Going back to our "Happy Place"...on a BUDGET

[dismom9761]

I don't really like the title but that's all I can think of at the moment.:goodvibes

I have had a hard time planning this trip and was looking at my last pre-trip report and decided that it helped me keep organized.:surfweb: This trip is going to be very "budget".I was out of work for a while and money has been tight.We decided to go with a few stipulations but I will get to that shortly...I will start with the cast.popcorn::

Me-My name is Amy and I am a Disney nut.I also love to read and spend time with my family and friends.I have four great(most of the time:rolleyes: ) kids and work in a daycare.I am working full time for the first time since my kids were born and it has taken some getting used to.

DH-Dean is a great dad and DH.:goodvibes He an appraiser for the county we live in.After work he is a coach for DS11's travel baseball team and his football coach.He also helps with DS13's teams.He is very involved in all the kids activities.He has only been to Disney once.It was a last minute trip with no planning during Spring Break.:scared:
http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww113/raerebekahmom/fall2008092.jpg
DS11-Peyton is %100 boy.I sometimes call him my payback for being a wild teenager.He has been diagnosed with asthma,ADHD,generalized anxiety disorder,and OCD.He is on meds and doing exceptionally well in school and loves playing football and baseball.He is super sweet but tends to be over emotional sometimes.He LOVES Disney and behaves wonderfully while we are there.
http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww113/raerebekahmom/fall2008004-1.jpg
DD9-Rebekah will turn ten years old right before our trip.She is my drama queen.She seems to change daily these days and it is very nerve wracking.:scared1: She loves softball,art,hanging out with her friends,and fighting with her siblings.Her favorite thing about Disney are the big rides like RNRC.:thumbsup2
http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww113/raerebekahmom/kidsjuly13002.jpg

DD4-Rachel will be only a few weeks from turning five when we go.She is a bundle of nonstop energy.She constantly has bruises all over body because she never walks anywhere.She has the mouth and attitude of a teenager.I have friends who come visit mainly to have a conversation with her.She loves playing softball and her new school.Disney is her favorite place to be and this is her fifth trip.
http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww113/raerebekahmom/fall2008063.jpg

Grandma-GM(what I called her in my last report) is our Disney companion.She is my mom and loves to go to Disney with us.She does super well with all the walking.She fell on the second day of our last trip and struggled the rest of the trip because she had hurt her ankle.This is her "do over" trip.:thumbsup2

DS13-Tyler is not going with us but he will be mentioned in my report, so I wanted to introduce him.Tyler is a typical teenager in the aspect that he stays on his cellphone,school is not a priority,and his ipod is a constant companion.The good thing is he has a great attitude toward us.He loves to play football and baseball.He does not like Disney.Last trip he went on he was miserable by the middle of the week.That is the reason he has decided to stay home with various relatives.:sad2:

http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww113/raerebekahmom/fall2008019-1.jpg
We will be joined this trip by my best friend and her family.:woohoo: I am so excited about that!:banana: Her name is Shawna and we have been best friends since the ninth grade.Her fiance,Denny,is coming and her DD15,Morgan.Morgan is bringing her friend,Rachel.

I will have more pictures later(I use ALOT of pics) but photobucket is taking forever right now.

Next will be trip details and why our June trip became a February trip.:surfweb:

[dismom9761]

This trip was originally to be taken in June 2009 and we were staying at POP.Then things changed because we were offered something we could not turn down.Shawna was offered a three bedroom condo in Orlando for $400 for a week.She has a timeshare in Las Vegas, so this was a swap thing.:confused3 The only problem was that it had to be used before April.All ten of us would be able to sleep comfortably plus kitchen and washer/dryer.:woohoo: We chose Presidents week because the children would be out of school.I didn't mind mine missing school but Morgan is in High School and would have a hard time making up work.

The bad thing about moving the trip up is less time to save money.:scared: The trip will be paid for using no credit card and ALL family members going must contribute.We will be using tax return money to pay for what we do not save but we are trying to come up with most of it creatively.Each adult is to come up with their ticket money without using "bill" money.Each child is suposed to come up with half of their ticket money.I do not expect Rachel to be able to do this but she is trying.:goodvibes

The adults' and older kids' tickets(8 day) are going to cost $282 and Rachel's is $247.
So far we have earned money through a little overtime,babysitting,yard sale,birthdays,and the kids have been doing small jobs for family and friends.This weekend Rebekah helped her Nana clean and earned ten dollars.Peyton did yard work for four hours yesterday for his grandpa and will be paid tomorrow.Tomorrow Rebekah is wrapping presents for her Aunt and Peyton is stacking firewood.Rachel has even done small chores like folding clothes and earned $5.

