We Spent Halloween with the Mouse (and Donald too!!!) [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

AshleyMWC

08-26-2008, 01:10 PM

Hello and welcome to my second ever PTR! A couple of people may remember me from last year, but if not, no worries, the cast has changed a bit anyway. Last year my mom and I headed down to the World for a wonderful week long vacation in October. We had a great time, and made lots of memories that I plan on holding on to for a long time. But alas, this year, my mom is not my traveling companion- my DBF is!!! I love my mom to death, and she and my dad first introduced me to Disney when I was in the 3rd grade, but over the years, DBF and I have literally built a relationship around Disney! My parents made me a Disney addict, and I am proud to say that I have now turned my DBF into just as big of an addict!! We first brought DBF to the World in 2003, when I graduated from college. This was my graduation gift, and luckily for him, he was bit by the Disney bug almost immediately. I never in my wildest dreams imagined that he would fall in LOVE with Disney like I had- I guess we were just meant to be :love: :cloud9: . We have gone every year since then….

So, without further ado present to you the cast of this year’s journey- Halloween with the Mouse (and Donald too!!!)

I don’t have many good pictures of us in my photo bucket account, but here are a couple for you guys. The first one if from last Christmas (note the Disney fleece that Sam is wearing- you're welcome honey!), and the second one is from one of Sam’s best friend’s wedding that he was in, in May.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_20191-1.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/DSCN1706.jpg

Well, there is me of course- Ashley, age 27.

I am of course a lover of all things Disney- the parks, the movies, the stores- all of it! So, here are some of my favorites:
Disney movies: Mary Poppins, Cinderella, Fantasia, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast- and of course all the Pirate movies. Yeah, I have a lot of favorites- but Mary Poppins is probably my favorite of them all!

Favorite character: definitely DONALD! There is no question about it, I heart that duck. Other characters that make my favorites list include Minnie, Daisy, Dumbo, and of course the Main Cheese himself- but none of them will ever top Donald for me!

Favorite Disney attractions: BTMRR, Splash Mountain, Tower of Terror, Hall of Presidents, Small World, American Adventure, Jungle Cruise, Kilimanjaro Safari, Soarin’, Carousel of Progress

Other than my Disney loves, I am interested in baking, photography, wine tasting, and reading. I just started to get into photography in the last year or so, so I am by no means good, but I do try. I have taken so many pictures, that I guess now I need to get into scrapbooking so I have something to do with them all. I work at an investment brokerage firm that entails about a 5 minute commute for me- and that is about the best part of the job I think. I love the people I work with, but I am currently in search of alternative employment, if you know what I mean.

The second and final member of our party is my DBF of 9, yes, count ‘em, 9 years- Sam, age 28 (soon to be 29 September 28th).

We both grew up in the same small town of Chester, VA, went to the same high school, and have many of the same friends. That’s the way a small town goes I guess. We now live about 25 minutes north of said small town, and we really like the area we live in. It is bigger than Chester, but still has a close-knit feel. As I said earlier, he was bit hard by the Disney bug back in 2003, and he hasn’t looked back since. He talks almost every week about buying DVC, and I’m sure one day we will own some points of our own- once we are married, of course! (Which I hope and pray will be soon!!!) So, here are some of his Disney favorites:

Disney Movies: Cars, all the Pirates Movies, Monsters Inc.

Characters: He is a Goofy man all the way. He also has a liking for Mickey, Pluto, Tigger, and probably some of the lovely princesses, if you catch my drift

Favorite Disney attractions: Tower of Terror- this is his all time favorite, and always our first ride of the trip, BTMRR, Soarin’, Everest, Hall of Presidents, Mickey’s Philharmagic, Carousel of Progress, Rockin Rollercoaster

For his day job, he is a banker. He manages two branches of a community bank, and it keeps him super busy. He is also a musician on the side, and he plays in a kid’s band. Yes, they play kid’s music.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/_MG_2481.jpg
I don’t know why he looks so miserable there- he really does love music, I promise!

