Now Bring Me That Horizon ~ It Begins P115

[TarzansKat]

I don't know about the ADR's for Rainforest Cafe. If you can get gift cards for Rainforest you should be able to use them at T-Rex too (same parent company)

I'm afraid that restaurant would scare DS. I know he'll be older, but he gets a bit nervous in the Rainforest now, and we're talking dinosaurs. Although, he does love dinosaurs. I didn't even think of that, we'd have both options. :thumbsup2

[maroo]

TK...Good plans! :)

I like the lunch option, too, for those of us that don't get free dining :sad: :sad: :sad: because it is cheaper! :) I can schedule a "late" lunch ADR and eat enough for 2 meals! :thumbsup2

I think it is amazing that we have our own little world of friends here on the dis. And that we get each other. Nobody around here "gets" my love of Disney. So I am thankful to all of you who have befriended me here on line. Sorry to go all mushy on all of you, but thanks for listening.

I totally get you!!! Everyone around here thinks I am crazy, too. They played a cruel joke on me and several people at work went to a meeting in California...and went to DISNEYLAND without me!!!!! I could have SO gone to that meeting! :sad2:

Well, my dear, if you play your cards right, it'll be my next chapter.

Or maybe the one after that.

As the good captain would say, "Persuade me." :lmao:

Hm...

How to persuade TK...???

Hmm....

My first response (in my head) was...

Don't. Make. Me. Hit. The. unsubscribebutton...

But I am a nicer person than that...:thumbsup2

So...here ya go...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/js.jpg

And I might be a pirate, although I have never had any rum...because I just did that AT WORK... Downloaded that picture of JS right onto my work computer. :lmao: That's what they get for leaving me here when they went to Disneyland!

So...We want some details! :)

[TarzansKat]

TK...Good plans! :)

I like the lunch option, too, for those of us that don't get free dining :sad: :sad: :sad: because it is cheaper! :) I can schedule a "late" lunch ADR and eat enough for 2 meals! :thumbsup2

And this is all based on the fact that I'm keeping these ADRs. And not changing anything.

And we all know how well that works when you have eight months to plan. :lmao:


I totally get you!!! Everyone around here thinks I am crazy, too. They played a cruel joke on me and several people at work went to a meeting in California...and went to DISNEYLAND without me!!!!! I could have SO gone to that meeting! :sad2:

DUDE! So not right. :confused3



Hm...

How to persuade TK...???

Hmm....

My first response (in my head) was...

Don't. Make. Me. Hit. The. unsubscribebutton...

But I am a nicer person than that...:thumbsup2

So...here ya go...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/js.jpg

And I might be a pirate, although I have never had any rum...because I just did that AT WORK... Downloaded that picture of JS right onto my work computer. :lmao: That's what they get for leaving me here when they went to Disneyland!

So...We want some details! :)

Aww.

You gave me a pirate picture. From work.

I know what that means.

I promise to make my next post about my MNSSHP ideas. Then I'll do my ADR redo possibilities.

Okay? :goodvibes

[maroo]

Yes!

Thank you, my pirate friend! :)

pirate: pirate: pirate:

[TarzansKat]

Yes!

Thank you, my pirate friend! :)

pirate: pirate: pirate:

:blush:

pirate: :thumbsup2

[pooh'smate]

I totally get you!!! Everyone around here thinks I am crazy, too. They played a cruel joke on me and several people at work went to a meeting in California...and went to DISNEYLAND without me!!!!! I could have SO gone to that meeting! :sad2:


That is SO wrong that they went without you.

[jenjolt]

YAY for Maroo...being a way better pirate than me LOL!!!! I'm going to have to work on this a bit before we meet TK LOL!!!

Ouch on them going to Disneyland without you...that is not very nice at all!

[Tinkerbellarella]

You know, for a woman who was engaged to her husband three months after they met, remained engaged to that man throughout the whole of college and one year after to afford some time to save money and get settled, was married at 22, and has been with that lovable pirate Jack Sparrow look alike for over 10 years now, you'd be really really surprised to hear about my commitment issues.

Awwwww. I'm all misty-eyed and such.

and all likelihood, you'll still keep reading

Um. Nope. Probably not. I find you insanely boring. ;)

I can do anything.

Right Barbie!

(Is that a Barbie commercial, good lord...:lmao: )

So confirmed by the Barbie Queen herself, your very own Tinkerbellarella.

And that would be dinner at Citrico's.

Mmmmm. Citricos.
Mmmmm. Quattro Formaggi Potatoes.

::sigh::

:cloudnine:

Ever since I dined there with Tink and Missy in September, I have discovered my love of the Citrico's filet and sorbet. Hee hee. Rhymes.

Filet and sorbet.
Sorbet and filet.
And potatoes.
As your fork wends it way to your mouth, laden with that first delicious bite of filet and potatoes and those surprisingly nommy cured veggies (I have faith that you can get all three on the fork)...think of Tink.

Hee hee. Rhymes.

Remember fondly when DH and I got stuck in a HUGE rainstorm during our honeymoon, and were running from the grand lobby outside to our room, and it was like a river in the sidewalk. Ducks waddling around happy as can be, me ready to trip, and DH looks at me, and says, take your sandals off! :rotfl2: And we're laughing and smiling and young and in love and on our honeymoon. And we get to our building soaking wet, laughing some more.

Memories like those. :goodvibes

Is this the "See how many times you can get Tink verklempt" chapter?

For the record, you're 2:0.

Sort of like writing those events is a cathartic experience, in which I learn something about myself.

I think it's the whole "hindsight is 20/20".

As always, m'dear, looking forward to more.

[TarzansKat]

Awwwww. I'm all misty-eyed and such.

As well you should be. I want tears, people! ;)


Um. Nope. Probably not. I find you insanely boring. ;)

Well, duh, that's why you've put up with me for this long. My complete and utter lack of wit. Obviously. ;)


Right Barbie!

So confirmed by the Barbie Queen herself, your very own Tinkerbellarella.


:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:


Mmmmm. Citricos.
Mmmmm. Quattro Formaggi Potatoes.

It's like a little bit of heaven on a fork. :thumbsup2


Filet and sorbet.
Sorbet and filet.
And potatoes.
As your fork wends it way to your mouth, laden with that first delicious bite of filet and potatoes and those surprisingly nommy cured veggies (I have faith that you can get all three on the fork)...think of Tink.

Hee hee. Rhymes.

You amuse me. Do you know that? :lmao:


Is this the "See how many times you can get Tink verklempt" chapter?

For the record, you're 2:0.

Oh, honey, I've got more where that came from, you just wait. The whole turning as yet unspeakable birthday thing has got me reflecting upon my life in many ways.


I think it's the whole "hindsight is 20/20".

As always, m'dear, looking forward to more.

Why couldn't foresight be 20/20? WHY WHY WHY???? :lmao:

[Tinkerbellarella]

Well, duh, that's why you've put up with me for this long. My complete and utter lack of wit. Obviously. ;)

Not really.
It's your hubby's cookin'.

Kidding.

Mostly.

;)

Why couldn't foresight be 20/20? WHY WHY WHY???? :lmao:

Because then I think it would mess with the numbers and it would be, like 40/40 or something.
I dunno.
I was never good at math.
Which, by the way, is one little vowel away from being myth.

[TarzansKat]

Not really.
It's your hubby's cookin'.

Kidding.

Mostly.

;)

Hmph. I'd like to pretend to be angry, but sadly, I know how good his cooking really is. :thumbsup2



I was never good at math.
Which, by the way, is one little vowel away from being myth.

:rotfl2:

[TarzansKat]

By virtue of the fact that I titled it, that sort of makes it an oxy moron.

Anyway, I know you're all waiting anxiously, putting your lives on hold ;) for my costume post.

Sadly, I'm afraid you're going to have to wait a bit longer. May I recommend the super bowl as a distraction? Or the puppy bowl, of which I'm so fond. :lmao:

In all seriousness, we're headed out to a visit with family today, and I just don't have the time to do the chapter justice with all my vim and vigor and wit, savvy?

So if I can, I'll post tonight, if not tomorrow, if not the next day...but I promise it's coming soon. Don't hit unsubscribe. Don't do it! Not yet, anyway. Wait until you hear how I want to dress my family first. ;)

[maroo]

Ok! I guess we will wait...:confused3

But I have a funny story for you. And I HAVE to share it...because you said "Puppy Bowl"...(which I have no idea what that means?!?!)...but it did remind of a very funny story from this weekend!

I am totally hijacking your Pre-Trippie...with this precious "baby" of mine...This is Muffin.

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/photo-1-1.jpg http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/photo-2.jpg

Muffin was staying at Lauren's house the other night while I took Lauren to a church function. When we got back, we couldn't find Muffin! :confused3 We could hear her barking, crying, but we could not find her! Finally, one of Lauren's friends thought she heard the barking coming from the toilet...opened the lid...and about had a heart attack! Because Muffin was IN THE TOILET! :rotfl:

How in the world she managed to get in the toilet AND shut the lid on herself, I have no idea!

She is fine! She was significantly wet...and pretty freaked out! But she is fine now! Crazy dog!

Now, don't make me tell any more Muffin stories while we patiently wait the much anticipated COSTUME info!!

:)

[TarzansKat]

OMG, that is too freakin' funny! What an adorable little dog Muffin is!

Actually, the Puppy Bowl is usually on Animal Planet, and it's just a bunch of puppies they have in a small enclosure themed like a football field with a bunch of low cameras, and you can watch them play.

Honestly, it's adorable. I, however, did not catch it last night. Too busy with family! If DS takes a nap today (he's still a bit sick) then I'll get a chapter up.

[maroo]

Aw!! The little peanut is sick? Royalty! Sick!?!?! We can't have that!

But...won't it be very GOOOOOOOOD for him to take a LOOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGG nap? :rolleyes1

Sorry to hijack your pre-trippie with my "puppy."

Would you believe that I DID find the puppy bowl! I googled it...And actually watched some of it.

It was too cute!

[pooh'smate]

TK I have a question for you and maybe you can help me. Do you use a fridge while you are staying at the POP? I am trying to decide if we will need one or not. Help?!?!

[TarzansKat]

Aw!! The little peanut is sick? Royalty! Sick!?!?! We can't have that!

But...won't it be very GOOOOOOOOD for him to take a LOOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGG nap? :rolleyes1

Sorry to hijack your pre-trippie with my "puppy."

Would you believe that I DID find the puppy bowl! I googled it...And actually watched some of it.

It was too cute!

No problems on the hijack, that was a cute story, and I did mention the puppy bowl. :goodvibes

I'm hoping he'll take a long nap because he really needs it. He got a fever on Thursday, and it spiked really high on Friday. We've been giving him Motrin, so the fever is gone, but he's still tired. He's not eating much but toast and fruit, and now he has this really bad cough. I've called the pediatrician's office and they gave me some great tips, so I'm hopeful that we can knock this cough out or at least supress it a little.

TK I have a question for you and maybe you can help me. Do you use a fridge while you are staying at the POP? I am trying to decide if we will need one or not. Help?!?!

Hey there. While it certainly is convenient to have a fridge, it's not technically necessary. I usually get up around the same time as DS, and the most important thing for him to have first thing in the morning is something to drink. So the night before, we go to the food court (on our way back from the parks) and purchase some juice or milk. We then use our ice bucket, and surround the juice milk / bottle with ice. This keeps it good overnight, and then he can have something as soon as he wakes up. If you plan on bringing snack type breakfast foods with you, then you won't have to worry about refrigerating anything, or if you're the type of people who will want to eat breakfast at the food court, then I don't think you need a fridge.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVED having a fridge at the WL in September. It was convenient. But I've been fortunate at Pop in that I've never had a far walk to the food court, and now we book preferred for Nana so she doesn't have to walk too much.

Did that help at all? I feel like I'm rambling. :lmao:

[TarzansKat]

Indeed.

I am troubled.

Vexed.

However, if I was staring at Captain Jack Sparrow, and he was saying that to me, I'm sure by virtue of sheer proximity, I'd be a lot less troubled, savvy?

So here we come to the costume chapter. We've done different things for MNSSHP, all fun, some easier than others. And we've thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. So much so, that for the past few years we have dressed as...

well, duh, Pirates. What did you think I was going to say? ;)

For those of you who are not familiar with just how far we go for the love of POTC, you might want to check out previous reports, most links located in my siggie. For the past couple of years, DH and I have dressed as Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth, and DS has been our little pirate minion. Little monkey. Such a cute little pirate my little nugget makes.

And it's the easiest costume for a child. Pirate bandana, play sword, earring, loot, white tee shirt, navy shorts, and a red and white striped sash. Voila! Instant pirate. And since DS has an aversion to actual costumes, as per the I want to be a bat no I don't want to be a bat please don't make me wear that absolute tears hysteria incident of 2008 (he was a red M&M for Halloween instead, thanks Heidi!) we're very into making our own costumes in this family. And that's been true ever since I was a kid. Something instilled into me by my mother. We rarely if ever, used store bought costumes for Halloween. The challenge, the thrill, the fun, was to figure out what you wanted to be and then figure out how to put it together. You'll see from my varied ideas about this particular MNSSHP that I still enjoy that thrill. :goodvibes

Case in point. DH's Sparrow costume is a compilation of authentic custom made items purchased on Ebay and other things I've hunted down myself. It takes an hour to put on.

And he's DEVASTATINGLY handsome in it.

No joke. I know we're married, but that man looks just like the captain. But better. Because he's mine. :lmao: Heh heh. And there is a debt to be repaid. ;) ;)

Anyway, allow me to wipe the drool off the keyboard, make sure it still works and continue.

Now, I have a custom made dress I purchased on Ebay modeled after Elizabeth's gold dress in the film. It's gorgeous, and beautiful, but because I'm short, it requires me to wear it with heels. Yup. You read that right. I wear heels during MNSSHP. Not crazy heels. Chunky ones. But oh, do my feet hurt at the end of the night.

Now part of me is wondering whether or not there's really a point to this post. Given the absolute lack of Pirate and Princess Parties this year, I'm a little concerned that my MNSSHP may receive the axe as well. And that pains me. Because I love them so.

But operating on the assumption that they are having them, I thought, if I have the whole family there, wouldn't it be nice to theme us all the same?

There are a lot of things we could do, and have many, many ideas to run by you all.

First, we could follow tradition and dress as our pirate selves, forcing the other family members to acquiesce to our request and pirate them up as well. As shown by the ease of DS' outfit, this isn't hard to do.

Or, we could follow Mom and Nana's routine, and get everyone the jack o lantern tees and go as a pumpkin family. It's fun, it's not too hot, and easy to move around in.

OR we could do some sort of theme around my birthday, giving everyone their own tee shirts with characters that match their personalities, and then their names. For example, my mother's would say what my son calls her, and then have Mary Poppins.

OR we could go with different Disney movies. Here's something I thought of that would just be adorable. Logistically, I'm not sure how I'd make it work, but I have time.

One of my ideas was Peter Pan. My DS would make a fantastic Peter. He has gorgeous auburn red hair, and would look so good in a Peter costume. If I could convince him to wear one. But given that I could most likely do it with a tee and shorts cut just so, and give him a little dagger, etc, he could make a very nice Peter. DH would be an awesome Captain Hook. I'd make a very good Wendy, my mother would be an excellent Tink (she's blonde), my Nana would be a great...well NANA!!! I would never, ever make her dress like a dog, but I bet if I asked her, she'd wear the bonnet for pictures. And my dad and my fil? I'd love it if we could dress them like Lost Boys.

But that's really involved. And a lot of work to figure out. Not that I can't do it. I know I can.

But there's one other idea lingering in the back of my head. It's something I've always wanted to do, not that everyone has to match me necessarily, but definitely DH. And I'm pretty sure I could make / find our costumes easily.

And that's for me to be Belle, and for him to be Gaston. I can't tell you what a great Gaston my DH would be. Not because he's like him at all, but just because we could so easily do the costume, and he has long hair, so it's not hard to get that look. I'd love to be Belle in her peasant dress. I've always, always wanted to do that, and part of me thinks for this birthday it might be something special.

Something new, something different as my DS would say.

Now I'm not sure how I'd integrate the rest of the family into that, or even what DS could be.

But those are the ideas rattling around my head.

You wanted to know. :lmao:

pirate:

[Tinkerbellarella]

However, if I was staring at Captain Jack Sparrow, and he was saying that to me, I'm sure by virtue of sheer proximity, I'd be a lot less troubled, savvy?

Depends.
Is Disney Security within the same proximity?

(You know I had about a MILLION retorts to your comment above. I think this was the only family-friendly appropriate one.)

And it's the easiest costume for a child. Pirate bandana, play sword, earring, loot, white tee shirt, navy shorts, and a red and white striped sash. Voila! Instant pirate.

Kind of like instant oatmeal.
But less mushy.


One of my ideas was Peter Pan. My DS would make a fantastic Peter. He has gorgeous auburn red hair, and would look so good in a Peter costume.

O.
M.
G.

He's not even Peter Pan yet, and I'm already in LOVE with him as Peter Pan.
IN. LOVE.

my mother would be an excellent Tink

HMPH.

::ahem::

And that's for me to be Belle, and for him to be Gaston. I can't tell you what a great Gaston my DH would be. Not because he's like him at all, but just because we could so easily do the costume, and he has long hair, so it's not hard to get that look. I'd love to be Belle in her peasant dress. I've always, always wanted to do that, and part of me thinks for this birthday it might be something special.

You know, I love this idea too, but the Peter Pan one is my favorite.

But of course that's just my humble opinion.

And as the GREAT and ALMIGHT ZZUB, and ONLY ZZUB once said, "That's just my opinion. It's worth exactly what you paid for it."

;)

[TarzansKat]

[/size][/color]

Depends.
Is Disney Security within the same proximity?

(You know I had about a MILLION retorts to your comment above. I think this was the only family-friendly appropriate one.)

Oh, and I meant it the way you thought of it. And in my mind, no. There's no Disney security, and the Black Pearl is fairly deserted. And let's just leave it at that. :lmao:


O.
M.
G.

He's not even Peter Pan yet, and I'm already in LOVE with him as Peter Pan.
IN. LOVE.

I know! But how to convince him? :scratchin


HMPH.

::ahem::

Well, sheesh, if you were going, obviously you'd be Tink.

Because you are in fact Tink. I have a very difficult time using the name your parents gave you when describing you to people.

Forevermore, you'll be Tink. :thumbsup2



You know, I love this idea too, but the Peter Pan one is my favorite.

But of course that's just my humble opinion.

And as the GREAT and ALMIGHT ZZUB, and ONLY ZZUB once said, "That's just my opinion. It's worth exactly what you paid for it."

;)

But can't you just picture my DH as Gaston?

Doesn't that make you laugh a little? ;)

[jenjolt]

Wow those are some brilliant ideas!! I must say I'm completely in love with the Peter Pan idea, HRH I'm sure would be an amazing Peter!!

Although I have a huge love for Beauty and the Beast and I think you and your DH's costumes would be amazing LOL!!!

I can't wait to hear what you finally decide and how you go about getting the costumes together...I'm sure it will be a delightful journey to be on!!!

[TarzansKat]

Wow those are some brilliant ideas!! I must say I'm completely in love with the Peter Pan idea, HRH I'm sure would be an amazing Peter!!

Although I have a huge love for Beauty and the Beast and I think you and your DH's costumes would be amazing LOL!!!

I can't wait to hear what you finally decide and how you go about getting the costumes together...I'm sure it will be a delightful journey to be on!!!

It's just so hard to pick one idea right now! :lmao:

I'm glad to have the DIS as a sounding board, and I have plenty of time to think about it. :thumbsup2

[maroo]

Woo Hoo!!!! It's here!!! Go wake the neighbors!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:


I will join the mutiny pirate: that will be created if Disney cancels the MNSSHP's for 09!!!!! :scared: I don't even want to hear that rumor. Or start that rumor! I would be SO upset! Because we are SO going to MNSSHP...but don't tell Lisa. It isn't in the budget...yet!