So far in our ticket money-(Unfortunately we have taken some money out of the ticket money when we needed cash and then did not return money to it)
me-$71
DH-$40
Peyton-$68
Rebekah-$132
Rachel-$101

We all have a ways to go but we are working on it.:goodvibes
Other things we are doing is collecting cans.We have all family members saving them for us.We have an above ground pool which my DH is taking ,along with some bikes,to turn in for cash.We all have asked for money for Christmas.I am going to be doing some weekend babysitting.

Our dates are february 12-22.We are staying in hotels 2/12-2/14 and checking into the condo on 2/15 -2/22.
Our budget so far-
Tickets-$1375
Room for 2/12-??
rooms through Hotwire 2/13 & 2/14-$75
condo-$200
gas-?? will split with GM
tolls-?? not sure yet what they are
Counter services and offsite meals-$700 (I think but I can't find my notebook right now)
Table services-$700

Depending on money saved and amount of tax return, table services will be dropped.:sad1:

Can't find my notebook so having a hard time remembering everything.

Next post will include details on dining,plans,and possibly shopping!:yay:

[dismom9761]

I posted this on another site so it may sound a little strange-didn't want to type it all out again.This is our itinerary for now.Probably will change multiple times.:rolleyes1

We are going February 12-22.The first three nights will be in a hotel and then we will be moving to a condo.I have never had good luck getting my family to take breaks but my youngest DD has always slept in the stroller on past trips.This trip is three weeks before she turns five and I do not think she will sleep in the stroller.My kids are known as being the "energizer bunnies" in WDW.They have always opened the parks and then stayed for whatever EMH is available.Between the lack of naps for DD4 and the fact that we are staying offsite,I think this trip will be different.

Thursday February 12-Leave home after work and drive to Orlando.Arrive approximately 1:00-2:00am.

Friday February 13-Sleep in.Spend afternoon/evening at MK

Saturday February 14- Epcot all day.Leave when we get tired or stay for Illuminations at 9:00pm

Sunday February 15-Ak with lunch at Rainforest Cafe.We will probably leave around 3:00pm to check into the condo.

Monday February 16-DM,DD4 and I are eating at the Princess Storybook breakfast in Epcot at 9:00am.After breakfast we will go back to the condo and swim if the weather is warm or go to DTD.

Tuesday February 17- DHS with lunch at Prime Time Cafe.The park closes at 7:00pm but we will leave earlier if we have seen the shows that are on our must do list.

Wednesday February 17-MK for RD and leave early afternoon.Dinner offsite and some swimming/resting

Thursday February 18-Sleep in.Epcot for WS.Leave around 5:00pm for DHS to see Fantasmic! at 7:00pm

Friday February 19-MK with dinner at Ohanas at 7:00pm.

Saturday February 20-We will start in AK and then leave after lunch and hop to whatever park we want to see the most.Last trip we went to all four parks on the last day.We will definitely be in MK to see Spectro and Wishes starting at 8:00pm.

Sunday February 21-Travel back home


I tried to make sure we had some sleep in mornings and early evenings because I am not sure how DD4 will do.She has always been easy in Disney(she has gone at 13 mths,18 mths,2 yrs,and 3 yrs old)but has napped every day for hours in her stroller.She naps for about an hour a day at home but then can easily stay up until midnight.Our days will be determined on how she handles things.

One of my concerns is that we don't have enough Epcot time.My kids and I LOVE Epcot...

[portocall]

Sounds like a good way to stay organized! Good for you about paying cash, we are doing that too, but have a little bit more time to save (not going until Nov). I am subbing!

[Trentmom]

Hi Amy

Sounds like a great trip and what a great deal with the condo

Can't wait to read more :surfweb:

[dismom9761]

Sounds like a good way to stay organized! Good for you about paying cash, we are doing that too, but have a little bit more time to save (not going until Nov). I am subbing!
Hi!:goodvibes Thanks for reading my ramblings.We thought we would have more time to save but we couldn't pass up the condo deal.This month has been almost impossible to find extra money because of Christmas.
Hi Amy

Sounds like a great trip and what a great deal with the condo

Can't wait to read more :surfweb:
Hi Sharky!:goodvibes Thanks for reading.:hug:

[dismom9761]

We never use a stroller here at home but I am thinking that we definitely need one in Disney.

