, amazing trip. Then hurry back to tell us all about it! :)

Alarose

12-31-2008, 11:49 AM

Congratulations on making your budget! Your plans look fantastic! Have a magical, amazing trip. Then hurry back to tell us all about it! :)

I will! I promise!

I kind of want to bring my computer to Disney World with me...but I don't think that is going to happy. That would drive DH nuts! lol

Thank you...I think we are ready ;)

luckybug618

12-31-2008, 08:33 PM

Alarose

01-02-2009, 08:06 AM

Your trip plans sound great! In fact very similar to ours. Only a week or so away!!!!! You must be soooo excited.

I should say we went a tour every day so we were stuck with a group of other people for 3 - 6 hours each day. That is where we got most of the funny looks. A few times when were in line for a ride or something a CM would ask the "when" question. By day 5 we decided to just say recently, or ignore the question and say we're on our honeymoon. It wasn't a big deal, just weird. People do delayed honeymoons ALL the time. Most of my friends have done the same thing due to finances. People are so silly with their judgments. We had a great time and just ignored it and smiled. IT didn't take away from anything. Plus isn't 4 months still newlywed?

Happy Honeymoon!!!

Yes, I am super excited! It is hard to believe after all of this waiting we are finally going to the World is 6 DAYS! WHOHOOO!

So true! We are still newlyweds :love: Barely over 2 months :)

LOL, I told Steve if we start getting funny looks for comments, we will lie about when we got married so we can go on with our honeymoon lol.

Thanks!

Alarose

01-04-2009, 11:38 AM

Hey! Guess what? I think I got dh talked into letting me bring my computer along on my honeymoon. So, we can watch movies in the airport/plane. Tehehe :lmao:

We still won't be signing up for internet access...but at least this way I can journal right on my computer insteed of on paper and transfering to computerr.

Also, I FINALLY got my Mickey and Minnie Wedding Mouse ears today! They are so cute! When I saw the 'new' Mickey Wedding hat...yuck! I went on ebay and got the old one from Magical Memories. I did this like 3 weeks ago! I finally got it today!

I've been going back and forth with the company. You see, first I put in my parents address....forgot that they were going to be gone and their mail would be sent to FL. Then I called back right away and was assured by some lady that they would change the shipping address to my sister's place, so I could go pick it up. My sister wasn't getting it, my parents weren't getting it.

What happened...is it WAS shipped to my parents...and I had my stuff being forwarded to where I am living. So, I think it got 'lost' for awhile. Finally I got this lovely note in my mail box that I had a package waiting for me at the post office and I had POSTAGE due! I already paid for postage! I had to pay for the forwarding costs! Grrrr

Alarose

01-04-2009, 11:39 AM