Now that I have gotten THAT out of my system.

Your little peanut would make such a DARLING Peter Pan!

Have you ever read the TR about the boy that wanted to meet Peter Pan? It was a Wish trip...I think they went in 2007...but you would not forget it!

So...my vote is for Peter Pan...

You should create a POLL...!!! Let us VOTE!! And then you can do what you want...but it would be a fun poll!! :)

[trixiequilts]

I'm just chuckling sitting here thinking about Nana as Nana. I picture your Nana as very dignified and cannot imagine her wearing a bonnet! :upsidedow

[TarzansKat]

Woo Hoo!!!! It's here!!! Go wake the neighbors!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

:rotfl2: The poor neighbors.

Just who is this TK?

Obsessed with pirates?

Jack Sparrow? Multiple Disney trips?

Oy. :lmao:


I will join the mutiny pirate: that will be created if Disney cancels the MNSSHP's for 09!!!!! :scared: I don't even want to hear that rumor. Or start that rumor! I would be SO upset! Because we are SO going to MNSSHP...but don't tell Lisa. It isn't in the budget...yet!

Oh, shoot, I don't mean to start a rumor, at all. I'm just nervous given the state of the economy, and the lack of P&P parties. That's all.


Now that I have gotten THAT out of my system.

Your little peanut would make such a DARLING Peter Pan!

Have you ever read the TR about the boy that wanted to meet Peter Pan? It was a Wish trip...I think they went in 2007...but you would not forget it!

So...my vote is for Peter Pan...

You should create a POLL...!!! Let us VOTE!! And then you can do what you want...but it would be a fun poll!! :)

I think I did read parts of that trip report. Do you happen to have a link to it? If you do, PM me, but I'm almost positive I did read it.

I should make a poll. Maybe that will be my next post. :thumbsup2

I'm just chuckling sitting here thinking about Nana as Nana. I picture your Nana as very dignified and cannot imagine her wearing a bonnet! :upsidedow

My Nana is quite dignified. Not stodgy, by any means, but dignified.

I can't picture the bonnet either. But she would do it for me. I know she would.

Do you think I can make a dignifed looking bonnet? :lmao:

[MRYPPNS]

I love both the Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast ideas. But I think that Peter Pan lends itself better to a group. I think you should save Belle and company for a time when it's just the 3 of you (and DS is more likey to wear more of a costume).

If Nana didn't want to go as NANA, how about the Indian Princess?

[TarzansKat]

I love both the Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast ideas. But I think that Peter Pan lends itself better to a group. I think you should save Belle and company for a time when it's just the 3 of you (and DS is more likey to wear more of a costume).

If Nana didn't want to go as NANA, how about the Indian Princess?

Oh, that's not a bad idea. Nana or I could be Wendy or the Indian Princess quite easily, we're both brunettes. Thanks, Heidi, that's a great idea!

You know I also thought of the possibility of making my FIL dress like Smee and my dad be one of the lost boys, or a pirate if that's better for him. So there are lots of options with the Peter Pan movie. :thumbsup2

[maroo]

I think I did read parts of that trip report. Do you happen to have a link to it? If you do, PM me, but I'm almost positive I did read it.


I will just post it here, so anyone can read it. It is such a fabulous TR!! One of the best I have read, honestly! But bring your kleenex...

A fabulous Wish Trip for a Peter Pan Fan! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1504402)

Gosh...I didn't mean to make that rhyme!

:rotfl2:

[pooh'smate]

Hey there. While it certainly is convenient to have a fridge, it's not technically necessary. I usually get up around the same time as DS, and the most important thing for him to have first thing in the morning is something to drink. So the night before, we go to the food court (on our way back from the parks) and purchase some juice or milk. We then use our ice bucket, and surround the juice milk / bottle with ice. This keeps it good overnight, and then he can have something as soon as he wakes up. If you plan on bringing snack type breakfast foods with you, then you won't have to worry about refrigerating anything, or if you're the type of people who will want to eat breakfast at the food court, then I don't think you need a fridge.
Did that help at all? I feel like I'm rambling. :lmao:
This is exactly what I was thinking of doing (with the ice). I didn't want to pay for one but I didn't want to do the whole fridge swap either. Thanks so much you were really a help.


One of my ideas was Peter Pan. My DS would make a fantastic Peter. He has gorgeous auburn red hair, and would look so good in a Peter costume. If I could convince him to wear one. But given that I could most likely do it with a tee and shorts cut just so, and give him a little dagger, etc, he could make a very nice Peter. DH would be an awesome Captain Hook. I'd make a very good Wendy, my mother would be an excellent Tink (she's blonde), my Nana would be a great...well NANA!!! I would never, ever make her dress like a dog, but I bet if I asked her, she'd wear the bonnet for pictures. And my dad and my fil? I'd love it if we could dress them like Lost Boys.
pirate:

I LOVE this idea.

[TarzansKat]

This is exactly what I was thinking of doing (with the ice). I didn't want to pay for one but I didn't want to do the whole fridge swap either. Thanks so much you were really a help.

Happy to help! I'm really not into the whole fridge swap thing either. It just seems like to much work for me to have to do on vacation. :lmao:


I LOVE this idea.

Thanks. :goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

So many ideas to decide between, TK! It's a good thing that you have almost eight months to decide!

I really, really, really, really like the Peter Pan idea!

[TarzansKat]

So many ideas to decide between, TK! It's a good thing that you have almost eight months to decide!

I really, really, really, really like the Peter Pan idea!

Seems like so far, that's everyone's favorite! :goodvibes

[pooh'smate]

Happy to help! I'm really not into the whole fridge swap thing either. It just seems like to much work for me to have to do on vacation. :lmao:


That is exactly what I thought too!:rotfl2: I didn't want to have to take the time to clean it, box it up, and label it. This is my vacation I don't want to worry about stuff like that.

[If U Had Wings]

[SIZE="3"][COLOR="DarkRed"]And so Mom acquiesced. So far. Although the other day she asked, well these are the only two reservations set it stone, right? :::sigh::: But, she said that perhaps (whenver Nana arrives) that they will make their own reservation in France.

And I was glad. It's selfish, but I was. I just have no desire to go there again (I bet you're all wondering why now, but it's just not enjoyable for me) and honestly, it's good for everyone if you break off every now and then. And that rarely, rarely happens on these trips.

Everyone needs a bit of time apart on a large family trip. A meal or two apart will help keep peace in the long run!

Yes. I'm going to be one of those parents. One of the ones who will not take their child out of school to go to Disney. At least until he's a lot older, you know? I just would hate to give his teacher / the school district a first impression of us that I yanked him out of kindergarten to go on vacation for a week.

We were able to take advantage of free dining last year at the end of August. It wasn't nearly as hot as I was expecting, and the parks were practically empty as a lot of Southern schools had already gone back. If I ever had to go back in the summer months I'd do it then again. The small crowds made it worth it.

The costume ideas sound like alot of fun. I love the group ideas.

[TarzansKat]

Everyone needs a bit of time apart on a large family trip. A meal or two apart will help keep peace in the long run!

I heartily agree with this. And Mom and Nana need to be free to do their own thing, or they're going to feel like it's not their vacation as well. And I completely understand that.

As long as we do split up. Everyone tends to stick together the whole time and it can be just too much.


We were able to take advantage of free dining last year at the end of August. It wasn't nearly as hot as I was expecting, and the parks were practically empty as a lot of Southern schools had already gone back. If I ever had to go back in the summer months I'd do it then again. The small crowds made it worth it.

The costume ideas sound like alot of fun. I love the group ideas.

I'll have to keep August in mind. I don't mind heat as long as I'm prepared for it. And then, maybe my boys could really get me to go on Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids again! :lmao:

[MegansMom]

Well TK, my opinion is going to help you out none whatsoever----because I love them BOTH! I can see how the Peter Pan idea can easily work for your group, but I can hear how much you want to run with the Belle and Gaston idea too! Whatever you decide will be great!

[TarzansKat]

Well TK, my opinion is going to help you out none whatsoever----because I love them BOTH! I can see how the Peter Pan idea can easily work for your group, but I can hear how much you want to run with the Belle and Gaston idea too! Whatever you decide will be great!

Thank goodness I have so much time to decide. :lmao:

[Tinkerbellarella]

Thank goodness I have so much time to decide. :lmao:

Honey, you're a Libra. You could have 6 years to decide and we BOTH know that come August you'd still be "weighing" the options.

Stupid scales. The Libra curse, I tell you!

[TarzansKat]

Honey, you're a Libra. You could have 6 years to decide and we BOTH know that come August you'd still be "weighing" the options.

Stupid scales. The Libra curse, I tell you!

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[TarzansKat]

Crew!

or

Fellow Obessive Disney Vacation Planners! ;)

I have a few questions and I'm hoping you can help me. Otherwise the intellectual thicket will keep growing, savvy?

Yak and Yeti in the Animal Kingdom.
Who's been there?
It's not on the dining plan, right?
And did I read it's owned by the same parent company that owns the Rainforest Cafe? I'm curious because if it is, I'm wondering if you can use Rainforest Cafe Gift Cards there.

Ohana
Similar concept. Who's been there and did you like it? Wings, I know you had a bad experience the last time, but liked the previous ones.

I'm sure you can all guess as to why I'm asking. However, I'm not telling.

Not yet, anyway. You'll just have to wait until my happy little weekend update. But I would really appreciate your thoughts/help in my decision making process. Cut down the intellectual thicket a little.

Thanks!

pirate:

[jenjolt]

Crew!

or

Fellow Obessive Disney Vacation Planners! ;)

I have a few questions and I'm hoping you can help me. Otherwise the intellectual thicket will keep growing, savvy?

Yak and Yeti in the Animal Kingdom.
Who's been there?
It's not on the dining plan, right?
And did I read it's owned by the same parent company that owns the Rainforest Cafe? I'm curious because if it is, I'm wondering if you can use Rainforest Cafe Gift Cards there.

Ohana
Similar concept. Who's been there and did you like it? Wings, I know you had a bad experience the last time, but liked the previous ones.

I'm sure you can all guess as to why I'm asking. However, I'm not telling.

Not yet, anyway. You'll just have to wait until my happy little weekend update. But I would really appreciate your thoughts/help in my decision making process. Cut down the intellectual thicket a little.

Thanks!

pirate:

YAK and YETI...wonderful I loved it!! Especially the wonton dessert...I'm going back just so I can have that.

Ummm...well when I went in January it was on the dining plan so I'm assuming it still it...it is defintely a Disney restaurant! So YES to the Dining plan!

The atmosphere inside is really amazing I loved the mix and match of the decorating it was gorgeous...the upstairs was nice and quite I had a really nice table by a window so I could people watch.

Service was really good I had more than one manager walk by and ask if everything was okay and my waiter was very very helpful!

And as stated before I really really enjoyed the food...my fave was the appetizer and dessert, but the honey chicken was also very good and I had a very good portion!

SO I guess you can tell I liked it!

[2xcited2sleep]

Just caught up on your costume ideas. Those are all good ideas! I'm going to be no help. :sad2: Nana as Nana is cracking me up... :rotfl2: ... especially her wearing a bonnet in the pics. :goodvibes

I'm afraid I haven't been to Y&Y or O'H's... but I'll be interested to hear what the rest of the crew says!

[Charleston Princess]

Let me try to be your machete!

We ate at Yak and Yeti in 2008 -- that was the infamous rain and waiting restaurant. Worst meal of our entire trip -- service was slow, food was okay, and the drinks were great. It is on the dining plan. Neat atmosphere. If it were me, I would maybe try it again.

We had breakfast at Ohana's in 2007. We enjoyed it and it was neat to see Stitch. Food was standard breakfast fare served family style. Very loud and energetic in there. We had fun, but once was enough.

Hope I was able to help a little! :goodvibes

[MRYPPNS]

Yak & Yeti.....I've never been but it is on my list for next time. For the reviews I've read, it's come a long way from when it first opened.

'Ohana's.....been ever trip since 2005 for dinner. I have a story about 2008's trip but that has to wait for my TR. I would go again. Just be warned.....you have to have an earlier ADR and then you will still probably wait for your table....not a horrible wait but I've never been sitted "on time". You just need to be prepared to entertain DS, thankfully there is a lot to look at.

[If U Had Wings]

I've never done Yak & Yeti, as on my AK day it's become my tradition to go over to Boma for dinner.

My last experience at Ohana wasn't the greatest, mainly due to the service, but my first time it was a "must do again". Now that a little time has passed I'd go back again. I'm thinking now that many of the issues may have been due to the begining of free dining. I think with kids it would be alot of fun. They periodically have activities going on for the kids - hula lessons, coconut races. All the kids seemed to really love it.

[maroo]

I have no idea!!!!! But they did KILL the Yak and Yeti on the most recent podcast. They gave it like an F-. Kept calling it "Yak"...So you might want to listen? Or take it with a grain of salt? :) Of course, I love Boma...but you had a bad experience there last time, right?

:)

I think we need a support group for the FODVP's! :)

[MegansMom]

I have never tried Yak and Yeti---so no help there. I just remember after reading about CP's experience, I was NOT going to put it on my list anytime soon.

Ohanas has been on our list every year since 2006. I always enjoy this meal---it isn't that it is the BEST FOOD EVER---but I like having a reason to go visit the Polynesian---little inside truth about me: the smell of the Polynesian lobby is my favorite smell EVER---it is has been this way since I was very young and stayed there as a child. You know how you get a smell stuck in your head---it isn't like you are actually smelling it, just the memory of it? That was the smell stuck in my head as my favorite my whole life---I knew it had something to do with WDW, but never could remember where it was from until our September 2006 trip--I kept "looking" for that smell in rides, etc. and finally found it the evening we had dinner scheduled at Ohanas. I walked into that lobby and smelled that glorious scent and had that warm happy feeling rush over me!!!! It was WONDERFUL!!!!

BUT I DIGRESS.....you were asking about the restaurant---forgive my ramble!! There is no ordering at Ohanas---they just start bringing you food as soon as you sit, and there is no stopping until you stop them. We tend to like the first courses the best---the pot stickers and sticky wings are delightful!!! They used to have these wonderful au gratin-like potatoes they served, but they switched to some yummy noodles. I miss the potatoes still, but the noodles are still good. Then the onslaught of meat starts---like four different kinds that are all cooked over their wood fire pit. Sometimes I think the meat is a little overdone and dry---I don't know if you can order it any different way---but still good. You will leave this restaurant full for sure! The kids stuff is fun---I think he would enjoy the coconut races!

[TarzansKat]

So, instead of responding to each individual post, I wanted to offer a heartfelt thank you to all of you for giving me so much food for thought! That was fantastic, and exactly what I was looking for, and I basically drew this conclusion.

Nobody is really sold on Yak and Yeti, as much as people are sold on Ohana's. One of the reasons I like Ohana's so much is because my son can eat the same things as all the adults. It's one of the reasons I also love buffets with him. Because quite frankly, I find the children's menus at most Disney restaurants to be homogenized and lacking. I said most, now there are some that are quite good, and some that are your traditional junk. And that irks me. But I digress.

There are quite a few things on the Ohana menu that appeal, and oddly enough, I had every member of this future trip in my home yesterday, celebrating my son's 4th birthday! We had a great time, and I seized the opportunity to run this meal by them. And they were all amenable.

Even Mom and Nana.

:scared1:

You could have knocked me over with a feather.

But basically, they thought it sounded like fun, and hey, we'd all be together.

So basically, there are going to be some changes to the intinerary. When?

I don't know. This involves major, major shuffling. We only have 6 days. I'm not sure yet which ones Nana and Dad are coming. DH, DS, myself, my mom, my FIL are there for the duration.

But Ohana's is a meal that everyone would like to do. Therefore it needs to be on a day that everyone is there. Which means that things are getting moved, tweaked, and shuffled, and I can't even tell you how yet. :lmao:

But I can tell you one more thing.

We're dropping the Coral Reef.

DH and I were talking about it, and we've done it the past several years in a row. So in order to try "something new, something diffferent," as my son would say, we're going to nix that ressie and put Ohana in its place. Figuratively speaking.

Since I don't know which days everyone will be there.

Isn't this fun?

pirate:

[Charleston Princess]

I will be interested to hear how like Ohana's! I think it sounds like fun, too! Plus, you'll get to try that bread pudding that I hear so much about. :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

I will be interested to hear how like Ohana's! I think it sounds like fun, too! Plus, you'll get to try that bread pudding that I hear so much about. :goodvibes

I just can't even begin to tell you how excited my DS will be to be eating what all the adults are eating. Between the shrimp, wings, meat on a stick! The boy will be in heaven. And I'm so looking forward to it all! :goodvibes

[maroo]

Ahh....

Mom and Nana agreed...

Glad you didn't get knocked over by a feather! :)


I can't wait to see what new plans you come up with! :)

[TarzansKat]

I can't wait to see what new plans you come up with! :)

Let's just say it's a good thing I'm creative. :lmao:

[MRYPPNS]

I just have one tip about eating at 'Ohana's. Well I have more, but just one for this post! You will read reviews where the poster will say that the meat is dry and others will say it was perfect. You will probably get both served to you in one meal. The meats are cooked over an open flame on shrewers so it's almost as if every shrewer is different. I only get a couple pieces of meat at a time....that way if it's dry I just ask for more when they come around again. Don't be shy in that restaurant....if you want more of something, or something is cold just ask who-ever you see to get you more. It seems to me that the waitstaff work in teams some nights.

[TarzansKat]

I just have one tip about eating at 'Ohana's. Well I have more, but just one for this post! You will read reviews where the poster will say that the meat is dry and others will say it was perfect. You will probably get both served to you in one meal. The meats are cooked over an open flame on shrewers so it's almost as if every shrewer is different. I only get a couple pieces of meat at a time....that way if it's dry I just ask for more when they come around again. Don't be shy in that restaurant....if you want more of something, or something is cold just ask who-ever you see to get you more. It seems to me that the waitstaff work in teams some nights.

Thanks for the tip, Heidi! That's great. And if you want to tell me more, please feel free to PM me, I would appreciate it. :goodvibes

[jenjolt]

SO glad you guys were able to make a decision together and even better you all agreed!!

I loved Ohana's...it was so much good food!! I also really really loved the dessert but I'm a bread pudding girl so it was a slice of heaven!!!

Hope you are having a good day!

[pooh'smate]

I just have one tip about eating at 'Ohana's. Well I have more, but just one for this post! You will read reviews where the poster will say that the meat is dry and others will say it was perfect. You will probably get both served to you in one meal. The meats are cooked over an open flame on shrewers so it's almost as if every shrewer is different. I only get a couple pieces of meat at a time....that way if it's dry I just ask for more when they come around again. Don't be shy in that restaurant....if you want more of something, or something is cold just ask who-ever you see to get you more. It seems to me that the waitstaff work in teams some nights.

Thanks for the tip, Heidi! That's great. And if you want to tell me more, please feel free to PM me, I would appreciate it. :goodvibes


Well if you don't mind I wouldn't mind hearing the tips because this is one place my dh said sounded really interesting.

[MegansMom]

I really do think you guys will enjoy it---it is no Brown Derby---but I think it is fun and the food is enjoyable!

[2xcited2sleep]

O'Hana's sounds like so much fun!!! ::yes::

[iu97alum]

Awesome so far! Count me in! I'm going to have to go back and read your other posts too!!

[TarzansKat]

SO glad you guys were able to make a decision together and even better you all agreed!!

I loved Ohana's...it was so much good food!! I also really really loved the dessert but I'm a bread pudding girl so it was a slice of heaven!!!

Hope you are having a good day!

Thanks! I'm really excited about O'hanas.