My options were buying one,renting one in the parks,or renting one from a company in Orlando.I don't want to rent one in the parks because I like to have a basket for my cooler.I decided a couple of weeks ago to look around at prices to buy one.I needed one that would be comfortable for Rachel but NOT too pricey.She is 45 inches and 43 lbs..

I looked on ebay and craiglist first.I found one on EBAY that I was interested in and did some research.Looked like a nice stroller.To make a long story short I bought it for twenty dollars and it was close enough that we could pick it up instead of having it shipped.:yay: We used it this weekend at the mall and Rachel was comfortable and the basket is really big.

[Trentmom]

We had the same problem. We never use a stroller at home, but we knew we would need one for this past trip

We found a nice one at a yard sale for 5 dollars. We used it all week and on the final day, just left it there for another family to take:goodvibes

[dismom9761]

We had the same problem. We never use a stroller at home, but we knew we would need one for this past trip

We found a nice one at a yard sale for 5 dollars. We used it all week and on the final day, just left it there for another family to take:goodvibes

I hadn't thought of leaving it there.:thumbsup2 I may do that.Its hard to find room for it in the van on the way down there and near impossible on the way back.:rolleyes1

I found my Disney notebook!:woohoo: :yay: I had the $ amount wrong on the food.Here is the budget that I have so far...

Tickets-$1375
Room for 2/12-??
rooms through Hotwire 2/13 & 2/14-$75
condo-$200
gas-?? will split with GM
tolls-?? not sure yet what they are
Counter services and offsite meals-$400
Table services-$350

This is a picture of Rachel seeing the castle for the first time on our 2007 trip.:love:
http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww113/raerebekahmom/Disney2007005.jpg

[portocall]

I hear you on the stroller. We don't use one at home either as my little guy is 4 and we don't go where he can't walk much. Since he will be two weeks shy of five when we go, and I don't want to pay Disney's rental fees, especiallly with the price hike, I think I will get him an umbrella stroller. But maybe I need to look for something cheaper, that would be a good place to hold our junk until he needs it later in the day...

We are going in November, and I think it is too early to start our pretrip report, but I am chomping at the bit.

[Trentmom]

Aww, love look on Rachel face when she sees the castle:goodvibes

[Trentmom]

I hear you on the stroller. We don't use one at home either as my little guy is 4 and we don't go where he can't walk much. Since he will be two weeks shy of five when we go, and I don't want to pay Disney's rental fees, especiallly with the price hike, I think I will get him an umbrella stroller. But maybe I need to look for something cheaper, that would be a good place to hold our junk until he needs it later in the day...

We are going in November, and I think it is too early to start our pretrip report, but I am chomping at the bit.

It is never too early to start


Take it from someone who knows


started the pre trip for my Oct 2008 trip in Aug 2007


:rotfl:

[dismom9761]

I hear you on the stroller. We don't use one at home either as my little guy is 4 and we don't go where he can't walk much. Since he will be two weeks shy of five when we go, and I don't want to pay Disney's rental fees, especiallly with the price hike, I think I will get him an umbrella stroller. But maybe I need to look for something cheaper, that would be a good place to hold our junk until he needs it later in the day...

We are going in November, and I think it is too early to start our pretrip report, but I am chomping at the bit.
I found that Rachel was hard to push in an umbrella stroller.:confused3 I like to have a big basket too.

Never too early for a report...:surfweb:


Aww, love look on Rachel face when she sees the castle:goodvibes
yes,I love that picture.:cloud9:

It is never too early to start


Take it from someone who knows


started the pre trip for my Oct 2008 trip in Aug 2007


:rotfl:
Do you have a trip report from that trip???

[Trentmom]

I found that Rachel was hard to push in an umbrella stroller.:confused3 I like to have a big basket too.

Never too early for a report...:surfweb:



yes,I love that picture.:cloud9:


Do you have a trip report from that trip???


My links never work right, but lets try this:

http://http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1928931

If that does not work, we are located on the Community Boards, since we talk too much :laughing:

The start of our title is Sharky and QM............

In the first post, I have listed all my updates, so you skip our chatting, to get your caught up.

I have only done the first 4 days....such a slacker :rotfl2:

If my links in the first post to the updates do not work, I have put the page number where to find them

Hope to see you there:goodvibes

[Sarilas]

I just invested in two lightweight or umbrella-ish strollers myself. My 1 year old definitely needs it and I have a feeling my 3 year old will end up begging to be held a majority of the time. We found strollers with a sun shade and a basket that still fold up like the little umbrella strollers do- SCORE!