Well if you don't mind I wouldn't mind hearing the tips because this is one place my dh said sounded really interesting.

Very cool! Heidi, feel free to enlighten us at will. :goodvibes

I really do think you guys will enjoy it---it is no Brown Derby---but I think it is fun and the food is enjoyable!

Thanks, hon! :goodvibes

O'Hana's sounds like so much fun!!! ::yes::

It just seems like a "family" place. ;)

Awesome so far! Count me in! I'm going to have to go back and read your other posts too!!

:welcome:

Happy to have you here! :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

Pre trip reports are nothing if not personal, right?

I mean you're delving into one of the most personal things we do.

Vacation. I think vacationing says a lot about a person. It's one of the reasons that when I write my trip reports, I lay it all out there. Good, bad, ugly, I am not perfect.

That does mean, however, that when I write certain things, I fully expect people to go running and screaming away from the computer and hit unsubscribe faster than you can say "TK loves Captain Jack."

But you know what? We're human, we're all beautiful, and we're all flawed.

It's accepting those flaws within yourself and working with them that makes all the difference.

So for this post, we're delving a little bit into the personal, and I promise, it does relate to the trip.

I recently read this amazing book called The Complaint Free World. It was given to me by Tink, for Christmas, with the assured comment that she didn't think I was a complainer, but that she wanted me to read this because she thought it would really help.

Oh my word! Did it do more than help me!

It changed my outlook on everything. And I mean everything, people. Life in general and all my perceived worries.

That's what worries are you know. Perceived.

We create them. Not sure if you think about that, but it's true. And this book has taught me how to acknowledge my worries, and not discredit them, but to not...well, harp on them, so to speak.

It's taught me about putting positive energy out into the world and reaping positive rewards.

And it does work. I don't want to get too much into it, for those who may want to read it for themselves, but we're talking about basic karma here. You put out good, you get good back. I've already seen it happen in my life in a small way, and it excites me.

Living a complaint free life is harder than you think, but it's my goal. I already feel calmer, more enlightened, and when I'm going to have a lot of negative coming out of my mouth, not only do I think about it more beforehand and try to put a positive spin on it, but if I just can't, I acknowledge it's okay to blow off some steam.

The difference is that once I get it out, it's over with.

Whereas before, my Libran personality would over-analyze it from every single angle until you possibly couldn't think about it, contradicting myself millions of times in the process, and generally questioning my own self worth.

That's a horrible way to live. Horrible.

And there's no reason for it.

I am truly blessed. My husband and I, despite this shaky economy, have finally started to see better financial ground. It's not necessarily that we're rolling in it, but how we use what we have. I love my family, and have their love in return. We're happy, we're healthy, we've got a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, and some money in the bank.

Sure, there are more things I'd like to do. I mean, wouldn't I love to upgrade my whole party to say, the Wilderness Lodge for this trip?

Heck, ya! But there are other things to spend money on, and although we all love our vacations, real life comes first. I mean, I get to go to Disney once (sometimes twice) a year, but I have to live my life all year round.

Savvy?

So I've hinted at possibly cancelling this trip. I'm going to lay it all out there for you. My husband's student loan is the last piece of debt that we have to pay off. After that, we will both be debt free. I'm cheerfully ignoring the fact that we'll need new cars eventually, we will just cross that bridge when we come to it.

Now we've gotten that student loan paid down to a little over $10,000.

I don't even want to talk about how much it was originally. It would turn your hair white. ;)

My goal was to pay his loan off before I turned thirty.

Yes. I said it, people. This year I'm going to be THIRTY!!!!!!

And I'm proud of it now. I have earned every single year, some harder than others, but all I'm grateful for. They make me who I am as a person, wife, and mother, and I wouldn't trade any of my experiences for any amount of money in the world.

I've done some incredible things in these twenty-nine years, and I plan to do many more.

One of which was to pay off that loan. We are so close to making this a reality. DH has been working extra hours at his day job and weekend job to make this happen, and we've started banking my salary in an effort to just live off of his and be able to put that student loan to bed.

Which really puts something like a vacation to Disney World in perspective, don't you think?

And now I'm really running the risk of that whole unsubscribe thing.

It's hard for me to acknowledge that it's going to cost a little over $2500 for us to take this trip. But that's everything, airfare, hotel, transportation, food. You have to love free dining. And this is the last time that we'll really get to do free dining with DS, since he'll be starting public school the next year, and I really don't want to pull him out of kindergarten. Who knows, that could change, but for now, I look at this as the last hurrah in September, you know?

And I had a LOT of worries about this trip. Which also makes it harder to think about spending money on it, really. If it's not your ideal, why are you doing it?

I had such a wonderful time last year, just the three of us. That was vacation as it was meant to be. We may have had our moments...let's call them learning experiences, shall we...but all in all, that was one of the best trips I've ever taken in my life. It ranks right up there with my honeymoon, and when I went to Italy for two weeks after I graduated from college.

This trip is not that.

Much like this year is not last year. We grow, we change, we're different people.

I worried about having to wait for Mom in the morning. About all of us having to leave for the park at the same time. I worried about having to make dining reservations for everyone, orchestrating who's going to be there when and what places they'd prefer to eat at.

I worried about having a repeat of past trips with DS where we've pushed him too hard and not given him enough time to just be and just play. Pooh's Thoughtful Spot in the MK, here we come. :lmao:

I worried.

And I complained. A LOT. Mostly to Tink. God bless her, that girl can listen.

And then I read that book. And it changed my life. My perspective, and my way of thinking. And I'm so excited about it, about the weight that's been lifted off my shoulders, that I want to share it with you.

I want your burdens to be lifted too.

Because we should feel that way all year round, not just for one week in Disney World!

We should all have that kind of joy and peace that comes with knowing yourself, acknowledging your faults, and moving past them to know that you will be okay. That everything will work out fine.

That you will pay off the student loan.

That maybe you can finally afford a second child. (Who saw that one coming? ;) )

That it's okay to put two kids in one bedroom in an apartment and not worry what your family thinks. (No, I'm not pregnant, guys, just thinking out loud.)

That you can take this trip to Disney with your family and not worry about it because quite frankly, you're you, and that's all that you are. You'll do your best, try to please everyone, and it'll work some of the time and not others. And that's okay. Because for the majority of it, you'll have fun.

The kind of fun that you can only have in one place in the world.

A place where magic can live in your heart, even when your toddler is cranky and won't take a nap.

A place where you can somehow convince all of your family that you need to dress like characters from Peter Pan, and somehow they'll do it, to soften the blow of that thirtieth birthday. (God bless 'em.)

And when you look at it that way, in the grand scheme of things, $2500 just doesn't seem like that much. Even though it would be sensible to take that and put it toward the loan, I'm reminded of something else.

That loan is what it is. And life is short. Too short. And we don't know what tomorrow will bring.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we're taking this trip.

And I'm not worrying about it anymore. ;)

[MRYPPNS]

Amen.


That maybe you can finally afford a second child. (Who saw that one coming? )
:yay: Pick me, Pick me!

[TarzansKat]

Amen.

:blush:


:yay: Pick me, Pick me!

:rotfl2:

Thanks for all your support, hon. You know I really, really appreciate it. :hug:

[MegansMom]

Can I get a second AMEN!!!! Hon, I am so glad that that book helped you grow in the wisdom of this greatest life lesson--instead of having to learn it the hard way!!! ENJOY YOUR LIFE DEARIE!!! It IS the only one we've got!!! I can see the worries just melting right off your sturdy shoulders as we "speak!"

[TarzansKat]

Can I get a second AMEN!!!!

I think we should throw in a good hallelujah while we're at it. :thumbsup2


Hon, I am so glad that that book helped you grow in the wisdom of this greatest life lesson--instead of having to learn it the hard way!!! ENJOY YOUR LIFE DEARIE!!! It IS the only one we've got!!! I can see the worries just melting right off your sturdy shoulders as we "speak!"

I am so glad that Tink gave me that book. And that I got sick enough to want to read everything in the house I hadn't read. If that's what it took to have that kind of life-altering experience, I'll take it.

And you know, oddly enough, I have always been the worrier, and my husband is so not. I'm the what if, what if, and he's always said, hon, you need to stop thinking like that.

Boy was he right!

Just don't tell him. :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[iu97alum]

YEA!! For everything!! I'm so excited for you. I still have to work on the worrying but since DD was dx, I've learned to really appreciate the little moments in life. :) it's so easy to get caught up in the day to day stuff and forget that this moment will never happen again. :) Glad you're still going so I can continue to read your PTR and then TR!!!!

[TarzansKat]

YEA!! For everything!! I'm so excited for you.

Thank you very much. :goodvibes


I still have to work on the worrying but since DD was dx, I've learned to really appreciate the little moments in life. :) it's so easy to get caught up in the day to day stuff and forget that this moment will never happen again. :) Glad you're still going so I can continue to read your PTR and then TR!!!!

This may sound awful that I don't know, but does dx stand for?

I agree, not worrying is hard, but I'm learning more and more to let it go. There's just no sense. Not when for all intensive purposes, we really are doing well.

And thanks again! I'm glad we're going too. :thumbsup2

[Charleston Princess]

Beautifully said, TK! You are exactly right -- life is too short -- so enjoy!

[iu97alum]

Thank you very much. :goodvibes



This may sound awful that I don't know, but does dx stand for?

I agree, not worrying is hard, but I'm learning more and more to let it go. There's just no sense. Not when for all intensive purposes, we really are doing well.

And thanks again! I'm glad we're going too. :thumbsup2
Oh no problem. DX is diagnoised. My first born was diagnoised with cancer, 10 days before her 4th birthday (2007).

Its so nice to see the sunshine instead of the rain, isn't it? :flower3:

[TarzansKat]

Beautifully said, TK! You are exactly right -- life is too short -- so enjoy!

Thank you! :goodvibes

Oh no problem. DX is diagnoised. My first born was diagnoised with cancer, 10 days before her 4th birthday (2007).

Its so nice to see the sunshine instead of the rain, isn't it? :flower3:

I just started reading your pre trip report.

My goodness, you have been through the wringer! I'll save my comments for over there, but I commend your bravery, and admire you very much. :hug:

[jenjolt]

From one Libra to another...well said!!! I will definitely have to get that book!! I went away to a Ladies retreat this weekend with my church and one of the things we talked on was excessive worrying and how much little faith it takes to worry!! I was seriously given a lot to think about and I'm really putting my faith where it belongs and letting go of the worry!! I'm glad you have also been able to do that cuz man oh man worrying over everything little thing will affect every part of your life and as you said...life is way to short for that.

Glad you have a new perspective and I can't wait to hear more about trip plans!!

[TarzansKat]

From one Libra to another...well said!!! I will definitely have to get that book!! I went away to a Ladies retreat this weekend with my church and one of the things we talked on was excessive worrying and how much little faith it takes to worry!! I was seriously given a lot to think about and I'm really putting my faith where it belongs and letting go of the worry!! I'm glad you have also been able to do that cuz man oh man worrying over everything little thing will affect every part of your life and as you said...life is way to short for that.

Glad you have a new perspective and I can't wait to hear more about trip plans!!

Thank you! I'm glad you were able to get a fresh perspective at your retreat. And if, after you read that book, you want someone to help you with the 21 day challenge, I'm already doing it.

You'll see what I mean. :goodvibes

[2xcited2sleep]

I LOVE this update!! :goodvibes I have gone to Amazon and ordered the book based on your recommendation. I am SUCH a worrier and I would love some help in trying to lift some of the worries from my shoulders.

So enough about me... for you:

Hurrah for taking the trip!!

Love the thought that you can put two kids in the same bedroom. ;) In fact I have a very good friend who did that intentionally despite having 2 other bedrooms in the house and it has fostered a close brother/sister bond.

How awesome that you are so close to paying off the student loans. Good for you!

And :cheer2: for 30 and being proud of it!!

:rotfl2: on the Peter Pan costumes and softening the blow of the 30th.

Can't wait to get the book and may call you for coaching. :)

[TarzansKat]

I LOVE this update!! :goodvibes I have gone to Amazon and ordered the book based on your recommendation. I am SUCH a worrier and I would love some help in trying to lift some of the worries from my shoulders.


Wow, I hope you like it! :goodvibes


Love the thought that you can put two kids in the same bedroom. ;) In fact I have a very good friend who did that intentionally despite having 2 other bedrooms in the house and it has fostered a close brother/sister bond.


It was pointed out to me by someone very wise not too long ago, that if circumstances were different and we lived in a city, we wouldn't think twice about putting two kids in one room. It would be normal then.


Thanks, Heidi.


How awesome that you are so close to paying off the student loans. Good for you!

We've worked very hard at it, and I'm very proud of us. To be able to say that I'm reducing my debt and being so close to down with it...I'm seriously thinking about having a party once we pay that loan.:banana: :banana: :banana:


And :cheer2: for 30 and being proud of it!!

Yup. I will wear my thirty-ness proudly.

For now, however, I enjoy calling myself a twenty-something. :lmao:


:rotfl2: on the Peter Pan costumes and softening the blow of the 30th.

Honestly, I can't believe they've all agreed to it. If that's what we're sticking with. The way my mother is talking though, this is our thing.


Can't wait to get the book and may call you for coaching. :)

And you would be more than welcome to! :goodvibes

[creativeamanda]

I'll have to go back and catch up tomorrow, but just wanted you to know I'm here and am looking forward to getting ideas from you!

[maroo]

wait...wait...wait...

I have not finished the update yet......

but 30?!?!?!?!

are you serious!



Because...you are so wise...like, really. To be 30.

I should be wiser...because I am almost 34.

Geez.

30...is so young! And DEBT FREE!! Woo Hoo! What an awesome goal! :) That rocks.

Do you listen to Dave Ramsey, by chance?

*now back to read*

[maroo]

Amen! Well said! Awesome reflections on this life we are living.



I am so glad you are still going and even MORE glad that you are no longer worried about it! :)

And I so thought you were pregnant! :rolleyes1

[TarzansKat]

I'll have to go back and catch up tomorrow, but just wanted you to know I'm here and am looking forward to getting ideas from you!

:welcome:

I'm so happy to have you here! :goodvibes

wait...wait...wait...

I have not finished the update yet......

but 30?!?!?!?!

are you serious!



Because...you are so wise...like, really. To be 30.

I should be wiser...because I am almost 34.

Geez.

30...is so young! And DEBT FREE!! Woo Hoo! What an awesome goal! :) That rocks.

Do you listen to Dave Ramsey, by chance?

*now back to read*

Aw, shucks. You make me blush. :blush:

Yes. 30. To some, I'm still a spring chicken! And my goodness, I only hope that I have even half the wisdom you think I do.

Just consider it channeling my inner Rafiki. "Doesn't matter! It's in the past!" :lmao:

And I don't listen to Dave Ramsey, but I do have to say a huge proponent of my paying off this debt so quickly was reading the Budget Board. There are some great people over there with wonderful ideas, and even if I pretty much lurk, you can get really inspired, you know?

Amen! Well said! Awesome reflections on this life we are living.

I am so glad you are still going and even MORE glad that you are no longer worried about it! :)

I'm attempting to not worry about anything. So far, it's working really well. Yesterday I started having those kind of thoughts, and just said oh well. No sense in dwelling.

It's SO freeing.


And I so thought you were pregnant! :rolleyes1

No.

Not yet.

[maroo]

No.

Not yet.

:goodvibes :) :rolleyes1

[trixiequilts]

No.

Not yet.

Ooohhh! I'm so excited!!! :hyper:

[TarzansKat]

:goodvibes :) :rolleyes1

Ooohhh! I'm so excited!!! :hyper:

Okay, ladies, calm down. :lmao:

Let's keep the estrogen to a minimum. ;)

[maroo]

Okay, ladies, calm down. :lmao:

Let's keep the estrogen to a minimum. ;)

he he... :)

[TarzansKat]

You know what?

It's tough to plan something when you don't know what dates everyone will be there. :lmao:

That being said, I have a little bit of trip news for you all. Nothing big, just some stuff to catch up on.

I cleaned out our linen closet. I call it a linen closet because, indeed, it does have some of our linens, but it's about half linens, half my art supplies. And for those of you who may not have known, yes, I am an artist. Who really, really needs to start painting and drawing more regularly.

I digress.

What does my linen closet have to do with this trip?

Well, when I cleaned it out, I found a TON of notebooks. Empty.

You know what that means! Pretty soon, we're going to have a little trip binder. That'll be fun! :yay:

I'm watching the airlines, specifically Southwest to see when the open up airfare for September. All my vacation time at work has been approved, so this vacation is official on that front, which is quite exciting.

I've entertained the notion of making some other ADRs. I read a great review of the Turf Club at Saratoga Springs on the restaurant board, and really liked the look of the menu on AllEars. That could be a great possibility for our first night if we decide to go Downtown instead of to a park.

And, sadly, that's pretty much it. :lmao:

There's just not much going on in the way of planning right now, but that doesn't mean this little adventure is far from my mind.

I think about it daily. Like you would about what you're having for lunch or whether or not you really did take your vitamin this morning.

Did you? ;)

So let's just say it's there, and the brain is constantly working on it in the background. And we'll see if there are any changes coming.

In the way of ADRs.

Plans.

Our horizon. pirate:

[maroo]

Well, I have a bit of news and it relates to your trip.

You see... We have been talking - Lisa and I - and decided that we are going to do the Expedition Everest Challenge... What does that have to do with this.

Well... We have new dates...

Sept 26 - 30!!!!

Cool, huh!

I will be starting a TR soon to explain why! But it includes a cool bonus!!

[TarzansKat]

Well, I have a bit of news and it relates to your trip.

You see... We have been talking - Lisa and I - and decided that we are going to do the Expedition Everest Challenge... What does that have to do with this.

Well... We have new dates...

Sept 26 - 30!!!!

Cool, huh!

I will be starting a TR soon to explain why! But it includes a cool bonus!!

Oh, my dear sweet LORD!

Does this mean I can meet you????

I would be so EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

[maroo]

Oh, my dear sweet LORD!

Does this mean I can meet you????

I would be so EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

Of course!!!! :)

[TarzansKat]

Of course!!!! :)

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

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

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[creativeamanda]

Cool! A trip binder! Now that is really something to look forward to!

[maroo]

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

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

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:


:banana: :banana: :banana:


:dance3: :rockband: party: :dancer: :jumping1:

[TarzansKat]

Cool! A trip binder! Now that is really something to look forward to!

Yes.

I will certainly be tapping my creative juices in the not too distant future in the production of said binder. :thumbsup2

:banana: :banana: :banana:


:dance3: :rockband: party: :dancer: :jumping1:

:goodvibes

[MegansMom]

TK--just WAIT until CP finds out you are making a trip binder....she will be SO proud.......and of course, she will want a name!!!!

We have eaten at Turf Club our past two trips-----LOVE it!!!! I think it is an unknown gem in my eyes.....the food is very good IMO!!! The risotto, is UNBELIEVABLE!!! SERIOUSLY!!!! My 11yo picky-eater nephew ordered a dish that it came with last time, and LOVED it so much, we all HAD to sample!!! I was really jealous I didn't get it....you know what I will be getting next time!

[TarzansKat]

TK--just WAIT until CP finds out you are making a trip binder....she will be SO proud.......and of course, she will want a name!!!!

Hmm...

I will have to put on my pirate thinking cap for a good name. pirate:


We have eaten at Turf Club our past two trips-----LOVE it!!!! I think it is an unknown gem in my eyes.....the food is very good IMO!!! The risotto, is UNBELIEVABLE!!! SERIOUSLY!!!! My 11yo picky-eater nephew ordered a dish that it came with last time, and LOVED it so much, we all HAD to sample!!! I was really jealous I didn't get it....you know what I will be getting next time!

Oh, thank you so much for letting me know! It was such a great review I read, and I really liked the menu online. It could be a very nice place to eat on whatever night we decide to go to Downtown. :thumbsup2

[maroo]

Uh...

I am sure this is a very dumb question...

But what is a trip binder? :confused3

Teach me...:teacher:

:)

[TarzansKat]

Uh...

I am sure this is a very dumb question...

But what is a trip binder? :confused3

Teach me...:teacher:

:)

Oh, young padawan.

Come to Yoda. :yoda:

;)

A trip binder is a useful little three ring binder where you store various information in regard to your trip. I got a trip binder lesson from CP last year, she makes a great one! Basically you separate it into parts that make sense to you like, travel info (plane tickets or driving directions etc), resort info (anything to do with your resort, confirmation numbers), ADR info (any ADR stuff), and the like.

I have to get DS ready for preschool (and I'm not showered yet ha ha) but when I get home, I'll pull out last years trip binder and really go through it point by point, if you want. :goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

Did someone say trip binder??? :laughing:

Gidget (her full name is Gidget Goes on Safari ;) ) got quite the workout this weekend while I worked on ADRs.

[jenjolt]

YAY to a trip binder!! I love my trip binder!! I hear that CP has a pretty mean one LOL!!!!

Can't wait to hear more about the decsions your are making TK!!!

[If U Had Wings]

Did someone say trip binder??? :laughing:

Gidget (her full name is Gidget Goes on Safari ;) ) got quite the workout this weekend while I worked on ADRs.

:lmao: I love the Gidget goes on safari title. All we need is a Moondoggie appearance.

I loved those movies.

[Charleston Princess]

:lmao: I love the Gidget goes on safari title. All we need is a Moondoggie appearance.

I loved those movies.

Moondoggie was such a cutie! :lovestruc

[If U Had Wings]

I had such a crush! Except for in the Rome one when he ditches Gig for the Italian chickie. I liked to forget that he was old enough to be my father.

[TarzansKat]

Did someone say trip binder??? :laughing:

::::As CP's ears perk up::: :lmao:


Gidget (her full name is Gidget Goes on Safari ;) ) got quite the workout this weekend while I worked on ADRs.

Gidget Goes on Safari! I LOVE IT!!!! :rotfl2:


Can't wait to hear more about the decsions your are making TK!!!

Thanks! I'm hoping to do another post soon. Had a little MNSSHP epiphany.

:lmao: I love the Gidget goes on safari title. All we need is a Moondoggie appearance.

I loved those movies.

Moondoggie was such a cutie! :lovestruc

I had such a crush! Except for in the Rome one when he ditches Gig for the Italian chickie. I liked to forget that he was old enough to be my father.

I should seriously watch one again.

So if I name my trip binder something pirate-y that means I have to watch a little Jack Sparrow, right?

Right? ;)

[maroo]

Oh, young padawan.

Come to Yoda. :yoda:

;)

A trip binder is a useful little three ring binder where you store various information in regard to your trip. I got a trip binder lesson from CP last year, she makes a great one! Basically you separate it into parts that make sense to you like, travel info (plane tickets or driving directions etc), resort info (anything to do with your resort, confirmation numbers), ADR info (any ADR stuff), and the like.

I have to get DS ready for preschool (and I'm not showered yet ha ha) but when I get home, I'll pull out last years trip binder and really go through it point by point, if you want. :goodvibes

Ok...but first what is a padawan? :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl: I know who Yoda is...I think. Isn't he the short one? That talks backwards?

I would LOVE to hear all about the trip binder!!!!! :)

[If U Had Wings]

::::I should seriously watch one again.

So if I name my trip binder something pirate-y that means I have to watch a little Jack Sparrow, right?

Right? ;)

I am such a dork about those beach movies. My favs are the gidget ones, followed closely by the Frankie and Annette ones. I even loved the 80's reunion one. Like I said dork.

I love any excuse to watch a little Jack Sparrow. Have you seen the preview yet for his new film Public Enemies? Yum!

[TarzansKat]

I love any excuse to watch a little Jack Sparrow. Have you seen the preview yet for his new film Public Enemies? Yum!

You know, I've seen some pictures online, but haven't watched the trailer yet. I love how gangster he looks. :lmao:

[Charleston Princess]

The trailer is out??? I will have to go check that out!!!

[If U Had Wings]

I just pm'd you two a link to the youtube trailer. I can't wait to see it!

[MegansMom]

Is he as yummy as he is when he is Jack Sparrow???? You know the bar is set ridiculously high on that one.........um, YUMMMM!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, I think I need a moment. ;O)

[If U Had Wings]

Different but still yummy. Clean and debonair and yummy.

Jack is still my favorite though, dirt and all.

[TarzansKat]

Different but still yummy. Clean and debonair and yummy.

Jack is still my favorite though, dirt and all.

Thanks for sending that to me.

I think I need not point out that for me, Jack Sparrow would be it.

Any role pales in comparison.

Although he's an amazing actor, and I LOVE some of the other characters he's played.

But Jack...well, he's Jack. :::SIGH::: :cloud9: Dirt and all. :thumbsup2

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/untitled-1.jpg

Now bring me that horizon. pirate:

[If U Had Wings]

But Jack...well, he's Jack. :::SIGH::: :cloud9: Dirt and all. :thumbsup2

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/untitled-1.jpg

Now bring me that horizon. pirate:


OMG! Love this pic! I think I need to go fan myself a bit. ;)

[TarzansKat]

OMG! Love this pic! I think I need to go fan myself a bit. ;)

I totally switched this to the wallpaper on my computer.

[maroo]

I know this was a LONG time ago...

But I will want to hear all about that Trip Binder!!

[TarzansKat]

I know this was a LONG time ago...

But I will want to hear all about that Trip Binder!!

Aw, dang. I'm sorry. :blush:

The Trip Binder - Of Our Famed Pirate's Life for Three

On the cover, A Pirate's Life for Three
A FANTASTIC pic of Jack Sparrow, and the following -

We Set Sail - September Fourteenth - September Twenty-First In The Year Two Thousand and Eight

Destination - Walt Disney World
The Wilderness Lodge Resort

Objective - Family Fun and Revelry of a Pirate Sort

Cast of Characters - (Wouldn't you love to know our real names? ;))

Words to Live By on a Pirate's Life For Three -

"The only rules that really matter are these: what a man can do and what a man can't do."

"I think we've all arrived at a very special place. Spiritually, ecuminically, grammatically."

"This is either madness or brilliance. It's amazing how often those two traits coincide."

"We are very much alike, you and I, I and you...us."

"One word love: curiousity. You long for freedom. You long to do what you want to do because you want it. To act on selfish impulse. You want to see what it's like. One day you won't be able to resist."

Then we had the interior. I got a zippered pouch from WalMart around back to school time (typically August) for such a great price, it should have been a sin. I stored my mousekeeping tips, MNSSHP party tickets and other important items in there on the way down, and while there, I threw receipts in as well.

I had 6 tabbed dividers to separate my info.

The first was Reservation Information. This contained all our flight information and resort information in regard to confirmation numbers and payments.

The second was Budget Info / Packing Lists. Pretty self-explanatory. I kept a few different spreadsheets of our budget as it related to various aspects of the trip. I had an overall trip budget, and then one broken down into what I guessed our tips would come to at our table service restaurants since we weren't on the dining plan.

The third was Resort Information. This was where I stored any and every little tidbit I learned on the boards of from my friends / family about the Wilderness Lodge. I had lists of where you could see MK fireworks from, what time the Electric Water Pageant went by, how much laundry cost, everything that was of interest to me went on this list. And this was INVALUABLE down there, because no matter who you are, it's a lot of information, and if you're like me, you're bound to forget something. If you've got a trip binder, you've got a really easy way to look it up.

The fourth was Parks Information. In here, I had a master spreadsheet of all the park hours, and maps of each park, where I handwrote our must do's. I then circled the numbers that corresponded on the map. You can get these on the main disney website. I also had a list of all the rides that had height requirements, so it would be easy for us to know what DS could and could not go on.

The fifth was ADR Information. Pretty self-explanatory as well. A spreadsheet containing our ADR info by date, time, and confirmation number.

The final tab was miscellaneous info. You're going to laugh when I tell you this, but this is where I kept my spreadsheet of possible vacations for 2009. No joke. Mom and I had discussed the possibility of free dining bounceback, and thanks to the DIS boards, I knew that it existed before I even left. Therefore, I had a spreadsheet of possible dates, and guesstimated the cost. This is where I kept my notes comparing mods to values, and all the possibilities I could dream up for 2009. As you know now, I obviously booked, but I wanted that info ready for me so I could know whether or not the quote being given to me by the CM was accurate.

So, there you have it my dear. My happy little trip binder.

I so need to get crackin' on one for this year. :lmao:

[maroo]

Yes, sister! You better get crackin! :)

I need to do a binder now. :lmao: But I guess I should figure out what my next trip is first, huh!!!

Well, I am working on that.

Lisa decided, for sure, that she is not going to Disney this year. Lots of reasons....but it means my trip dates won't overlap yours anymore. :( Unless you do some surprise trip in December or January...when I will also be in the World. ;)

I will have dates soon...for my next trip. I am waiting on a friend of mine to let me know which weekend she wants to go...and then I will start a pre-trippie! I guess I could go ahead and start one... hmm...

[Charleston Princess]

Ummm...yes, TK...you are only six months away from your trip...you must have a binder STAT!!! ;)

[TarzansKat]

Lisa decided, for sure, that she is not going to Disney this year. Lots of reasons....but it means my trip dates won't overlap yours anymore. :( Unless you do some surprise trip in December or January...when I will also be in the World. ;)

I will have dates soon...for my next trip. I am waiting on a friend of mine to let me know which weekend she wants to go...and then I will start a pre-trippie! I guess I could go ahead and start one... hmm...

Well, I am glad to hear that you are going and sorry to hear that I won't get to meet you. I was very much looking forward to a little Maroo in person time.

Then again, you never know what tricks we have up our sleeves in the TK household, and although I don't plan a trip in December or January, who can say? :rotfl2:

Ummm...yes, TK...you are only six months away from your trip...you must have a binder STAT!!! ;)

You know, I don't even remember how far out I made my last one. I just know there's a whole bunch of info about this trip floating around in my head that needs to go somewhere so I can stop hearing "the voices." ;)

In all seriousness, that's why I've had such a hard time updating. There's so much to say!:goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

Okay, so I'm not copping out on the whole pirate thing. We are totally Sparrow obsessed, as you all know.

I mean, just look at him.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/TinkBDay-1.jpg

:::SIGH::::

:love:

:cloud9:

Tink and I totally have phrase to describe the look on the good captain's face in this photo. Unfortunately, it's not DIS friendly.

I'm sure your imaginations can do a little fill in.

Seriously. ;)

Anyway, back to the pre trip report. I feel like I have so much to tell you all, and not enough space to do it in! You know what I mean? I feel like I've got at least 3-4 updates worth of information, and I want to pace myself.

I mean we have a little over 6 months here. :lmao:

So today we'll just deal in abstract thought, or the inner workings of TK's mind.

Right about now, I bet you're thinking, boy oh boy, what ever did I subscribe to this for? This girl's a nutter!

That could be true, but I promise, at the very least, it's interesting. :thumbsup2

Since this particular trip is honor of my thirtieth birthday (it's getting easier to say, I swear :rolleyes1), I've been thinking about what that means.

What turning thirty means, and all of that.

We won't go into it all. But it occured to me that I picked something very interesting for us to dress as for MNSSHP.

And if you all recall, that's characters from Peter Pan.

Most of whom, will never be growing up.

Sound familiar?

I mean, talk about the subconscious mind at work here! TK picks a large group of Disney characters for her family to dress is that just so happens to never ever wanna grow up, yup!

Is that too funny or what?

And I have a special love of the film Peter Pan. When I was eight years old, I got to see it in the theater for the first time. That same day, I ended up being rushed to the hospital with acute appendicitis and having my first operation.

But I saw the whole film. ;) My parents tease that I didn't want to leave the movie, but honestly, I think it was so wonderful, and so distracting, and that pain pretty much builds slowly so that you don't realize how bad it is, I probably chalked it up to a stomachache and watched Peter fly off to Neverland.

Neverland.

:::sigh:::

Where I really don't ever have to grow up. Where I'll always be a child at heart.

And so, dear friends, that's why, even though this trip is celebrating a birthday that I've learned to embrace, and although I may be a responsible adult, I'm telling you right now, I'm never growing up. I'll never forget my inner child.

"Second star to the right, and straight on 'till morning..."

"You can fly..."

That song still makes me cry. All that childhood innocence, faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust, and YOU CAN FLY!!!!

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/peterpan.jpg

So not only are we finding our horizon a la Captain Sparrow, we're pirates of a different sort. And children who will never group up. Lost boys and fairies and beautiful Indian princesses.

We're celebrating not just a birthday, but what it is to be young, regardless of what age you are. To be young of spirit, young of heart, young of mind. To never, ever let the child in you die. And although 30 is about moving forward for me, and a lot about allowing less bs in my life, it's also about keeping that spirit alive.

About putting on Disney music at night, and singing and dancing with my son and my husband.

About playing with Playdoh when DS asks me to, about racing racecars, and playing all sorts of pretend.

Because, to quote another Pan film of sorts, "We have a few special years with our children, when they're the ones that want us around. After that you're going to be running after them for a bit of attention. It's so fast Peter. It's a few years, and it's over."

I always think of that. When I'm too tired to want to play racecars or run around with the energy of a four year old. Right now, my son wants me around. When I got home from the gym tonight, he said, "Mama, I'm so glad you came home!" And I got a big ole hug.

It's already gone by so fast.

And I cling to all my memories, and I can't wait to make new ones.

"To live... to live would be an awfully big adventure."

[creativeamanda]

I love that last line. I think Disney just reminds us to continue being young at heart. . .even if it kills us, lol!

[maroo]

Now see...

THAT is why I love me some TK trip reports (and pre-trip reports)...

Nuff said.

:thumbsup2

[Charleston Princess]

Where I really don't ever have to grow up. Where I'll always be a child at heart.

This is what is embodied lock, stock, and barrel by Walt Disney World for me. The place where I can still be completely a kid.

"To live... to live would be an awfully big adventure."

Oh, have I ever told you just how much I love the live-action Peter Pan? Love, love, love it -- and I cry all the way through it because it is all about not growing up and growing up at the same time.

Beautiful update, TK!

[TarzansKat]

I love that last line. I think Disney just reminds us to continue being young at heart. . .even if it kills us, lol!

I love that line. There are some great lines in Hook, and that is by far one of the best. :goodvibes

Now see...

THAT is why I love me some TK trip reports (and pre-trip reports)...

Nuff said.

:thumbsup2

Aw, shucks. :blush:

It had been a while since I'd wrote something more profound, I felt it was due.

And I was totally amused with myself that I picked something so blatantly obvious without realizing it. :lmao:

[TarzansKat]

This is what is embodied lock, stock, and barrel by Walt Disney World for me. The place where I can still be completely a kid.

Me, too.

I just hope it's not totally embarassing to my 20 something son when I'm still jumping up and down over going on Pirates of the Caribbean. :lmao:

Oh, heck, he'll probably be jumping up and down with me, bless him.


Oh, have I ever told you just how much I love the live-action Peter Pan? Love, love, love it -- and I cry all the way through it because it is all about not growing up and growing up at the same time.

Beautiful update, TK!

Thank you, so much! I love the message in that film, I really do.

[If U Had Wings]

Me, too.

I just hope it's not totally embarassing to my 20 something son when I'm still jumping up and down over going on Pirates of the Caribbean. :lmao:

Oh, heck, he'll probably be jumping up and down with me, bless him.



He will definitely be jumping up and down with you. (And then with your grandkids too! :) )

I just love the message of Peter Pan. One of my all time favorites! The perfect Disney message.

[TarzansKat]

He will definitely be jumping up and down with you. (And then with your grandkids too! :) )

Now that's a nice thought. :goodvibes

[creativeamanda]

Well, ya know, I almost didn't get to that point in the post. I was too busy looking at Jack Sparrow to actually look at the PTR post itself.

Does your husband know about your obsession? LOL.

[maroo]

So...

Will you be changing your ressie to get this Free Dining? :confused3

[MegansMom]

LOVE the new theme---so perfectly TK, and just plainly, SO PERFECT!!!! Got a little teary eyed I did!!!

[TarzansKat]

Well, ya know, I almost didn't get to that point in the post. I was too busy looking at Jack Sparrow to actually look at the PTR post itself.

Does your husband know about your obsession? LOL.

Good lord, dearie. My husband dresses like Jack Sparrow for MNSSHP.

How's that for feeding the obsession?

Seriously, we joke that I have my own personal Jack Sparrow. And I do. I am SO lucky. My DH fits the bill perfectly, and looks...well...for lack of a better word, pretty darn hot dressed as Jack. We have a fairly authentic cosutme, some of our own making, and some purchased on Ebay, so it's a big departure for us not to do that this year.

He'll just have to be a Captain of a different sort....Hook. :lmao:

So...

Will you be changing your ressie to get this Free Dining? :confused3

Hi, hon! I already have free dining. I booked a bounceback dining promo when I was there last September, so I was able to already get it.

What is the new promo now, I see the Disney Visa just released it?

LOVE the new theme---so perfectly TK, and just plainly, SO PERFECT!!!! Got a little teary eyed I did!!!

Thank you, hon! :hug:

[maroo]

He'll just have to be a Captain of a different sort....Hook. :lmao:


Oh yeah!! I was so wrapped up in HRH being Peter Pan that I did not even THINK about Captn Hook! How perfect is that!!!!!!


Hi, hon! I already have free dining. I booked a bounceback dining promo when I was there last September, so I was able to already get it.

What is the new promo now, I see the Disney Visa just released it?



Disney Visa folks have a 2-day head start. It is basically free regular dining with the full price purchase of any room. So...4 people can stay in a POP standard room at $82 a night and all eat for free. :scared1: I am all about some of that!!!

I am hoping that Visa holders don't take the last POP standard room available for my new dates! I can't wait to tell the world about my new trip being planned!!!! :) TR is starting soon...maybe even today? :confused3

[TarzansKat]

Oh yeah!! I was so wrapped up in HRH being Peter Pan that I did not even THINK about Captn Hook! How perfect is that!!!!!!


I think he'll be quite dashing. Of course, I'll have to pretend to detest him all evening, since I'll be Wendy.

Unfortunately, I have a soft spot for pirates. :goodvibes


Disney Visa folks have a 2-day head start. It is basically free regular dining with the full price purchase of any room. So...4 people can stay in a POP standard room at $82 a night and all eat for free. :scared1: I am all about some of that!!!

I am hoping that Visa holders don't take the last POP standard room available for my new dates! I can't wait to tell the world about my new trip being planned!!!! :) TR is starting soon...maybe even today? :confused3

Usually the Visa folks get a head start. Free dining is fantastic, I can't speak highly enough of it. Although, it has turned me into a table service junkie! :lmao: Now what dates are you thinking of?

[maroo]

I think he'll be quite dashing. Of course, I'll have to pretend to detest him all evening, since I'll be Wendy.


Well...I am sure you can make up later...:rolleyes1 :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:



Usually the Visa folks get a head start. Free dining is fantastic, I can't speak highly enough of it. Although, it has turned me into a table service junkie! :lmao:

Yeah...the only bad thing about being a major Dave Ramsey fan...no credit cards. I have no debt...but no CC either...oh well. I will just have to pay with my debit card...but at least there won't be interest. :goodvibes But we get to start on Monday!!!!! :)



Now what dates are you thinking of? You will just have to stay tuned...but I don't think that you are going to like them so much...:sad2: which makes me very sad. :sad2: :mad: :sad2:

But...oh, oh, it could be the coolest thing EVER!!!! Woo Hoo!! :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[TarzansKat]

Well...I am sure you can make up later...:rolleyes1 :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:

Well...