I'm looking forward to reading more about your trip!

[dismom9761]

My links never work right, but lets try this:

http://http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1928931

If that does not work, we are located on the Community Boards, since we talk too much :laughing:

The start of our title is Sharky and QM............

In the first post, I have listed all my updates, so you skip our chatting, to get your caught up.

I have only done the first 4 days....such a slacker :rotfl2:

If my links in the first post to the updates do not work, I have put the page number where to find them

Hope to see you there:goodvibes
Thanks! I will find you and read up on the trip.May be Friday though...:surfweb:
I just invested in two lightweight or umbrella-ish strollers myself. My 1 year old definitely needs it and I have a feeling my 3 year old will end up begging to be held a majority of the time. We found strollers with a sun shade and a basket that still fold up like the little umbrella strollers do- SCORE!

I'm looking forward to reading more about your trip!
Hi!:goodvibes Thanks for reading.Sounds like you got the perfect strollers.:thumbsup2 When Rachel was three she rode alot.Her little legs couldn't keep up and I was doing good to get myself around the parks without trying to carry her.


trip update- I told myself shopping would be kept to the bare minimum for this trip.:rolleyes: Then I found sales on Disneyshopping and crocs.com.:scared1: My crocs order came in and the kids were soo excited! I got Rachel four pairs(they were all half off) and two didn't fit.The Alice style seems bigger than the regular Disney crocs.Also Rebekah's were way too small.She needs the women's 8/9.:scared: I can't believe how much her foot has grown.Peyton is happy though.Instead of sending the red Mickey crocs back he gets to keep them.Yep,my DD9 is passing down outgrown shoes to my DS11.Something not quite right about that scenario.:confused3

I would post pictures of the new shoes but my camera is broken.:sad1:

[portocall]

Great deals on the crocs. I love that Peyton is accepting hand me downs from his sis... I can't wait until my 9 year old ds outgrows his current pair, they are so comfy and my size. With the way things have been going, it will be next month! :eek:

[aldisneygrl]

Hi Amy! :wave2:

How exciting! You are getting to go again! Budget or not it is still Disney! :thumbsup2 :cool1:

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Amy!! What condo are you guys staying at? Or do you not know yet? We do the condo thing and in order to get a better condo we wait until 60 days before to make our exchange. More condos become available to us at that point. I usually get up at midnight and make the exchange. We'll hopefully be staying at Marriott Grande Vista again or Horizons by Marriott. I'll know for sure at the end of February. I love having all the space of a condo - it should work out great for you, especially where you will already have your own car with you - we have to rent one for the length of our stay. Don't forget to add parking at the parks into your budget - it's $12/day. Sorry...

As far as the stroller thing goes - we will be renting a single stroller at each park. Last year (Oct 07) we rented a double which worked out great. Alex was 7 and Zachary was 4. The price has gone up SIGNIFICANTLY since then - it was $18/day now it's over $30/day for a double. This year Alex will be 8 1/2 Zachary will be 5 1/2 so we'll get the single and they can take turns or use it as needed. Alex gets tired easy and can use his own space - especially for things like waiting for parades, etc. Plus, I like having somewhere to stash our "stuff" when we go on rides.

Thanks for sharing your money saving ideas - I think we'll borrow some of those. I think it's a great idea to have everyone contribute.

Can't wait to read more as you plan.

[dismom9761]

Great deals on the crocs. I love that Peyton is accepting hand me downs from his sis... I can't wait until my 9 year old ds outgrows his current pair, they are so comfy and my size. With the way things have been going, it will be next month! :eek:
Hi!:goodvibes I will be getting Rebekah's outgrown shoes soon.I better start buying her the good stuff...:rolleyes1

Hi Amy! :wave2:

How exciting! You are getting to go again! Budget or not it is still Disney! :thumbsup2 :cool1:
Hi!:goodvibes I am getting excited now that Christmas is over and I can start planning more.:woohoo: With my Christmas money my ticket is almost paid for.:banana: My birthday is next week and I have told my family all I want is money.:thumbsup2
Hi Amy!! What condo are you guys staying at? Or do you not know yet? We do the condo thing and in order to get a better condo we wait until 60 days before to make our exchange. More condos become available to us at that point. I usually get up at midnight and make the exchange. We'll hopefully be staying at Marriott Grande Vista again or Horizons by Marriott. I'll know for sure at the end of February. I love having all the space of a condo - it should work out great for you, especially where you will already have your own car with you - we have to rent one for the length of our stay. Don't forget to add parking at the parks into your budget - it's $12/day. Sorry...

As far as the stroller thing goes - we will be renting a single stroller at each park. Last year (Oct 07) we rented a double which worked out great. Alex was 7 and Zachary was 4. The price has gone up SIGNIFICANTLY since then - it was $18/day now it's over $30/day for a double. This year Alex will be 8 1/2 Zachary will be 5 1/2 so we'll get the single and they can take turns or use it as needed. Alex gets tired easy and can use his own space - especially for things like waiting for parades, etc. Plus, I like having somewhere to stash our "stuff" when we go on rides.

Thanks for sharing your money saving ideas - I think we'll borrow some of those. I think it's a great idea to have everyone contribute.

Can't wait to read more as you plan.

Hi!:goodvibes I am not sure of the name of the condo.Thats pretty bad,huh?My friend booked it and she did send me an email a long time ago.I will get more info when she gets back in town.

Thanks for telling me the parking fees.I was going to look that up.:surfweb:

I can't believe the stroller rental is so expensive!:scared1: Glad I have one to take,though I am worried about everything fitting in the van.:rolleyes:

I will be posting pics soon!:banana: DH gave me a camera for Christmas!!:cool1: Also today I was cleaning out closets/kids' rooms and started packing.:yay: My family thinks I am loony but I found a bunch of shorts and Disney shirts.I saw no reason to pack them into storage only to have to find them again.:goodvibes

Now that Christmas is over I will be doing some major planning and will be posting here alot more.Gotta keep it all straight...:surfweb:

[DisneyJo]

Hi Amy, I found you, I think I'm going to be busy after Monday but I'll always make time to read your TR :hug: And I don't sound like Mary Poppins OK :snooty: :rotfl:

[Trentmom]

Hi!:goodvibes I will be getting Rebekah's outgrown shoes soon.I better start buying her the good stuff...:rolleyes1


Hi!:goodvibes I am getting excited now that Christmas is over and I can start planning more.:woohoo: With my Christmas money my ticket is almost paid for.:banana: My birthday is next week and I have told my family all I want is money.:thumbsup2


Hi!:goodvibes I am not sure of the name of the condo.Thats pretty bad,huh?My friend booked it and she did send me an email a long time ago.I will get more info when she gets back in town.

Thanks for telling me the parking fees.I was going to look that up.:surfweb:

I can't believe the stroller rental is so expensive!:scared1: Glad I have one to take,though I am worried about everything fitting in the van.:rolleyes:

I will be posting pics soon!:banana: DH gave me a camera for Christmas!!:cool1: Also today I was cleaning out closets/kids' rooms and started packing.:yay: My family thinks I am loony but I found a bunch of shorts and Disney shirts.I saw no reason to pack them into storage only to have to find them again.:goodvibes

Now that Christmas is over I will be doing some major planning and will be posting here alot more.Gotta keep it all straight...:surfweb:

Love the preparation leading up to the trip.

packing makes it all seem closer for sure :cool1:

[dismom9761]

Hi Amy, I found you, I think I'm going to be busy after Monday but I'll always make time to read your TR :hug: And I don't sound like Mary Poppins OK :snooty: :rotfl:
Umm...okay, if you say so.:rotfl2: Thanks for reading.:hug: I HAVE to get into the planning!!!:scared1:
Love the preparation leading up to the trip.

packing makes it all seem closer for sure :cool1:

I usually love preparing for the trip but for some reason I am having a hard time getting into the mood.:confused3 I really need to plan more for this one.The last several trips have been during slow times with very little crowds but this is during a busy week.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

[dismom9761]

I have been busy this weekend ,finally starting to prepare for the trip.:goodvibes

We are staying at the Villas at Regal Palms.Anybody heard of it??
Here is the info that my friend sent me:
It is about 10 miles from Disney, so not any further than Kissimmee. The townhouse has 3 bedrooms: one with two doubles, one with a queen, and one with a king, plus a sofa bed, so it should sleep 10 no problem. There is also a full kitchen (where we can make breakfast and snacks to save more money) and a garage.

If at any time we have to come back for a break, they have a pool with a water slide and a lazy river.

Sounds good to me.:cool1:

I tried on the kids' summer clothes from last year and they were all too small.:scared1: I hated to have to think of buying summer clothes so early but it gives me plenty of time to start looking for bargains.I did super well this weekend and am almost done.:woohoo: I got Rachel several pair of shorts,capris and a Disney shirt on clearance.I got Peyton five pair of shorts on clearance and even had a $10 off coupon so I spent very little and got his favorite brand,Under Armour.Rebekah took back two pair of boots to Limited Too and was able to get a pair of Capris,shorts and two shirts plus we got all the clothes for Rachel and I only owed $2.:banana: I had coupons that helped there too.I have actually impressed DH with my thrifty shopping.