:::ahem:::

pirate:



Yeah...the only bad thing about being a major Dave Ramsey fan...no credit cards. I have no debt...but no CC either...oh well. I will just have to pay with my debit card...but at least there won't be interest. :goodvibes But we get to start on Monday!!!!! :)

Ah, see, I totally get that. But DH and I use our credit cards like most would use a debit. We have a set budget that we don't go over, and we pay the cards in full every month, totally reaping the rewards from each without any of that nasty interest. :thumbsup2 I realize this is hard for a lot of people do, but it's always been our mindset. If we can't afford it, we don't buy it.


You will just have to stay tuned...but I don't think that you are going to like them so much...:sad2: which makes me very sad. :sad2: :mad: :sad2:

But...oh, oh, it could be the coolest thing EVER!!!! Woo Hoo!! :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

:happytv:

[TarzansKat]

My mother and I were chatting about the trip today.

I know, I know. What else is new? :lmao:

But I wasn't sure if Chef Mickey's was on 180 or 90 day bookings, and for us, it is the 90 days. I learned that when I called this evening, and was given the happy date that I can actually book all our ADRs. July 1st. Simple, easy to remember.

So I called Mom to let her know and we were chatting about the tentative itinerary as it stands.

And wouldn't you know it, in all our chatting, not only did we discuss how the added cost of hopping is really going to be worth it on this trip, we also discussed our first day activites.

Let's talk about hopping first. I didn't do it on my last trip. But my last trip was eight days. There was plenty of opportunity to revisit parks. This trip is six days. During Food and Wine Festival. Savvy? And you know what? I think I just want that flexibility. I want to be able to go to the Magic Kingdom when it first opens, get on all the rides in Fantastyland, and then head over to Epcot later in the day and eat my way around the World Showcase. You know? :lmao:

In all seriousness, although it is totally doable not to park hop, it can also be...well, limiting. You get the idea. I just want some flexibility to be able to go to DHS during the day and Epcot at night. Or Animal Kingdom on the last day, then Citrico's, then the Magic Kingdom.

Anyway, we could go on and on. That's the great thing about park hopping. The possibilities!

So let's talk about Mom's great idea.

We were talking about day one, and the idea was one or both of these: The Magic Kingdom, with my traditional Casey's hot dog; Downtown Disney with counter service or T Rex or Rainforest with gift cards.

And as we were chatting, I said, we really need to figure out how to fit in Beaches and Cream.

Because there is a No Way Jose with my name on it, people, and it's begging me to devour it.

"TK..." it whispers in the middle of the night, "Teeeeeeekaaaaaaay....."

It's really starting to wake me up.

Anyhoo, I've always, always wanted to try one. More even than I want to see a Kitchen Sink.

And so Mom, in all her infinite wisdom said, why don't we go there on the first day?

Well, slap me thrice and hand me to...

If you watch the pirate films, we all know how that ends.

That was a great idea! We're still not sure what flight time we'll have. Southwest hasn't released flights through our dates yet, so who knows what time we'll get in.

Now, I'm fully aware that Beaches and Cream doesn't take ressies, and we'll sort of be taking our lives into our hands if DS and I are hungry when we get there and there's a bit of a wait. But I'm not going to worry about that. I am quite sure we can figure something out. :thumbsup2

So this is our new idea. And really? Is there any finer way to start your vacation than with ice cream as a meal? Honestly.

Unless Jack Sparrow happened to be feeding me that ice cream...well...

:::ahem:::

Back to reality.

And a great new plan.

Thanks, Mom. :goodvibes

[creativeamanda]

I have to laugh, because my intentions for our arrival day are to go to either Beaches and Cream or Ghiradelli's for ice cream. As my first meal at Disney.

A gal after my own heart!

[If U Had Wings]

I think ice cream is the perfect way to start a vacation!

[maroo]

As I was making my "must do dining list"...I remembered the No Way Jose from a TR I read. With pictures. You see, she got me with the picture. ::yes::

And, although it has not woken me up at night yet...I do hear it calling my name!! :) "Maaarrroooooooooooo" see...hear it? Yum!

So...it made the list. :teacher:

And I will get there first. :woohoo: So I will try to eat ALL of them! :rotfl:

Great idea, by the way!

[TarzansKat]

I have to laugh, because my intentions for our arrival day are to go to either Beaches and Cream or Ghiradelli's for ice cream. As my first meal at Disney.

A gal after my own heart!

That is too funny! :lmao: I can't wait to tell my mom, she'll get a kick out of it. She's fully aware of all my "DIS friends." :thumbsup2

I think ice cream is the perfect way to start a vacation!

I mean, really. Other than that whole Jack Sparrow thing. ;)

As I was making my "must do dining list"...I remembered the No Way Jose from a TR I read. With pictures. You see, she got me with the picture. ::yes::

And, although it has not woken me up at night yet...I do hear it calling my name!! :) "Maaarrroooooooooooo" see...hear it? Yum!

So...it made the list. :teacher:

And I will get there first. :woohoo: So I will try to eat ALL of them! :rotfl:

Great idea, by the way!

It's calling your name, too! Well, I'll be! :lmao:

I can't wait to see the infamous list on your pre-trip report. We do get to see it before you leave, right?

[MRYPPNS]

Depending on the timing of things....you could always get some take-out food on the Boardwalk side of Cresent Lake then make your way over to Beaches and Cream for ice cream. That way you aren't straving waiting for a table at B&C.

[Charleston Princess]

I think starting off your wonderful birthday vacation with a No Way Jose would be perfect -- it just kind of sets the whole tone of the trip, don't you think? :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

Depending on the timing of things....you could always get some take-out food on the Boardwalk side of Cresent Lake then make your way over to Beaches and Cream for ice cream. That way you aren't straving waiting for a table at B&C.

Heidi, thank you, that's a great idea. You know, I'm sure DS would love to stroll along the Boardwalk, and I'd love for him to be able to blow off some steam. I like to give him an opportunity to run around like a little boy after we've been couped up on a plane, you know?

So the Boardwalk will be excellent!

You know, we've always wanted to rent one of those surrey bikes. Maybe we could do that after we get our ice cream and work some of it off.

I think starting off your wonderful birthday vacation with a No Way Jose would be perfect -- it just kind of sets the whole tone of the trip, don't you think? :goodvibes

I agree. Eating ice cream as my first meal on the trip is definitely part of the whole not growing up theme. :thumbsup2

[MegansMom]

You are speaking my language---ice cream as a meal!!!! YUMMY!!! We often do that for a fun dinner during the summer---not all the time, just every once and awhile to make us H A P P Y!!!!!!!!!! :)

[Normangirls]

Our whole family enjots the surrey bikes, except my husband and me.

We got a six-seater. DH and me in the front seat, DD12 and my sister in the second seat, and my Mom and Dad in the back seat. In the childrens' seats on the front are DD3 and DD8 (I think they were 1 and 6 at the time).

It's all good, we make the rounds and pass in front of the BC and YC (yeah, that part is downhill). Then the uphill trek begins.

In the end, DH and I end up getting out and PUSHING the darn bike to the top of the hill. My sister is laughing. Everyone walking by is laughing. My parents and kids are REALLY laughing. I'm wishing we could call AAA for a tow. I think I pulled something important, and could barely get out of bed the next morning. Good times.

:lmao:

[TarzansKat]

You are speaking my language---ice cream as a meal!!!! YUMMY!!! We often do that for a fun dinner during the summer---not all the time, just every once and awhile to make us H A P P Y!!!!!!!!!! :)

Seriously! Ice cream for dinner is the perfect way to kick off my I don't wanna grow up trip! :lmao:

Our whole family enjots the surrey bikes, except my husband and me.

We got a six-seater. DH and me in the front seat, DD12 and my sister in the second seat, and my Mom and Dad in the back seat. In the childrens' seats on the front are DD3 and DD8 (I think they were 1 and 6 at the time).

It's all good, we make the rounds and pass in front of the BC and YC (yeah, that part is downhill). Then the uphill trek begins.

In the end, DH and I end up getting out and PUSHING the darn bike to the top of the hill. My sister is laughing. Everyone walking by is laughing. My parents and kids are REALLY laughing. I'm wishing we could call AAA for a tow. I think I pulled something important, and could barely get out of bed the next morning. Good times.

:lmao:

:welcome: I see you're relatively new to the DIS, thanks for posting!

And a funny post at that, oh my goodness. I can just picture everyone laughing and not being able to get anywhere.

I heard a story once where one of the captains of the Friendships got on his speaker and started talking to people on a Surrey bike trying to make it up that same hill!

"Come on! You can do it!"

Can you imagine. Not only your family, but the whole dang Friendship boat laughin' at ya!!! :lmao:

I so know that will be us, and yet, I am still drawn to the experience. All the more reason to keep working out on the bike when I go to the gym. :lmao:

[TarzansKat]

Honestly.

It doesn't get much simpler than that. I'm a woman who loves a bargain. A sale. I rarely, to almost never, pay full price for anything. Anything. Buying a dress for $45 a Target almost killed me.

But it fit like a dang glove. And my mother threatened to disown me if I did, because that's how dang good it looks on. And if Mom says so, well you know. It's true. ;)

Enough about enabling me to get a new dress for spring, let's talk about free dining.

Well, we were all booked up due to our bounceback. Tuesday, Sept 29 - Sunday Oct 4th. Pop Century, Preferred Room, 5 day non hoppers, 2 adults, 1 child. Total price given = $1275.47.

Well, curiousity got the best of me, and I booked it over to the wdw site to see what was availabe. I priced out CBR, I admit it! Tink talked me down, bless her. It's just not right for this trip, but I lust after it all the same. It's where my spinny compass that doesn't point north points. ;)

And, then, to bring myself back to reality I priced out Pop.

Same exact dates, people, everything.

And it came out to $1223.57. Weird. That's $50ish less. For the same thing.

I couldn't figure it out. What was I doing wrong? I waited until DS went to sleep, and I called. And the first CM didn't believe me. It was okay, I get it. It sounds weird. And the second CM I got didn't want to believe me either. I explained it, patiently, several times.

Know what?

TK was right.

For some strange reason, the bounceback offer we were quoted is more than what you can get with the general public code. So guess what we did?

Well, we saved ourselves a little money, and spent a little money. In essence, I decided, since I was already on the phone, we'd add on the hopping to our tickets. It brought our total package price to $1383.32. So, really, a little over $100 more than our original quote. Which felt pretty dang good. Got my FIL's ressie taken care of as well, so he's all set to hoppity hop with us as well.

And I feel SO MUCH BETTER. Not only did I prove something, and save us some money...GO ME!!!!...I also did something that has made me way more excited about this trip, and that's hopping. I remember when it used to be standard. Four parks, one world. You know?

So then, I called my mother. Checked with her, and same issue. So when we called to change her ressie, the second set of CMs didn't believe me either, but eventually they saw I was right as well. And my CM said another sitting next to her said it was some sort of glitch with ressies at the end of September, and he'd had a similar call. Something about straddling the end of value into regular season.

Who can say?

At any rate, I saved three ressies a little over $50 each today.

And it felt pretty darn good. :thumbsup2

[maroo]

Woo Hoo!!!

You know what they say on the budget board...

Another dollar saved is another dollar for DISNEY!!!

Way to go! There is a lot of fun Free Dining going around! :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

Woo Hoo!!!

You know what they say on the budget board...

Another dollar saved is another dollar for DISNEY!!!

Way to go! There is a lot of fun Free Dining going around! :thumbsup2

I know, how inspiring!!!

I never thought I'd be able to save more, due to whatever glitch in original booking, and not feel badly about adding the hopping. Go me! :lmao:

[If U Had Wings]

That's great. Congrats on the great deal!!!!

[TarzansKat]

That's great. Congrats on the great deal!!!!

Thanks! And I'm just so excited to be park hopping. I can't wait to share with you all how I've changed up our itinerary. I feel soooo much better about it now.

[If U Had Wings]

Thanks! And I'm just so excited to be park hopping. I can't wait to share with you all how I've changed up our itinerary. I feel soooo much better about it now.

Park hopping does just give you so much more flexibility. I usually end up using it only a few times, but really like having it. I'm thinking I may have to cave and add it to my ticket too.

[MegansMom]

Hurray for your deals!!!! SCORE!!!

I'm hoping to call and book free dining sometime soon too---we have to get some things worked out with DH's work---please keep your fingers crossed for us!!! This waiting is KILLING ME!!!!!

[TarzansKat]

Park hopping does just give you so much more flexibility. I usually end up using it only a few times, but really like having it. I'm thinking I may have to cave and add it to my ticket too.

Just do it! :lmao:

And call me, "The Enabler." ;)

Hurray for your deals!!!! SCORE!!!

I'm hoping to call and book free dining sometime soon too---we have to get some things worked out with DH's work---please keep your fingers crossed for us!!! This waiting is KILLING ME!!!!!

Oh, hon, I hope that works out for you soon. It's such a pins and needles feeling when you can't book but know you're going to.

[creativeamanda]

:rotfl2: I like how the fuzzy Disney Math sort of won out in the end. Save $50 to spen $100 more. . .:lmao:

[TarzansKat]

:rotfl2: I like how the fuzzy Disney Math sort of won out in the end. Save $50 to spen $100 more. . .:lmao:

Oh, I am all about the fuzzy Disney math. Take for example, my stay at the Wilderness Lodge last year. There was some serious fuzzy Disney math going on there.

[Charleston Princess]

I do remember when park hopping was standard with any multi-day ticket -- oh, how I miss those days!

Yippee for saving money and adding the hoppers -- I suddenly became much more excited after I added PH to our tickets -- I think it is the idea of the freedom it engenders -- to be able to go anywhere and do anything on a given day is so freeing!

[maroo]

Park hopping was such a cool bonus on our last trip!!! :) We sure did use it to the fullest!!!! :)

[TarzansKat]

Yippee for saving money and adding the hoppers -- I suddenly became much more excited after I added PH to our tickets -- I think it is the idea of the freedom it engenders -- to be able to go anywhere and do anything on a given day is so freeing!

That's exactly it. A small price to pay for the feeling of being able to do whatever you want in whichever park you want whenever you want.

Ah.

It's so pirate. pirate:

Park hopping was such a cool bonus on our last trip!!! :) We sure did use it to the fullest!!!! :)

I love it! :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

And it's not that I'm a normally indecisive person. Not at all. But as you can all see, it took me a while to decide to really add on the park hoppers and go ahead and do it. But once I made the decision to do it, it was done.

It reminds me of a description of one of the main characters in Twilight. She agonizes over decisions, but once she makes one, she just follows that course of action. The actual decision making is the hard part.

And so I bring you yet another chapter entitled, "Ah....TK does not know what she wants..." Said of course in that funky can't be mistaken for anything else Tia Dalma voice.

I get to a certain point where I can't write about this trip and I can't write about this trip because I have so much real life going on that it's getting in the way. I'm sure you can all identify, as much as we love the DIS and as much as we love going to the World, we have a whole life to live for the rest of the year and those decisions affect everything.

So this chapter really isn't about any decisions to do with the trip other than whether or not to take it.

:scared1::scared1::scared1:

I know. I know.

I'm not worried about this. Whatever happens is going to fall together the way it was meant to, and I'm a very faithful person, so however it works, to my mind, is what was meant to be.

Let me explain.

No.

Is too much. Let me sum up. ;)

DH and I have started looking at houses. Between the $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers and the drop in the market, now would really be a good time for us to consider home ownership. And I can't believe I'm saying that. Because I was so anti-house. In all honesty, DH is way more on board with the whole house thing than I am.

I love our apartment. I love our open floor plan, love that I have no maintenance costs, love that our heat is included, and it's beautifully landscaped around here so there's plenty of room to take walks (we have a hiking trail), for DS to run around, and for me to work out (there's a small gym). All in all, there are some excellent amenities here with very little cost to us, considering that it's all included in the rent.

And we're stuck on the town we live in. And we don't want to live anywhere else, which gives us a very narrow spectrum of opportunity. In our price range, there are very, very few houses on the market. But we love this town, and we love this school system, and dagnabit, we're not budging. I'd rather live here in my apartment than move elsewhere.

I'm not a fan of capes. I find them usually to be small and cramped. And if they're not dormered on the top floor, extremely claustrophobic. CP, back me up here. We actually went to look at one this past weekend, and no joke guys, I had a mini panic attack on the upper level. It was so closed in, and the slanted roof, and just thinking about makes me a little panicky. Yikes! I could regale you with everything that was wrong with that house: cracks in the ceiling, mold, rotting floorboards. It was as nightmare. With a beautifully redesigned kitchen. :lmao: That was the only selling point.

But the other cape we looked at this weekend...

With just under 1500 square feet, and almost 1/2 an acre of fenced in yard, and a fully finished basement....well, that cape was dormered on the top floor. And its biggest issue is that it needs to be brought into this century. It was built in the 50s and I'll be surprised if it was ever updated.

But, I admit it. I did something you're never supposed to do when buying a home.

I got emotionally attached.

I fell in love.

In love, people. I love that house. I could go on and on about it, but this is a pre trip report, so I'll leave it at that. Now, my real estate agent has gotten the disclosures for me and we'll be going over those today.

Because the other problem is that this house has been sitting on the market for about five months. To which TK says, what's wrong with it? And of course the listing agent says they've had "a lot of interest." Well, duh. Of course they're going to say that regardless of whether or not they have because they want to sell it. I work in sales, I'm no dummy. :lmao:

I bet you're wondering where the tie in comes to the trip if it hasn't become obvious already. And of course, this all hinges on my hearing the disclosures and discovering what, if anything, is wrong with this little gemstone.

I had planned to use part of a Roth IRA, specifically set aside for when DH and I wanted to buy a home. I've had this account for a long time, but, well...I hadn't checked it in a long time.

You all know where this is going, right?

Holy depreciation, Batman!

:::sigh::: I almost cried. DH and I know we're lucky. We could have a zero balance, right? Or we could have what we do which is about $4000-5000 less than what we did about 4-5 years ago. And guys, I've been so financially responsible with paying off the student loan that we are just starting to feel comfortable with the level that our liquid cash is at. I can't empty out a savings to buy a home, we all know how that story goes. You have to have money set aside when you buy a house, and given that this house needs a TON of cosmetic work, we at least have to have some from the get go.

Enter the seeds of doubt.

I had other plans for this year. Specific plans. Family plans, shall we say. ;)

And I have a Disney trip planned. That all told, is going to run me around $2500.

So here we are again. Whereas before I had non tangible worries about these types of situations, now I'm actually faced with them.

And, honestly, I don't know what to do.

I want it all. I want the house, I want the trip, and I want to go ahead with the family stuff.

It all can't happen. The finances aren't able to support all of that. At least, I think they aren't. There's not enough in the Roth to manage a down payment on the house, although that depends on the selling price since we do qualify for an FHA loan. We have to leave money in liquid savings because if we buy a house you can guarantee something is going to cost money. Something is always going to cost money.

Our cars are older. Eventually, those are going to need replacing, most likely my husband's before mine.

And there you have it. The point of indecision. What to do, what to do.

Yesterday I thought about what our priorities are. What order should that list go in. Is it the lure of the $8000 tax credit that makes me want to buy a home when we potentially can't afford it? Is it better to stay in the apartment, continue with the family stuff, and take the trip, because that's something that makes me happy?

I don't know. When do I stop going to Disney?

Do I have to grow up?

I guess this fits better into my pre trip report than I thought it did. ;)

[Charleston Princess]

I'll back you up anytime about the claustrophobia, TK! We have a very open floor plan with high ceilings just because I hate feeling closed in.

The house you have fallen in love with sounds wonderful -- aside from needing a ton of work.

What a connundrum you are in, TK! :hug: I always wish that we could just have it all -- it would make life so much easier, wouldn't it?

I know that whatever happens, you and DH will end up making the right decision for all of you -- I just hope it includes the Disney trip so that I can read the TR! :rotfl:

[If U Had Wings]

TK, So sorry this all has you a wee bit stressed. A home is such a big decision. The house sounds lovely, but your right. They do cost money. I think I owned my condo for all of a month, hadn't even moved in yet, when I got socked with a $2,000 bill.

Once you sit and work it all out with your dh you'll make the right decision for your family with our without a Disney trip this year. And as great as Disney trips are, I have to admit that nothing beats my own 4 walls. :)

[maroo]

So this chapter really isn't about any decisions to do with the trip other than whether or not to take it.


:scared1: :scared1: :scared1: is right!!!! Oh my goodness!! This is going to be some kinda update!!!



I'm not a fan of capes. I find them usually to be small and cramped. And if they're not dormered on the top floor, extremely claustrophobic. CP, back me up here.


What is a cape? I am from Mississippi, people. Mississippi. We don't have "capes"...unless you are dressed up like Batman. Sounds like we should later in this update.


But, I admit it. I did something you're never supposed to do when buying a home.

I got emotionally attached.

I fell in love.

In love, people. I love that house. I could go on and on about it, but this is a pre trip report, so I'll leave it at that.


Aw...I think you SHOULD fall in love with a house. If you are not in love when you leave it...then don't buy it! Because that is a big investment. If you don't leave the house with those butterflies in your stomach...that gotta have it feeling. Then don't even pursue it. That is my view, anyway. :confused3



Holy depreciation, Batman!


Now I need a cape!



Family plans, shall we say. ;)



Ok...forget the Disney trip. :laughing:

I could have so much fun with this.

But.

Nah.

:laughing:


I want it all.



Now that about sums it up, doesn't it!

Don't we all. Want it all.




The point of indecision. What to do, what to do.

I don't know. When do I stop going to Disney?

Do I have to grow up?


:sad1: How sad. What a sad question.



But, there is not a doubt in my mind.

I know you will make the right decision. :hug:

[MRYPPNS]

$2500 will buy you a lot of diapers.....just sayin' :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

I'll back you up anytime about the claustrophobia, TK! We have a very open floor plan with high ceilings just because I hate feeling closed in.

We actually have cathedral ceilings in our apartment, which I just love. :goodvibes


I just hope it includes the Disney trip so that I can read the TR! :rotfl:

Well, shoot, now I have to go. ;)

TK, So sorry this all has you a wee bit stressed. A home is such a big decision. The house sounds lovely, but your right. They do cost money. I think I owned my condo for all of a month, hadn't even moved in yet, when I got socked with a $2,000 bill.

The bonus to this place is that all the kitchen appliances are new. New thermopane windows, new furnace. Basically it's got good bones, it just needs major cosmetic work.


Once you sit and work it all out with your dh you'll make the right decision for your family with our without a Disney trip this year. And as great as Disney trips are, I have to admit that nothing beats my own 4 walls. :)

That's true. You know I'm not even considering what a huge tax break it would be for us, regardless of the credit.


What is a cape? I am from Mississippi, people. Mississippi. We don't have "capes"...unless you are dressed up like Batman. Sounds like we should later in this update.

Ha ha. Welcome to New England. :lmao:

A Cape style house is one that has two levels, sometimes called one and a half levels. It's a two story home where the top level is almost flush with the roof line, leaving little to no attic space. So basically, unless your cape is dormered (which means they've bumped out the back or front to make it a square room) you have slanted ceilings on the top floor. It can be problematic if you have a tall husband (which I do). Fortunately, the one we looked at was dormered. Unfortunately, it also had lower ceilings, but it wasn't uncomfortable for me, just DH. He could literally touch the ceiling without really reach his hand out very far. :lmao:


Aw...I think you SHOULD fall in love with a house. If you are not in love when you leave it...then don't buy it! Because that is a big investment. If you don't leave the house with those butterflies in your stomach...that gotta have it feeling. Then don't even pursue it. That is my view, anyway. :confused3

I did fall in love with it, which worries me. I don't want to make any rash decisions.


Ok...forget the Disney trip. :laughing:

I could have so much fun with this.

But.

Nah.

:laughing:

Four words.

Debt to be repaid.

For meaning, see previous pre trip reports / trip reports. :lmao:


:sad1: How sad. What a sad question.

You know, I have been so financially responsible for so long. With everything. I don't even want to talk about how much I budget, how much I question every purchase, how much I think about all that money that I used to pay off the student loans. And every time I think about something like that, I always think about this great line in latest Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

"There's plenty of money out there. They print more every day. But this ticket, there's only five of them in the whole world, and that's all there's ever going to be. Only a dummy would give this up for something as common as money. Are you a dummy?"

I know it's "just" a quote from a movie, but it really makes me think about what's important in life.


But, there is not a doubt in my mind.

I know you will make the right decision. :hug:

Wow, you all have so much faith in me! :scared:

$2500 will buy you a lot of diapers.....just sayin' :thumbsup2

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

That it will, my dear. That it will. :thumbsup2

[2xcited2sleep]

All caught up here too.

When do you have to grow up? :eek: When do you stop going to Disney? :scared: But all kidding aside, I understand where you're coming from. That's a tough call. :goodvibes:goodvibes

Laughing at the No Way Jose calling you... "teeeeeekaaaaaay" :lmao:

[maroo]

To, TK!! How r u? I am dying to know what happened with the house. :)

[TarzansKat]

All caught up here too.

When do you have to grow up? :eek: When do you stop going to Disney? :scared: But all kidding aside, I understand where you're coming from. That's a tough call. :goodvibes:goodvibes

I don't want to grow up. I think I have a serious Peter Pan complex going on right now. There are also a lot of other things I don't want to do like...well...work, but you know, that dang health insurance gets in the way. :lmao:


Laughing at the No Way Jose calling you... "teeeeeekaaaaaay" :lmao:

I know there's one with my name on it. I just know it.

To, TK!! How r u? I am dying to know what happened with the house. :)

Hi, hon! I'll post a little update here for all of you. Mom and I went to look at the house again, this time armed with a notebook and measuring tape to really give it a serious look.

And all was going really well until we hit the basement. You see, the first time we'd seen the house, it was sunny out. Well, Saturday it was pouring buckets.

Thank goodness. I don't think I've ever been so grateful for rain in my entire life. Because the new windows? Leaking in certain areas. And the basement? A ton of water damage and patchwork we hadn't noticed the first time around, and it looked like a potentail foundation issue! :scared1: To which the realtor also mentions that it's probable that the home inspector wouldn't be able to get behind a particular wall to tell us what's there, and that was when I was done.

And quite frankly, I'm having a hard time with the whole home buying process in general. I know we're just getting into spring, and a lot more will be coming on the market, but I'm frustrated.

I just want to live in a nice town with a good school system for DS. I won't compromise on that. And I love my apartment, so we don't "have to" move. It just seemed like a good time with the $8000 tax credit. But because we've been so responsible about paying off DH's student loan and because my Roth IRA has tanked (which I was planning to use for a down payment), I just don't know if buying a home is in our comfort zone.

I won't stop looking, but I'm also looking to switch agents. The one I have keeps showing me things that are out of my price range, and quite frankly, it's depressing. What part of, I need to be able to heat this house, not just pay the mortgage, is so hard to understand?

And I'm so sorry to unload all this, because I know this should be Disney related, but it really is.

Because I think so many times about whether or not to cancel this trip. And that's a whole other post.

:sad2:

[maroo]

Aw...I am sorry about that other house! But that rain was certainly helpful!

I can't remember where I read it...but somewhere I read that you should actually look at a house in the rain before you buy it. To check water runoff and such...:confused3 Sounds a little silly...until you posted your story!

Your relator sounds like a car salesman! "But if you finance it THIS way..." :rotfl: I say fire her. :laughing:

So...how funny is this...

I have thought of you over the past several days as I have been watching the news. Jack the pirate seems to be causing some trouble on the global front! pirate:

[TarzansKat]

I can't remember where I read it...but somewhere I read that you should actually look at a house in the rain before you buy it. To check water runoff and such...:confused3 Sounds a little silly...until you posted your story!

I have now learned why that statement is true. :lmao:


So...how funny is this...

I have thought of you over the past several days as I have been watching the news. Jack the pirate seems to be causing some trouble on the global front! pirate:

There have been quite a few pirates in the news lately!

But not of my favorite dreadlocked, rumsoaked variety. :sad2:

[If U Had Wings]

Sorry to hear about the place, but at least you found out before you got further along in the process.

I had the same problem with a realtor I was using once too. I kept having to say - I don't care what the bank has said I can afford, listen to me when I tell you that I know I'm only comfortable at a lesser amount. It was very annoying. I ended up using a different agent, but the condo I bought I actually found on a website and had my agent bring me there. She was never on top of things.

[Charleston Princess]

What a bummer about the house, TK, but how lucky you were able to see all of that before you had moved forward even farther on buying it.

[maroo]

Sorry to hear about the place, but at least you found out before you got further along in the process.

I had the same problem with a realtor I was using once too. I kept having to say - I don't care what the bank has said I can afford, listen to me when I tell you that I know I'm only comfortable at a lesser amount. It was very annoying. I ended up using a different agent, but the condo I bought I actually found on a website and had my agent bring me there. She was never on top of things.

I bought a condo, too. And what I love even more than my condo, is the monthly PAYMENT for my condo! ::yes:: He he. More money for DISNEY!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[maroo]

There have been quite a few pirates in the news lately!

But not of my favorite dreadlocked, rumsoaked variety. :sad2:

You mean they ALL aren't of the "dreadlocked, rumsoaked variety?" :confused3

;)

[TarzansKat]

Sorry to hear about the place, but at least you found out before you got further along in the process.

I had the same problem with a realtor I was using once too. I kept having to say - I don't care what the bank has said I can afford, listen to me when I tell you that I know I'm only comfortable at a lesser amount. It was very annoying. I ended up using a different agent, but the condo I bought I actually found on a website and had my agent bring me there. She was never on top of things.

Yes, it was so good to find this out now before I got even more emotionally attached. And I'm having the same problem with my realtor. Not only is he pushing me way over my limit, he's forgetful, and that makes me nervous. If he forgets things I ask him, what's to say he's not going to forget something while he's writing up a contract? :scared1:

What a bummer about the house, TK, but how lucky you were able to see all of that before you had moved forward even farther on buying it.

So, do you want to tell me where you live again? ;)

Remember how we had that conversation...gosh, a while ago, about how much less housing is near you and how there was a great house for sale down the road from you.

I'm so ready to move near CP.

I know that the school system has at least one fantastic teacher. :thumbsup2

I bought a condo, too. And what I love even more than my condo, is the monthly PAYMENT for my condo! ::yes:: He he. More money for DISNEY!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

You know the only reservation I have about a condo is that most are two bedrooms around here. And even if another nugget isn't in the cards right now, in whatever we buy, I really want that third bedroom so we can have space when the time is right.

You mean they ALL aren't of the "dreadlocked, rumsoaked variety?" :confused3

;)

And that's a dang shame. :lmao:

[MRYPPNS]

All I have to say is ......get a new Realtor. This one doesn't deserve 3% of anything.

[TarzansKat]

All I have to say is ......get a new Realtor. This one doesn't deserve 3% of anything.

Agreed. I just talked to a different one today, and I feel much more comfortable already.

[2xcited2sleep]

As others have said, bummer on the house but certainly good that you saw the flaws before putting in the offer. Keep the faith. Searching for a house is a lot like dating -- have to kiss a lot of frogs and all that. I was getting seriously depressed before I found my house. There's a lot of crap on the market. Good for you seeking a new realtor - it's important to work with someone with whom you're comfortable. But I'll tell you, as much as I liked my realtor, I found my house online. I signed up for all the automatic updates and this came across. Ultimately no one is going to be as motivated as you are to find your dream home! Good luck!! :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

As others have said, bummer on the house but certainly good that you saw the flaws before putting in the offer. Keep the faith. Searching for a house is a lot like dating -- have to kiss a lot of frogs and all that. I was getting seriously depressed before I found my house. There's a lot of crap on the market. Good for you seeking a new realtor - it's important to work with someone with whom you're comfortable. But I'll tell you, as much as I liked my realtor, I found my house online. I signed up for all the automatic updates and this came across. Ultimately no one is going to be as motivated as you are to find your dream home! Good luck!! :goodvibes

I am so sick of kissing frogs! :lmao:

Thanks for the advice, hon. You know, my sister had the same experience. She liked her realtor, but she found her house online on her own as well.

[Charleston Princess]

So, do you want to tell me where you live again? ;)

Remember how we had that conversation...gosh, a while ago, about how much less housing is near you and how there was a great house for sale down the road from you.

I'm so ready to move near CP.

I know that the school system has at least one fantastic teacher. :thumbsup2

Ahhh, you are too sweet, TK! :flower3:

We still have lots of houses for sale near me -- and we could scrapbook together and we could bake things and Chelsea could baby-sit! ;)

[TarzansKat]

Ahhh, you are too sweet, TK! :flower3:

We still have lots of houses for sale near me -- and we could scrapbook together and we could bake things and Chelsea could baby-sit! ;)

OMG, a built in babysitter!!!! :yay::yay::yay: And scrapping and bakin' too?

I wonder how the job market is near you?

[Charleston Princess]

OMG, a built in babysitter!!!! :yay::yay::yay: And scrapping and bakin' too?

I wonder how the job market is near you?

We're so close to Atlanta that I wouldn't imagine it is too bad -- although in today's economic times, there is no telling.

I am sure that as talented as you and DH are, you would have no trouble finding jobs! :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

We're so close to Atlanta that I wouldn't imagine it is too bad -- although in today's economic times, there is no telling.

I am sure that as talented as you and DH are, you would have no trouble finding jobs! :thumbsup2

Aw, you're too sweet. Well, I know that I owe you an e-mail, so when I get a good response going, you'll have to e-mail me back and let me know where you are again.

I would love to look at houses in CP's neighborhood.

Although I will probably weep at how affordable homes are near you. Now is it typical for homes not to have a basement?

[maroo]

Wait!!!!

I will be a built in babysitter!!! You can come move over here to Mississippi! But I guess Atlanta would be ok, too.

Although, I have no idea where you live? :confused3 I just know it is not near me because you were looking at a strange house. Domer? Ah...what was it called?

[TarzansKat]

Wait!!!!

I will be a built in babysitter!!! You can come move over here to Mississippi! But I guess Atlanta would be ok, too.

Look at everyone lining up to watch my son!

You don't know what you're in for. ;) :lmao:


Although, I have no idea where you live? :confused3 I just know it is not near me because you were looking at a strange house. Domer? Ah...what was it called?

I've never dished on what state, but I'm in New England.

Yup.

I'm a Yankee. Although on another thread I belong to, I've been dubbed an honorary GRITS. :thumbsup2

And dude, you so make me laugh with the house thing.

It was a dormered cape. :lmao:

[maroo]

Look at everyone lining up to watch my son!

You don't know what you're in for. ;) :lmao:



I've never dished on what state, but I'm in New England.

Yup.

I'm a Yankee. Although on another thread I belong to, I've been dubbed an honorary GRITS. :thumbsup2

And dude, you so make me laugh with the house thing.

It was a dormered cape. :lmao:

New England, huh! Well...I'll be. You do need to move to the South! We have much cheaper houses. ;)

I imagine your son is very well behaved!!

Girls Raised in the South.... So how did you get to be a member of this little club? :thumbsup2

Oh yeah...dormered cape. Domer. :lmao: I was close. :confused3

[Charleston Princess]

Aw, you're too sweet. Well, I know that I owe you an e-mail, so when I get a good response going, you'll have to e-mail me back and let me know where you are again.

I would love to look at houses in CP's neighborhood.

Although I will probably weep at how affordable homes are near you. Now is it typical for homes not to have a basement?

Yes, I will let you know where I live again when I email you back -- which will probably be tonight. :goodvibes

Houses are so affordable right now -- unfortunately it is more typical to have a house without a basement than with it -- although, I can promise you my next house will have a basement!

[TarzansKat]

New England, huh! Well...I'll be. You do need to move to the South! We have much cheaper houses. ;)

Don't I know it. Even in the Midwest, where my sister lives...oh my goodness, what we could get for our money there.

It makes me cry.:lmao:


I imagine your son is very well behaved!!

Actually, he is. And the outrageous outbursts that were so typical when he was three have really dwindled to almost non-existent, and that's a dang nice change.:thumbsup2


Girls Raised in the South.... So how did you get to be a member of this little club? :thumbsup2

It involved copious amounts of use of the word "y'all" and professing my undying love for the South. ;)


Oh yeah...dormered cape. Domer. :lmao: I was close. :confused3

You were close!

Yes, I will let you know where I live again when I email you back -- which will probably be tonight. :goodvibes

Houses are so affordable right now -- unfortunately it is more typical to have a house without a basement than with it -- although, I can promise you my next house will have a basement!

I'll be looking forward to it.

[TarzansKat]

It begins.

Well, actually, it began quite a while ago and I never really intended for these to be specifically for this trip, but I know I'll bring them.

That, and if I don't do an actual pre-trip report type post soon, I'm afraid you'll all hit unsubscribe! ;)

So here they are...

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI05672.jpg

My feet.

In Disney Crocs.

Now, in all honesty, I have coveted that particular color of Crocs for many, many moons. That would be navy with...LIME GREEN! I finally pay homage to the DIS boards, even if in a small way.

I got these on sale one day, there was a great coupon code on the budget board, and free shipping. I believe the grand total was $14.99. For Crocs! For Disney Crocs!

It's exciting. And only the beginning.

I also purchased some tank tops end of season last summer because I knew I'd want new tanks for my trip. They were from Wal-Mart and cost me $2 a piece. Fantastic.

It's just not a TK PTR until you have a shopping chapter. :lmao:

[Charleston Princess]

The crocs are just too cute!!!

Now you know...it's also not a TK PTR until we have some headless shots where you model your new clothes! ;)

[TarzansKat]

The crocs are just too cute!!!

Thanks!


Now you know...it's also not a TK PTR until we have some headless shots where you model your new clothes! ;)

AH, yes.... :scratchin

This is quite true. Well it should be no surprise to y'all that I have some clothes on order from Kohls. I see some headless shots in the very near future. And for some reason, I feel very Haunted Mansion when I say that. :lmao:

[If U Had Wings]

I love the new crocs! The color is great and what a great deal. I have been kicking myself for ages now for not getting the blue/lime Mickey athens crocs last year when I was down in Disney. I think they were park exculsives. I loved them, and now I think they've discontinued that color. I keep checking World of Disney NYC and all they have are brown ones. So not the same.

[TarzansKat]

I love the new crocs! The color is great and what a great deal. I have been kicking myself for ages now for not getting the blue/lime Mickey athens crocs last year when I was down in Disney. I think they were park exculsives. I loved them, and now I think they've discontinued that color. I keep checking World of Disney NYC and all they have are brown ones. So not the same.

Are the Athens a flip flop style? Or a slide? I can't keep them all straight. Regardless, it's a really cute color. And yes, I've seen the brown, and they just don't do it for me. :lmao:

[If U Had Wings]

Are the Athens a flip flop style? Or a slide? I can't keep them all straight. Regardless, it's a really cute color. And yes, I've seen the brown, and they just don't do it for me. :lmao:

They're the flip flops. I kept eyeing them last year, tried them on a few times, but never bought them. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

[TarzansKat]

They're the flip flops. I kept eyeing them last year, tried them on a few times, but never bought them. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Oh, we have all had those souvie moments, trust me. Lesson one. If you see something you like, and you know you want it, buy it. The probability of seeing it again somewhere else can be slim to none. I have learned this the hard way more than once.

[maroo]

Crocs. Disney. Lime Green!!! Are you kidding? :scared1:

I would have paid full price! (Shame on me! :sad:) I can't believe you got those awesome Crocs for $14.99.