We have talked about joining the local YMCA and finally went ahead and joined last Friday.We both wanted to get in better shape before we go.We only have 41 days(:yay: :woohoo: :banana: ) but we need to do what we can to prepare for the walking.Since starting work my health has been put on the backburner.

Tonight is my birthday party with my family and I have told everyone that wanted to get me a gift to give me money for Disney.I hope to get enough to pay the rest of my ticket plus some to go toward food.

DH found a jar of quarters where he had started collecting all the states or whatever he was collecting them for.He has decided to roll those and put it toward his ticket.:goodvibes I just love "found" money.

[DisMomAmy]

Happy Birthday Amy! :goodvibes

The condo sounds nice - a big one! I'll have to look it up in my timeshare book.

I have to go through summer clothes too - I know Zachary will be OK because he can wear hand me downs, but I'm not sure how Alex's are going to fit. :confused3

Have a fun party! :bday:

[Trentmom]

Happy Bday!!! Hope you get a lot disney gift cards or money for your trip:cool1:


Sounds like you did great with shopping:thumbsup2

[aldisneygrl]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY!!!!! Hope you get lots of $$$$$$!

[dismom9761]

Happy Birthday Amy! :goodvibes

The condo sounds nice - a big one! I'll have to look it up in my timeshare book.

I have to go through summer clothes too - I know Zachary will be OK because he can wear hand me downs, but I'm not sure how Alex's are going to fit. :confused3

Have a fun party! :bday:
Hi!:goodvibes I wish I had hand me downs for my kids.The size differences between my older boy/girl and my younger ones is waay too big.I think the condo is going to be perfect.:woohoo:

Happy Bday!!! Hope you get a lot disney gift cards or money for your trip:cool1:


Sounds like you did great with shopping:thumbsup2
Thanks!:goodvibes My birthday is Wednesday but we have a busy week so I decided to have everyone over today.:thumbsup2 I did get some money!:banana: I am going to update our budget/savings in a minute.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY!!!!! Hope you get lots of $$$$$$!
Thanks!:hug:

[jordanyosh]

Why hello stranger!!!!!!!!!!

I'm along for the ride again....:banana: :banana: :banana:

[dismom9761]

Here is our budget so far and what we have managed to save.Its been soo hard with Christmas presents to buy.We only use cash so its been very tight this year.I will put what we have in red.


Tickets-$1375($726)
Room for 2/12-??
rooms through Hotwire 2/13 & 2/14-$75
condo-$200(paid)
gas-?? will split with GM
tolls-??
paying to park-$96
Counter services and offsite meals-$400 ($50)
Table services-$350($60)

We also have money in the credit union that we are trying to not touch to use for food money.We had to use some at Christmas but I think we have about $400.DH counted his quarters tonight and added them to the Disney fund.He had $105!:banana: He also added his $50 Visa Card he got for Christmas to go toward food.I am hoping to babysit the next few weekends and make some money.We want to send off for the tickets in a couple of weeks.39 more days!!!:cool1: :banana: :yay:

I am trying to decide what bag to take now.I have the baggalini but it rubbed my neck and was very uncomfortable.I guess I need to decide what I will be carrying so that I know how big I need it.

Carrying to the parks
mine and Rachel's sunglasses
bandaids
camera
cash
cell phone
penlight
hand sanitizer
Rachel extra outfit in ziploc
small book w/ ADRs ,etc
pen for me
small sunscreen
park tickets
tissue pack
small pack of wipes

[dismom9761]

Why hello stranger!!!!!!!!!!

I'm along for the ride again....:banana: :banana: :banana:

Jordan!!!:banana: :cool1: I have been wanting to check on your current report but feel so lost after my long absence.:sad1: I will have to set aside some time for it.:surfweb:

You have to help me remember what all I am forgetting...:confused:

Thanks for stopping in..:hug:

[jordanyosh]

Jordan!!!:banana: :cool1: I have been wanting to check on your current report but feel so lost after my long absence.:sad1: I will have to set aside some time for it.:surfweb:

You have to help me remember what all I am forgetting...:confused:

Thanks for stopping in..:hug:

Don't worry. I have only been on 3 or 4 times since May to post on my TR. I am only now catching up this last week or two.