You don't still have that coupon code, do ya? I need to spend some time on that Budget board. Wow!!!!

[TarzansKat]

Crocs. Disney. Lime Green!!! Are you kidding? :scared1:

I would have paid full price! (Shame on me! :sad:) I can't believe you got those awesome Crocs for $14.99.

You don't still have that coupon code, do ya? I need to spend some time on that Budget board. Wow!!!!

I don't have the code, but it's quite possible there may still be one. You could always go to crocs . com and see if they're still on clearance! :goodvibes

[maroo]

It involved copious amounts of use of the word "y'all" and professing my undying love for the South. ;)



One day...when we meet in the World (I am just sure it will happen at some point)...you will probably be shocked at my accent. When I met Nichole (Noah's Mom), we just laughed and laughed at how surprised we were at each others accent! She just kept looking me funny and said, "Keep talking...Keep talking...I love your accent!" And I said..."MY accent! *Imagine major southern draw here* Y'all are the ones with the accent!" :lmao:

[TarzansKat]

Southwest just released travel through October!

Now TK has to make a choice.

Flight times and prices. I've got a one way fare of $116 on our arrival day, and $129 on our departure day. I'm thinking of doing what I did last year, where I just book each leg separately, that way if they go down in price, I can use the credit to book the next leg.

What do you guys think?:goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

One day...when we meet in the World (I am just sure it will happen at some point)...you will probably be shocked at my accent. When I met Nichole (Noah's Mom), we just laughed and laughed at how surprised we were at each others accent! She just kept looking me funny and said, "Keep talking...Keep talking...I love your accent!" And I said..."MY accent! *Imagine major southern draw here* Y'all are the ones with the accent!" :lmao:

Oh, I will so meet you at the World someday.

And I know I'll love your accent. I love all accents, but I get tickled over Southern ones because they're just so pleasing to the ear!

[If U Had Wings]

Southwest just released travel through October!

Now TK has to make a choice.

Flight times and prices. I've got a one way fare of $116 on our arrival day, and $129 on our departure day. I'm thinking of doing what I did last year, where I just book each leg separately, that way if they go down in price, I can use the credit to book the next leg.

What do you guys think?:goodvibes

Sounds like a good plan. Are the prices where you were hoping they would be?

[TarzansKat]

Sounds like a good plan. Are the prices where you were hoping they would be?

Well, no.

:lmao:

Truthfully, I hoped they would be less, but what I budgeted is right on the mark. So that's good. :thumbsup2

[maroo]

Southwest just released travel through October!

Now TK has to make a choice.

Flight times and prices. I've got a one way fare of $116 on our arrival day, and $129 on our departure day. I'm thinking of doing what I did last year, where I just book each leg separately, that way if they go down in price, I can use the credit to book the next leg.

What do you guys think?:goodvibes

:scared1::scared1::scared1:

*runs away*

[maroo]

:scared1::scared1::scared1:

*runs away*

My flight is "unavailable" for my date? What in the heck does that mean? Did someone buy out the whole plane? :confused3

[TarzansKat]

Just think of a wonderful thought.

Any happy little thought?

I can't tell you how long I've been waiting to use this chapter title. And how appropos that DS and I actually watched Peter Pan again yesterday. You know what one of his favorite parts is? He loves Following the Leader. He asked me to play it again. So I backed up the scene, and played it again, and watched his little foot bounce in time with the music.

My master plan to get the boy to dress as Peter Pan for MNSSHP is slowly coming to fruition, folks. And OMG, I'd forgotten how much I love Peter Pan. Really, really love it, and how funny Captain Hook is.

So that makes it even more exciting that Southwest did release airfare through our trip dates today, and that I just went ahead and booked the first leg of our journery.

For myself, DH, DS, and FIL. I handle all of FIL's trip bookings, and he pays me back, which works out great. More reward dollars on the Disney Visa! Now if I only I could persuade the man to let ME buy him a margarita in Mexico, but that'll never happen. True to form, he's a dad who likes to spoil us, and if I want a margarita in Mexico, he won't take any money from me. God bless him. He's a doll. And I love getting those margaritas with him.

So, we didn't really have many choices for nonstop flights on Tuesday, the 29th. And I checked other dates as well, and they're very similar, so there's no sense in trying to juggle the trip around.

It was either an 800am departure or a 305pm departure.

And although I swore up and down that I would not do an early flight again, there's no way I'm taking a 305 and wasting a whole day.

Plus, 800am is still in the realm of a normal wake up time for DS, so there's that as well.

So, dear friends, I've got a happy little confirmation code from Southwest Airlines that the TK clan will be departing at 800am on Tuesday the 29th, and arriving at 1100am.

You know what this means, right?

I'll be having a late lunch at Beaches and Cream instead of dinner, and we'll have a TON of time to enjoy the World Showcase that night.

I can't wait, can't wait, can't wait.

I guess that whole housing decision just got thrown to the back burner as soon as I saw flight times.

Some of us just don't know how to grow up. ;)

[TarzansKat]

My flight is "unavailable" for my date? What in the heck does that mean? Did someone buy out the whole plane? :confused3

It might just be unavailable at that particular price.

[maroo]

Southwest just released travel through October!

Now TK has to make a choice.

Flight times and prices. I've got a one way fare of $116 on our arrival day, and $129 on our departure day. I'm thinking of doing what I did last year, where I just book each leg separately, that way if they go down in price, I can use the credit to book the next leg.

What do you guys think?:goodvibes


Thank you so much for the heads up on this one! I had not checked my DING today (Shame on me again!) and missed it! :)

[TarzansKat]

Thank you so much for the heads up on this one! I had not checked my DING today (Shame on me again!) and missed it! :)

No problem! I am so excited to have booked that one leg of our trip! :goodvibes

[maroo]

No problem! I am so excited to have booked that one leg of our trip! :goodvibes


Did you just book one leg?

Pirate.

pirate:

[TarzansKat]

Did you just book one leg?

Pirate.

pirate:

Yes. Shuffle, shuffle, thump.

Shuffle, shuffle, thump.

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

I'm beyond excited.

I'M GOING TO DISNEYWORLD!!!!!!!!

[maroo]

Yes. Shuffle, shuffle, thump.

Shuffle, shuffle, thump.

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

I'm beyond excited.

I'M GOING TO DISNEYWORLD!!!!!!!!


:lmao:

I am so excited for you!!! :)

[pooh'smate]

Hello stranger. I have been missing the boards very much as my computer crashed awhile ago and I could only occasionally sign in. I am so glad that you were able to book flights for the first leg of your trip. However I am sad to say that our trip is up in the air. I have lost my job and haven't been able to find another one. So I don't know whether to cancel or just keep it and see what happens.

[TarzansKat]

:lmao:

I am so excited for you!!! :)

:goodvibes

Hello stranger. I have been missing the boards very much as my computer crashed awhile ago and I could only occasionally sign in. I am so glad that you were able to book flights for the first leg of your trip. However I am sad to say that our trip is up in the air. I have lost my job and haven't been able to find another one. So I don't know whether to cancel or just keep it and see what happens.

WOW! I wondered where you were. :hug:

I'm so sorry to hear about your job loss. I hope things turn around for you soon. I would love to meet you at Disney, but I totally understand. In these troubled times, so little is certain. Please let us DISers know if there's anything we can do to cheer you up! :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

:cool1::cool1:

Glad to hear the trip is a go, even if it means the house hunting is on hold temporarily. I always love a TK trip report. Selfish but true.:)

[2xcited2sleep]

I'm beyond excited.

I'M GOING TO DISNEYWORLD!!!!!!!!

Yee-haw!! :yay::yay::yay: Fantastic! And your first day sounds like my idea of heaven. A late lunch at B&C and the afternoon exploring World Showcase (surely to include a margarita!). :cloud9: I'm so excited for your trip. And your Peter Pan costumes sound like a great idea. Not sure if we'll end up at MNSSHP on the same night but I will be looking for the Peter Pan family!! :upsidedow

[TarzansKat]

:cool1::cool1:

Glad to hear the trip is a go, even if it means the house hunting is on hold temporarily. I always love a TK trip report. Selfish but true.:)

It's so funny, there wasn't even a question in my mind. Once airfare came out, the dilemma became less ethereal, and I thought, well, it's time to book flights! :thumbsup2

And thanks for the great compliment about my reports! :hug:

Yee-haw!! :yay::yay::yay: Fantastic! And your first day sounds like my idea of heaven. A late lunch at B&C and the afternoon exploring World Showcase (surely to include a margarita!). :cloud9: I'm so excited for your trip. And your Peter Pan costumes sound like a great idea. Not sure if we'll end up at MNSSHP on the same night but I will be looking for the Peter Pan family!! :upsidedow

Aw, you'r so excited for me, thank you!:goodvibes

You'll have to let me know when it gets closer which party you think you'll be attending, and when it fits into your schedule for us to meet. Now that I'm park hopping, we are fairly flexible....well, as flexible as you can be when you're working with seven people. :lmao: I'm hoping to get tickets for the MNSSHP on the Thursday of our trip, which is the....first of October, I think.

[pooh'smate]

WOW! I wondered where you were. :hug:

I'm so sorry to hear about your job loss. I hope things turn around for you soon. I would love to meet you at Disney, but I totally understand. In these troubled times, so little is certain. Please let us DISers know if there's anything we can do to cheer you up! :goodvibes

I am glad I was missed. I had a job that I knew would end but it ended about a year before it was planned to. I am just glad to be back on the Dis. I really
did miss hearing what was going on in everybody's life. My dd is finally potty trained. She has gone a whole week now without any accidents. We even went out shopping one day and she told me she had to go potty. I know that you can understand how excited I am. I don't think that I am going to cancel my trip just yet. I have a good part of it paid already and this year my husband is able to take more than one week of vacation at a time so we may just drive down to save money.

[TarzansKat]

I am glad I was missed. I had a job that I knew would end but it ended about a year before it was planned to. I am just glad to be back on the Dis. I really
did miss hearing what was going on in everybody's life. My dd is finally potty trained. She has gone a whole week now without any accidents. We even went out shopping one day and she told me she had to go potty. I know that you can understand how excited I am. I don't think that I am going to cancel my trip just yet. I have a good part of it paid already and this year my husband is able to take more than one week of vacation at a time so we may just drive down to save money.

Oh, I hope you get to take the trip. If for no other reason than it sounds like you need it. But as you can see from my recent posts, I totally get the financial concerns. For us it hasn't been anything like a job loss (thank goodness) but how to allocate funds. Should we buy a house or stay put. Have another baby or put it off until the economy is better. (And truthfully, does TK want another baby now or should she wait until she's really financially comfortable...it never ends.) Pay off the student loan or leave the money in savings to have a nice cushion. Take the trip or not take the trip.

Obviously I decided to take the trip since I bought airfare. :lmao: But you get the idea.

I'm so happy to hear your daughter is potty trained!

Did you ever think you'd be so excited over someone telling you they needed to go to the bathroom? :goodvibes

[maroo]

Have another baby or put it off until the economy is better. (And truthfully, does TK want another baby now or should she wait until she's really financially comfortable...it never ends.)

Obviously I decided to take the trip since I bought airfare. :lmao: But you get the idea.


:cloud9: It will be so much fun when you announce that another TK is on the way!! :)

And I am SOOOOO excited that you are for sure going...I don't know why I did not put 2 and 2 together on that one! :confused3 :laughing:

[TarzansKat]

:cloud9: It will be so much fun when you announce that another TK is on the way!! :)

And I am SOOOOO excited that you are for sure going...I don't know why I did not put 2 and 2 together on that one! :confused3 :laughing:

Honestly, there's one thing that could stop me from going on this trip.

And that's a complicated pregnancy.

No, we're not actively trying.

And no, I'm not totally sold on it...yet. But I'm about...99%. Babies are just so dang cute. But they grow up to be...well, toddlers. :laughing: That being said, I love my son, and life is an adventure with him in it. Right now, I'm trying to decide whether to add to that adventure.

And for those of you who may be interested, because I know I've never actually come out and talked about this before, yes, DH is on board.

He was ready...um...four years ago? :laughing: In all honesty, he's always wanted as many kids as I want to have, so it's really up to me. Pressure, pressure.

Okay? ;)

[creativeamanda]

I'm assuming that the late lunch at Beaches and Cream will include Ice cream? Or are you letting me down?

I think I have a hankering for the kitchen sink. . .

[TarzansKat]

I'm assuming that the late lunch at Beaches and Cream will include Ice cream? Or are you letting me down?

I think I have a hankering for the kitchen sink. . .

Oh, hon. This lunch isn't including ice cream. This lunch IS ice cream. :lmao: If we choose to eat other food, that's fine, but I am totally telling the boy that he's starting his vacation with ice cream for lunch. :goodvibes

And I'm dying to try a No Way Jose. :thumbsup2

[Tinkerbellarella]

What's a trip to Neverland without Tinkerbell(arella)?

Thought it was about time I get all caught up on this puppy. :D

[TarzansKat]

What's a trip to Neverland without Tinkerbell(arella)?

Well, dang, we can't get there without her, we need the pixie dust!!! pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:


Thought it was about time I get all caught up on this puppy. :D

Here, here!

[TarzansKat]

If you don't, god bless you.

If you do, well...god bless you.

I came down with a nasty stomach virus yesterday, and all I could think was, I hope the boys don't get it. So far, DH and DS are okay, but that remains to be seen. My mother had planned to come over today to help me with DS while DH was at work, and alas, she got the same virus.

It's not pretty.

But I have lost about five pounds.

And I do have some trip news to report for those of you jonesin' for an update.

We have dates for my Dad. He'll be coming from Tues - Thurs, which means he'll definitely be there for dinner at Ohana's on Wednesday. Which is cool, because I totally planned that with the idea that all the men would attend.

The only thing is I need to figure out is if the use MSG. Does anyone know what number I can call? I know they have special lines for this type of thing. My mother is horribly allergic, so she wants me to make sure beforehand.

Well, guys, that's all for now. I'm going back to bed. :sick:

[maroo]

If you don't, god bless you.

If you do, well...god bless you.

I came down with a nasty stomach virus yesterday, and all I could think was, I hope the boys don't get it. So far, DH and DS are okay, but that remains to be seen. My mother had planned to come over today to help me with DS while DH was at work, and alas, she got the same virus.

It's not pretty.

But I have lost about five pounds.

And I do have some trip news to report for those of you jonesin' for an update.

We have dates for my Dad. He'll be coming from Tues - Thurs, which means he'll definitely be there for dinner at Ohana's on Wednesday. Which is cool, because I totally planned that with the idea that all the men would attend.

The only thing is I need to figure out is if the use MSG. Does anyone know what number I can call? I know they have special lines for this type of thing. My mother is horribly allergic, so she wants me to make sure beforehand.

Well, guys, that's all for now. I'm going back to bed. :sick:

Oh no!!!

I am so sorry that you are sick! :sick: I hope you feel MUCH better soon!!!


On this (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713) thread (also linked below)...about in the middle of POST 3...there are several phone numbers you can call and email addresses to find out about the MSG! :)

disABILITIES thread w/ frequently asked questions including food allergies (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713)

[Tinkerbellarella]

If you don't, god bless you.

If you do, well...god bless you.

Remember Pukefest 2008? Of COURSE I do. Remember? I was the one that made the buttons on Zazzle. I'm hoping I'm not going to need to make sequel buttons. Fingers (and toes) crossed.

The only thing is I need to figure out is if the use MSG. Does anyone know what number I can call? I know they have special lines for this type of thing. My mother is horribly allergic, so she wants me to make sure beforehand.

See, now part of me is wishing that I hadn't canceled my Sept. O'hana ressie because I could tell you this. Because I too am super sensitive to MSG. It often induces a migraine.

But I'm not too sad that I don't know and can't tell you.
Since I canceled O'hana's for Citricos.
With a certain pirate clan. pirate:

Feel better, m'dear. :flower3:

[MRYPPNS]

https://www.steveshallmark.com/webart/products/enlarge/1649.jpg

[If U Had Wings]

Hope your feeling better soon!!:)

[TarzansKat]

Oh no!!!

I am so sorry that you are sick! :sick: I hope you feel MUCH better soon!!!

Thank you, hon!


On this (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713) thread (also linked below)...about in the middle of POST 3...there are several phone numbers you can call and email addresses to find out about the MSG! :)

disABILITIES thread w/ frequently asked questions including food allergies (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713)

Awesome! Thanks for the link. I knew someone would know! :goodvibes

Remember Pukefest 2008? Of COURSE I do. Remember? I was the one that made the buttons on Zazzle. I'm hoping I'm not going to need to make sequel buttons. Fingers (and toes) crossed.

I forgot about the buttons. :lmao:


See, now part of me is wishing that I hadn't canceled my Sept. O'hana ressie because I could tell you this. Because I too am super sensitive to MSG. It often induces a migraine.

I did now know this about you. See, you learn something new every day.


But I'm not too sad that I don't know and can't tell you.
Since I canceled O'hana's for Citricos.
With a certain pirate clan. pirate:

Feel better, m'dear. :flower3:

Well, I am rather partial to how all that worked out. ;)

https://www.steveshallmark.com/webart/products/enlarge/1649.jpg

He's so cute!!!! Thank you.

Hope your feeling better soon!!:)

Thanks, hon.

To keep you all updated, I feel slightly better, and so far I am holding down flat ginger ale and...maybe four or five saltines?

Keep your fingers crossed. I have no desire to...well...you know.

But, I'm physically wiped. I hope today is my last day of this so I can go back to my normal crazy TK routine.

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh dear. Sorry you aren't feeling well. Get better soon!! :)

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, how well I remember Pukefest 2008! Hope you feel better soon -- you will be able to tell from the email I just sent you that I had not been on the DIS beforehand. Drink lots of fluids! :hug:

Yeay for Dad being there for Ohana's! MSG is evil! I would be surprised if they use it anywhere at Disney -- I have never had any of my episodes while I was there.

[TarzansKat]

Oh dear. Sorry you aren't feeling well. Get better soon!! :)

Thanks. I'll post an update in a separate post.

Oh, how well I remember Pukefest 2008! Hope you feel better soon -- you will be able to tell from the email I just sent you that I had not been on the DIS beforehand. Drink lots of fluids! :hug:

No worries, my dear. I can tell I definitely have not been drinking enough, I'm hoping to rectify that today.


Yeay for Dad being there for Ohana's! MSG is evil! I would be surprised if they use it anywhere at Disney -- I have never had any of my episodes while I was there.

That's what I was thinking about the MSG, but my mom just wants me to be extra sure. I can't blaim her, her reactions are horrible.

[TarzansKat]

Well, I guess it was just a matter of time.

DS is now sick. Poor little nugget. He...was ill last night, and being completely exhausted (think I slept like the dead for about 12 hours), I slept right through it. Thank goodness DH was able to handle it so well. He's awesome like that.

However, I fear for him. DH, that is.

We're a house full of sickies. It's only a matter of time. :confused3

And in case you're all wondering, I am feeling better, but I'm very weak. My digestion is still off, so I'm going easy as I start on foods. Last night I had some soup, this morning, scrambled eggs and dry toast. But I'm still wiped.

So DS is staying home from preschool and we're going to have another relaxing day.

On another trip related note, I keep checking our flights to see if the price is going down.

Remember how I purchased the one way, just to get there in the hopes that if it dropped I could use a credit on the next leg?

Well, neither is dropping, and I'm debating. I don't want to be rash, but I'd really like to get the ticket purchasing over with.

What do you guys think? :goodvibes

[pooh'smate]

I do remember pukefest 2008. Hope that you don't have a repeat in 2009. I am glad to hear that you are feeling a little better today. Here a little something to help you feel betterhttp://bestsmileys.com/pirate/2.gif. I hope it makes you smile. As for the tickets I don't know what I would do either. I think maybe I would just buy them now because then it would be done and I wouldn't have to worry about it anymore.