Take your time. There's always my new PTR which will be out in a few weeks.

[dismom9761]

Don't worry. I have only been on 3 or 4 times since May to post on my TR. I am only now catching up this last week or two.

Take your time. There's always my new PTR which will be out in a few weeks.

I will definitely be looking forward to that.:thumbsup2

[DisneyJo]

Happy Birthday Amy

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/disneyjo73/Birthdays/b-daypooh.jpg

[TeaForTulips]

Hello! Read your last trip report and now Im subbing for your pre trip report! Very enjoyable! popcorn::

Im so excited for you! :cheer2:

Cant wait to read more. :goodvibes

[dismom9761]

Happy Birthday Amy

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/disneyjo73/Birthdays/b-daypooh.jpg
Thanks,Jo.:hug:

Hello! Read your last trip report and now Im subbing for your pre trip report! Very enjoyable! popcorn::

Im so excited for you! :cheer2:

Cant wait to read more. :goodvibes

Hi!:goodvibes Thanks for reading.I am working on my packing list and will be posting it soon.:surfweb: Also need to work on my daily plans...:scared1:

[DisMomAmy]

Happy Birthday! Hope you had a great day!
Did you got lots of money the other night?

[dismom9761]

Happy Birthday! Hope you had a great day!
Did you got lots of money the other night?


Thanks and it was not really a good day but thats okay.I celebrated on Sunday.:goodvibes

I was just posting on your pretrip while you were posting here.:thumbsup2

I got about $200 which paid for the rest of my ticket and some towards food.:woohoo: :banana:

I just found out I need to try to change an ADR.I have a friend that lives in Tampa and wants to come see us on the second Friday night we are there.:scared1: That night we are supposed to eat at Ohanas and that is my absolute favorite restaraunt.:sad2:

[Trentmom]

Thanks and it was not really a good day but thats okay.I celebrated on Sunday.:goodvibes

I was just posting on your pretrip while you were posting here.:thumbsup2

I got about $200 which paid for the rest of my ticket and some towards food.:woohoo: :banana:

I just found out I need to try to change an ADR.I have a friend that lives in Tampa and wants to come see us on the second Friday night we are there.:scared1: That night we are supposed to eat at Ohanas and that is my absolute favorite restaraunt.:sad2:

woo for bday money!! Happy bday!!!

OH man. IF you can not change it...just have her meet you during the day..I would not give that meal up :woohoo:

[dismom9761]

woo for bday money!! Happy bday!!!

OH man. IF you can not change it...just have her meet you during the day..I would not give that meal up :woohoo:

Thanks!:hug: And I got $50 last night.:banana: It went right into the Disney fund.:thumbsup2

I didn't get home tonight early enough to call so I will tomorrow.

[dismom9761]

I have been trying to decide what bag to take to the parks.The baggallini was perfect but really rubbed my neck.I have been reading on the Dis,especially a thread just about bags.One bag that was mentioned alot was the Vera Bradley Hipster.I have to admit that I have never liked these 'girly" bags but thought I would look into it.Then I saw the price.:scared1:

Well a few days later someone said the retired patterns were on sale.I looked and the Hipster, in a few patterns, was only $20.I went to a local store to look at the size and decided it was just what I need.I ordered one and it arrived today!:banana: I am going to use it around here for a few days and see if I like it as much as I am hoping too.:goodvibes

http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww113/raerebekahmom/newbag002-1.jpg

[TeaForTulips]

I like your bag! I have been bidding on Ebay to get a Hipster also. They sell for much less than regular price for brand new bags. I didn't know they were on sale on the website. Ill have to look into this! I have lots of Vera Bradley bags (including a backpack) but none of them seem to be as fitting for Disney as the Hipster style. I hope it works out for you! Very cute! :goodvibes

[DisMomAmy]

I have been trying to decide what bag to take to the parks.The baggallini was perfect but really rubbed my neck.I have been reading on the Dis,especially a thread just about bags.One bag that was mentioned alot was the Vera Bradley Hipster.I have to admit that I have never liked these 'girly" bags but thought I would look into it.Then I saw the price.:scared1:

Well a few days later someone said the retired patterns were on sale.I looked and the Hipster, in a few patterns, was only $20.I went to a local store to look at the size and decided it was just what I need.I ordered one and it arrived today!:banana: I am going to use it around here for a few days and see if I like it as much as I am hoping too.:goodvibes

http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww113/raerebekahmom/newbag002-1.jpg


You are such a bad influence!!! :rolleyes1

Actually - thank you for the heads up about the sale! :thumbsup2 I saw that bag on Jackie's (Charleston Princess) PTR and knew I had to have it, but at over $50 I knew it would have to wait until closer to the trip. After I saw your deal I jumped right on the vera website and ordered the red one!! I'll post a picture on my PTR when it arrives.

Thanks!

[Villainess]

Hi! I'm joining in and wanted to mention that my mom carries the VB hipster in Disney and loves it! I also use a VB bag but it is the Villager - a combo camera bag/diaper bag that gets put in the stroller basket!

[Trentmom]

Thanks!:hug: And I got $50 last night.:banana: It went right into the Disney fund.:thumbsup2

I didn't get home tonight early enough to call so I will tomorrow.

Score on more disney money :cool1:

Like your new bag....looks cute and soft, so hopefully will not rub your neck :cutie:

[dismom9761]

I like your bag! I have been bidding on Ebay to get a Hipster also. They sell for much less than regular price for brand new bags. I didn't know they were on sale on the website. Ill have to look into this! I have lots of Vera Bradley bags (including a backpack) but none of them seem to be as fitting for Disney as the Hipster style. I hope it works out for you! Very cute! :goodvibes
Hi!:goodvibes Rebekah wants a backpack and i had thought about getting her one for her birthday.I agree that the Hipster seems perfect for Disney.:thumbsup2

You are such a bad influence!!! :rolleyes1

Actually - thank you for the heads up about the sale! :thumbsup2 I saw that bag on Jackie's (Charleston Princess) PTR and knew I had to have it, but at over $50 I knew it would have to wait until closer to the trip. After I saw your deal I jumped right on the vera website and ordered the red one!! I'll post a picture on my PTR when it arrives.

Thanks!
Hi,Amy!:goodvibes Glad you were able to get one.:woohoo: It will get here soon too.I ordered late Monday night and it arrived on Thursday.:yay:

Hi! I'm joining in and wanted to mention that my mom carries the VB hipster in Disney and loves it! I also use a VB bag but it is the Villager - a combo camera bag/diaper bag that gets put in the stroller basket!
Hi and Welcome.:goodvibes I am glad to hear of another person liking the bag for Disney.:thumbsup2 Thanks for reading

Score on more disney money :cool1:

Like your new bag....looks cute and soft, so hopefully will not rub your neck :cutie:

Hi,Sharky.:goodvibes I am hoping there is no rubbing too.:wizard:

[dismom9761]

I forgot to say 34 DAYS left!!!!
:woohoo: :yay: :banana: :cool1: :cheer2: :banana: :woohoo: :yay: :cool1:

[Trentmom]

wow, time is flying for ya

what is it now...30 days!!!!!:cool1: :cool1:

[dismom9761]

wow, time is flying for ya

what is it now...30 days!!!!!:cool1: :cool1:

28 days....:cool1: :cheer2:


Sorry not much planning activity here...working late and trying to make it to the gym every day.This weekend is pretty low key so I hope to get alot done.:thumbsup2 I only have three more weekends to prepare.The weekend before we go is going to be spent at an out-of-town ballfield for Peyton's first ball tournament of the year.

working on my final packing list,daily itineraries,etc

[Trentmom]

28 days....:cool1: :cheer2:


Sorry not much planning activity here...working late and trying to make it to the gym every day.This weekend is pretty low key so I hope to get alot done.:thumbsup2 I only have three more weekends to prepare.The weekend before we go is going to be spent at an out-of-town ballfield for Peyton's first ball tournament of the year.

working on my final packing list,daily itineraries,etc

That's okay

Good luck to Peyton:cheer2:

[Villainess]

Good luck to Peyton!

[DisneyJo]

Hi Amy, how are things going??? :wave2:

[aldisneygrl]

Ooohhh, you're getting so close! :hyper:

[Trentmom]

Amy, where ya at???


a little over a week now :cool1: :cool1:

[aldisneygrl]

Happy Valentine's Amy!!!

You should be checking in to your condo tomorrow, and having fun at Disney! :thumbsup2 :banana: :yay: :dance3: :cheer2: :love:

[DisneyJo]

How was it??? When do you get back?? Can't wait to read all about it :goodvibes

[aldisneygrl]

Back yet?

Unpacked yet?

Who cares, you need to come share with us! :surfweb:

Hope y'all had a great time! You know I will be here waiting. popcorn:: :goodvibes

[Trentmom]

Where ya at Amy?

Hope all is well with you and your family:goodvibes



We all are anxious to hear how your trip went popcorn::