[MRYPPNS]

Be prepared for DH to get the sickness.....sounds exactly what went thru our house a couple months ago.

Drink as much clear liquid as you can keep down....that and sleep are the only things that help.

[maroo]

Well, I guess it was just a matter of time.

DS is now sick. Poor little nugget. He...was ill last night, and being completely exhausted (think I slept like the dead for about 12 hours), I slept right through it. Thank goodness DH was able to handle it so well. He's awesome like that.

However, I fear for him. DH, that is.

We're a house full of sickies. It's only a matter of time. :confused3

And in case you're all wondering, I am feeling better, but I'm very weak. My digestion is still off, so I'm going easy as I start on foods. Last night I had some soup, this morning, scrambled eggs and dry toast. But I'm still wiped.

So DS is staying home from preschool and we're going to have another relaxing day.

On another trip related note, I keep checking our flights to see if the price is going down.

Remember how I purchased the one way, just to get there in the hopes that if it dropped I could use a credit on the next leg?

Well, neither is dropping, and I'm debating. I don't want to be rash, but I'd really like to get the ticket purchasing over with.

What do you guys think? :goodvibes

Gosh! I am sorry you guys are all sick! :sick: I hope you feel better very soon and :wizard: to DH to stay away from the sickies!

Me...I would go ahead and purchase...just because of this flu crap. Who knows what will happen to flight prices? They may go way down to encourage travel or they may go up to make up for lack of flights to other places. I don't know. It is a crap shoot. I used the word crap in this paragraph 3 times. I think I need a diet coke! :rotfl:

[If U Had Wings]

On another trip related note, I keep checking our flights to see if the price is going down.

Remember how I purchased the one way, just to get there in the hopes that if it dropped I could use a credit on the next leg?

Well, neither is dropping, and I'm debating. I don't want to be rash, but I'd really like to get the ticket purchasing over with.

What do you guys think? :goodvibes

Glad your feeling better and hope the nugget is feeling better soon. I always feel horrible when kids aren't feeling well. :goodvibes

If you feel comfortable with the price why not go ahead and buy the tickets. Since your flying Southwest you'll be able to get a credit if the price does go down. It's not as good as getting the cheapest price right away, but at least your protected if the prices go up. And it will be done with and you can focus on more important things for your trip. Like preliminary ADR plans. :rotfl:

[Tinkerbellarella]

Remember how I purchased the one way, just to get there in the hopes that if it dropped I could use a credit on the next leg?

Well, neither is dropping, and I'm debating. I don't want to be rash, but I'd really like to get the ticket purchasing over with.

What do you guys think? :goodvibes

Do it, dude. You know that I know that you know you'll be able to use that credit at some point. ;)

[Charleston Princess]

Poor DS! I hope he feels better soon and that you continue to mend. :hug:

[TarzansKat]

I do remember pukefest 2008. Hope that you don't have a repeat in 2009. I am glad to hear that you are feeling a little better today. Here a little something to help you feel betterhttp://bestsmileys.com/pirate/2.gif. I hope it makes you smile. As for the tickets I don't know what I would do either. I think maybe I would just buy them now because then it would be done and I wouldn't have to worry about it anymore.

So far, it's been limited to...uh, one occurence per person, so I am grateful.

Thanks for the pirate smiley, that's awesome!!!

Yeah, I'm totally debating the airfare. Part of me just wants to get that squared away.

Be prepared for DH to get the sickness.....sounds exactly what went thru our house a couple months ago.

Drink as much clear liquid as you can keep down....that and sleep are the only things that help.

Thanks for the advice, hon. I literally looked at DH this morning and said, you know you're next, right? :lmao:

Gosh! I am sorry you guys are all sick! :sick: I hope you feel better very soon and :wizard: to DH to stay away from the sickies!

Thanks!


Me...I would go ahead and purchase...just because of this flu crap. Who knows what will happen to flight prices? They may go way down to encourage travel or they may go up to make up for lack of flights to other places. I don't know. It is a crap shoot. I used the word crap in this paragraph 3 times. I think I need a diet coke! :rotfl:

:scared1: I can't believe you used crap three times. Are you having a rough day? :hug: :lmao:

Glad your feeling better and hope the nugget is feeling better soon. I always feel horrible when kids aren't feeling well. :goodvibes

Poor DS is taking a nap right now, so we'll so how long he sleeps. He looked so exhausted.


Like preliminary ADR plans. :rotfl:

Always thinking ahead, huh? :lmao:

Do it, dude. You know that I know that you know you'll be able to use that credit at some point. ;)

Meh. I'm not so sure that will be true next year. But then again, you never know. ;)

Poor DS! I hope he feels better soon and that you continue to mend. :hug:

Thank you! :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

I have to start this particular chapter with something that is only somewhat related. But since Jack Sparrow is the pirate glue that keeps a lot of my posts sticking together, we'll run with it.

Does anyone remember this guy?

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI06242-1.jpg - Sorry, he's a little blurry. Too much rum. ;)

Well, he was in the running to be a trip mascot for our Pirate's Life for Three trip. But since, he's been...um...liberated. "You're outta your box!" NoTS2.

He basically resides on my kitchen counter in this pirate devoted area. Trust me, it's not the only one in the house, but it is a special one. There's a mini Jack Sparrow lunch box, this Jack action figure, and an 8x10 framed photo of DH and I dressed as Jack and Elizabeth from last year's MNSSHP. Oh, I believe we also have a Jack Sparrow card from Tink that plays the theme song. Was that for my birthday? You send me so many nice cards. I digress. So this little collection is what normal people have in their kitchens right? In addition to a collection of ceramic pumpkins of varying sizes and multiple Jack Skellington and Jack Sparrow paraphenalia? ;)

So yesterday, DS actually discovered him! My little Jack Sparrow action figure. And uttered four little words that almost stopped my heart. Now I think it's pretty much given that I'm a good mama. I try my hardest, I do my best, and if it's in my power to give up something for DS, it's pretty much a given that his needs are going to come first. Right?

Right. pirate:

DS - "Mama, this is mine?"

:scared1::scared1::scared1::scared1:

I was stunned. I literally did not know what to say. How do you answer that? I love my son, I love Jack Sparrow, a million thoughts floating through my head all at once. So, I told the truth.

TK - "Actually, that's mine. Would you like to share it?"

DS - "Okay! He needs a pirate ship!"

:lmao: Well, of course he does. :lmao:

So we got out our Fisher Price pirate ship (I know, I know, it's not the Black Pearl, but we can pretend) and DS proceeded to let the good captain...uh...captain the crew while I made dinner. We're still on the mend from that stomach virus, but I was dying for a nice hot, freshly made dinner. Meatloaf. It's a comfort food. :thumbsup2

As soon as DS and I had that little interchange, I knew it had to be posted here. One of my first thoughts was, oh, the DIS is going to love this one. :lmao:

And let this lovely little TK clan discourse be the intro to this chapter that I've been waiting to write for a while, and I had a little extra time this morning. Why oh why did I wake up at 545 am?

So without further ado, Every Year, I...

Every year, I wait for my Disney vacation like it's air. Part of breathing, part of living, part of who we are.

Everybody gets their hair cut if necessary, new sneakers if they need them, and maybe even some new vacation clothes. It's us at our best (and our worst, because that's life).

Every year, I get off that plane in Orlando, and I take a deep breath and I sigh. It has a certain smell. Don't laugh, it's true. Even the airport. And then that first breath of fresh air outside the airport, like Florida and sunshine and the promise of relaxation. It's Florida air. Palpable.

Like air in New York City has the pulse of the lives that live there all mingled in with car fumes and salty pretzels.

Like Italy smells so amazing that I can barely describe it. So fresh, and so real, and yet surreal, like in some places the old country lives on.

You don't feel that anywhere else and you don't smell those smells anywhere else and it's the same for Disney World.

Each park, each hotel, every part of that place has it's smell, it's own air, it's own life.

Every year, I look forward to my first glimpse of the castle. That first sigh of relief. It's still there. I'm still me. I'm still that little girl who wanted to grow up and be a Disney animator. She's still in there, she is! And she can live out that dream and remember that part of herself that everyone else can easily forget. That artist who spent four years to get a BFA in painting, that 21 year old who went to Italy with a group of other artists to study and learn for two weeks and cried when they left because it was so beautiful, and how she really wanted to be.

Every year, I reconnect with a part of myself that I forget exists.

Through the day to day life, and the joy of being wife, being mother, being provider, it's so easy to forget that girl. That girl that just wanted to be covered in paint all day long, without a care in the world.

And people wonder why we go every year.

Every year I wait for that moment. That moment with a character that I know will come. For me, for DS, for every member of the group. And sometimes you don't see it until you get home. You don't realize that when you went in for the Visa Meet and Greet that Mickey gave a big hug to Nana and that the photopass photographer captured it all on film.

Or maybe sometimes you do see it. Maybe the photopass photographer jumps the World Showcase Lagoon fence in Epcot and you get the best picture of your son and Aladdin that you'll ever see.

Every year, I wait for those moments.

I know the meltdowns will come. And they, too shall pass.

But the good always far outweighs the bad.

Every year, I wait to take our pictures on the TTA. We always do, and it just occured to me in December that it's a trend. One person on one side takes the pics of the other side and vice versa. Every year. You could measure the growth of my son by those photos.

Every year, I wait for that amazing server, that great meal. The one that leaves you so satisfied you know your trip was worth it if only for that.

Every year, I wait for the down time. The stolen moments, the ones you didn't plan.

And now every year, I wait for that first glimpse of Jack Sparrow. Sauntering across Adventureland, ready to do a Pirate Tutorial. That's my own little slice of heaven.

Just like Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. One of my favorite events every at Disney. Every year I wait for that. Trick or treating in the Magic Kingdom, Boo to You, dressing up like I'm still a child. And that little girl inside me...she's so happy.

She gets to be free. For however long, she's free.

And what a wonderful feeling that is. I'm sure I could go on and on, but you get the idea.

What do you wait for? ;)

[Tinkerbellarella]

Oh, I believe we also have a Jack Sparrow card from Tink that plays the theme song. Was that for my birthday? You send me so many nice cards.

I don't remember what that one was for. But I DO remember opening it in Hallmark and squealing like a 5 year old when I realized how perfect it was for you.

DS - "Mama, this is mine?"

:scared1::scared1::scared1::scared1:

I was stunned. I literally did not know what to say. How do you answer that? I love my son, I love Jack Sparrow, a million thoughts floating through my head all at once. So, I told the truth.

TK - "Actually, that's mine. Would you like to share it?"

I can't decide what makes me laugh more - DS's assumption it was his or the fact that you can't give it up! But really, this was ADORABLE.

Every year, I get off that plane in Orlando, and I take a deep breath and I sigh. It has a certain smell. Don't laugh, it's true. Even the airport. And then that first breath of fresh air outside the airport, like Florida and sunshine and the promise of relaxation. It's Florida air. Palpable.

Like air in New York City has the pulse of the lives that live there all mingled in with car fumes and salty pretzels.

Like Italy smells so amazing that I can barely describe it. So fresh, and so real, and yet surreal, like in some places the old country lives on.

Like the PotC ride and the lobby of the Poly has that faint musty yet enjoyable water smell.
Like the monorail has that very specific 'monorail' smell.
Like Canada has that ZZUB smell.

Every year, I wait for that amazing server, that great meal. The one that leaves you so satisfied you know your trip was worth it if only for that.

QUATTRO FORMAGGI POTATOES

What do you wait for? ;)

I wait for the first morning that I step out to explore whatever resort that I happen to be staying at and find the perfect place to watch the sun rise. There is always a peace in those moments I've yet to recreate anywhere else.

[If U Had Wings]

Great post! I love that the two of you get to share Jack!

My favorite moment is always the first time I'm waiting at the bus stop, and later at the front gaits just waiting for rope drop on the first day of the trip. There is always that energy and that feeling that the vacation can be anything you want it to be.

The trips with my parents I've also come to love the moments with my mom walking around POFQ and then sharing some Beignets outside under the stars at the end of the night. We fought like cats and dogs when I was a teen, and I love the fact that as adults she's become my best friend.

[pooh'smate]

Well as always another great update.:thumbsup2

What do you wait for? ;)
I am waiting for the chance to take my dear family to the most wonderful place on earth. My dh who often forgets his inner child. He works so hard and has gone through so much in his lifetime. He needs to reconnect with it every once in a while. I want to go on a vacation where my dh can forget about all the things he worries about here at home. I want to go on vacation somewhere else then just to visit family who stresses my dh out. I want to have family time with just the 3 of us.
I am waiting for my dd to fall in love with Disney the same way I did after my parents took me. I still love it and other then 2 single day trips to MGM (one day when I was 15 and one when I was 16) I have never been back even though I have longed to and planned many trips that just never worked out. I too am waiting to find my innerchild.


PS. How are you and your son feeling?

[maroo]

:scared1: I can't believe you used crap three times. Are you having a rough day?


Gosh, I can't either!

I am sort of having a rough week.


Your update was AWESOME! I wait for...Wishes! And Spectro! The music, I think, is the best part.

This post really lifted my spirits today! :) Thank you!!! :)

[Charleston Princess]

Ah, TK, you said it so beautifully -- those are the moments that keep me going back as well! :goodvibes

[2xcited2sleep]

What do I wait for? Wow. What a good question. It will be impossible to top your answer, which, as CP said, is just perfect.

I am wholly intrigued by your Captain Jack/Pirates/Disney area of your kitchen. I have no such area. I feel I must correct this immediately. Perhaps not with Capt Jack (he is yours, afterall) but certainly with something Disney!

[TarzansKat]

I can't decide what makes me laugh more - DS's assumption it was his or the fact that you can't give it up! But really, this was ADORABLE.

But, I was willing to share. That counts for something, right? :lmao:


Like the PotC ride and the lobby of the Poly has that faint musty yet enjoyable water smell.


Dude. I totally didn't include that, but that is DEFINITELY on my list. There is something about that smell that is familiar and homey.

Not that I live in a cavern surrounded by water and the skeletons of long dead pirates...

or do I? ;)


I wait for the first morning that I step out to explore whatever resort that I happen to be staying at and find the perfect place to watch the sun rise. There is always a peace in those moments I've yet to recreate anywhere else.

:cloud9:


My favorite moment is always the first time I'm waiting at the bus stop, and later at the front gaits just waiting for rope drop on the first day of the trip. There is always that energy and that feeling that the vacation can be anything you want it to be.

Excellent! That's so true, that first adrenaline rush! :goodvibes


I am waiting for the chance to take my dear family to the most wonderful place on earth. My dh who often forgets his inner child. He works so hard and has gone through so much in his lifetime. He needs to reconnect with it every once in a while. I want to go on a vacation where my dh can forget about all the things he worries about here at home. I want to go on vacation somewhere else then just to visit family who stresses my dh out. I want to have family time with just the 3 of us.
I am waiting for my dd to fall in love with Disney the same way I did after my parents took me. I still love it and other then 2 single day trips to MGM (one day when I was 15 and one when I was 16) I have never been back even though I have longed to and planned many trips that just never worked out. I too am waiting to find my innerchild.

I really, really hope you take this trip. Not only because you and your sweet family deserve it, which is obvious, but because I sooooooo want to read about it. (And meet you, of course!)


PS. How are you and your son feeling?

We are doing so much better, thank you!


Your update was AWESOME! I wait for...Wishes! And Spectro! The music, I think, is the best part.

This post really lifted my spirits today! :) Thank you!!! :)

Thanks! You love some Wishes and Spectro, and I identify. For me, it's the music during Spectromagic. Sends me right back to my childhood.

Ah, TK, you said it so beautifully -- those are the moments that keep me going back as well! :goodvibes

Thanks, hon. It's wonderful for us all to be so connected by this place we happen to love, you know?


I am wholly intrigued by your Captain Jack/Pirates/Disney area of your kitchen. I have no such area. I feel I must correct this immediately. Perhaps not with Capt Jack (he is yours, afterall) but certainly with something Disney!

I should take pictures for you. Do you want pictures?

[2xcited2sleep]

I should take pictures for you. Do you want pictures?


::yes:: Yes, please. :flower3:

[TarzansKat]

::yes:: Yes, please. :flower3:

Funny how I just happen to have photobucket open right now. :lmao: I'll get on it, my dear! :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

Obviously we're all a little Disney obsessed, or we wouldn't be here. But to make this into an official chapter, I do have some news to share, before I regale you with pictures of my Disney-fied (and Batman-fied) kitchen. Although I do have to say, these items we've collected pretty much infiltrate the whole of our home. Maybe I should be taking more pictures. :lmao:

On the ptr front, I did go ahead and book the last leg of our trip on Southwest. So it is official, my dear friends. We are not only going to, but coming back from Florida. Not too sure about that coming back part ;), but it seems like a necessary evil.

I read all your replies, and quite frankly, I just wasn't interested in playing the waiting game. I talked to mom about it, and my reasoning was this. It's the same price (roughly) as last year. In all likelihood, it's not going to go down. Sure, I'll still watch for a decrease and a little credit like I always do, but if there isn't one, that's okay. My whole budget is based off of airfare costing about $800 for the three of us, and it came in just under that.

Next on my to do list of vacation items is purchasing tickets for MNSSHP. Now, Mom happens to have an annual pass, so she'll be purchasing all our tickets, and we'll pay her for them, since she gets a nice little discount. As it stands, we're still planning on doing the Thursday night party, and still planning on dressing like characters from Peter Pan.

:::shuffle, shuffle::: Exscuse me, the boy is calling. :::shuffle, shuffle::: Ah...he required sustenance. Cheese and fruit. Is there a better breakfast? Methinks not.

Well, except for Tonga Toast. But that's not readily available. It will be in September though! Back to my trip! :lmao:

So next on my agenda is to purchase tickets for MNSSHP, and while we're talking about all things Halloween-y and whatnot, this makes a perfect segue into my kitchen. And the dining room. And quite frankly the rest of the house, but I only have pictures of those things. :thumbsup2

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0625.jpg

We have a nice area above our kitchen cabinets which is where we keep most of the pumpkin collection. The caped crusader is defending my pumpkins, of course.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0626.jpg

If you look in the back there, you can see a wooden/resin Batman symbol that DH made in college.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0627.jpg

Yes, that is a pizza box. Actually, I was able to get a clean one from my FIL (have I ever mentioned he owns a restaurant, and a FANTASTIC one at that) and we use to store all of DS' crafts from preschool. And boy, are there a lot of crafts. It's a great size to keep everything flat, and I read about that little tidbit in a magazine somewhere.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0628.jpg

There's my man, Jack! Skellington, that is. And no, don't ask why I have a thing for characters named Jack. I admit it's uncanny.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0629-1.jpg

The pirate collection by the phone. So every time I answer the phone, this is what I get to look at. :::sigh::: :cloud9:

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll289/tarzanskat/DSCI0630-1.jpg

And more of our Jack Skellington collection and pumpkins over our dining room table.

So, there you have it, friends. My dual Jack obsession. :thumbsup2

[If U Had Wings]

Love the Disney/Jack/Batman goodies scattered throughout your home. Very cute to have a taste of Disney right at home. I especially love the Mickey silhouette shelf in the last pic. Too cute!

[TarzansKat]

Love the Disney/Jack/Batman goodies scattered throughout your home. Very cute to have a taste of Disney right at home. I especially love the Mickey silhouette shelf in the last pic. Too cute!

That shelf was an excellent bargain from the Disney Shopping website. I remember having to get it from my rental office though, UPS won't leave something that big at your door. Thank god it fit in my car! :lmao:

I especially love it because we keep DS' school bag there, his coat, our sunglasses, hats, etc, and it's a nice place to display things. His school picture is up there, I just have it blacked out.