It is actually pretty cool though- kind of a modern day School House Rock- definitely not your typical Wiggles or Barney music. Kids seem to absolutely love it, as do the parents. It is educational and fun, all at once. The company is finally on the verge of taking off (we hope!!), so maybe one day he can strike it rich. Or at least rich enough to support our Disney habits, full time. Aside from work, Sam is into photography, cooking, wine tasting, and working on the never ending project that is our 40 year old house!

So, that is who we are- nothing really out of the ordinary special, but we like it like that. Now, on to the specifics of our trip. It all began in January when I kept hearing about everyone getting these wonderful 40% off codes in the mail. Ooohhhh, how jealous I was. I checked my mail and email religiously for days, weeks, and nothing. I mean we had already decided that we were going to go to the World this year- I mean we always do- but with a 40% off code, we could do lots of extras too! So finally I read about some people calling and finding out that a code was attached to their name, even though they hadn’t gotten a postcard in the mail. Now I was intrigued even more. Being the sissy that I sometimes am, I made Sam call- plus he always seems to have good luck, and he is quite the sweet talker too. Well good golly Miss Molly, I had a code attached to my name!! Sam called me more excited than a kid on Christmas, and we made the decision to book 8 nights at the Polynesian for October 24-Nov 1!! We usually stay 6 nights, so 8 was big time for us. We saved something like $1200 and I proceeded to tell everyone I knew- not everyone was nearly as excited as we were though. My mom and I stayed at the Poly last year and just loved it for its beauty and convenience, but Sam has never stayed there. Here are some pictures from last year, just to keep the report interesting.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/Disney2007639.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/Disney2007638-1.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/Disney2007644.jpg

I keep telling him I hope he likes it, and looks at me like I have 5 heads. He has loved everywhere we have stayed, so I don’t know why I am nervous about him liking the Poly. Just in case you were wondering, we have previously stayed at the GF, BWI, WL, and Sam and his buddies stayed at the AKL last year (he took a guys trip since I took a mother-daughter trip). I am planning on requesting the Tokelau longhouse, on the 2nd or 3rd floor if possible. My mom and I stayed in Tahiti last year, and loved how close it was to the TTC. The only problem I had with it was that because it was so close to the TTC (with the monorail to Epcot and the boat to MK), we rarely ever went into the Great Ceremonial House, and it is just too pretty in there not to go in more. So, Tokelau is next to Tahiti, but still a tiny bit closer to the GCH. Hopefully we will get our request, but if not, no biggie.

So, armed with hotel ressies, we basically just sat around and waited for airfares to be released. We normally fly either Delta or Air Tran, because both have nonstop service to Orlando. There is nothing better than boarding a plane in Richmond and landing in Orlando 2 hours later. We (and me we, I mean I) looked and looked for good deals, and didn’t find anything spectacular, but nothing too outrageous either. Well one night I happened to be browsing Air Tran, and I found airfare for $190 roundtrip! Now that might not be good for some of you who are fortunate to fly out of big airports, but for Richmond, that is great! We snapped those babies up in a heartbeat. Actually, it did take me a little while to book them. Does anyone else get nervous buying plane tickets? I mean, they are non-refundable! I looked at them on my screen for at least 15 minutes- quadruple checking the dates and times- before I pushed the purchase button. So, $400 later, we were set in stone, going to Orlando on October 24!

Well, I think that is enough to get this report started. You now have the who, what, when, and where of our trip. Up next ADR’s and some of the extras we have planned!

58 Days and counting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Marsons

08-26-2008, 01:32 PM

Can i be the first?????

Great start, looking forward to reading more.

I started my PR yesterday if you fancy a look, it's about half way down the main pre trippie page;)

We will be at the World the same time, are you doing MNSSHP? We go on the 30th?

AshleyMWC

08-26-2008, 02:07 PM

I will definitely hop over and check out your Pre Trippie! We are doing MNSSHP, but we are going on the 26th. Maybe we will bump into each other though!

I am off to start reading your report!

AshleyMWC

08-27-2008, 12:39 PM

Well, I am up to one reader and it looks like, a few lurkers, so that is enough to warrant continuing this PTR. When we last left off, I promised ADR’s and a peek at some of the extras we have in store for this journey. We are not on the dining plan, even though they try and talk me into it every time I call Disney for any reason. You see, we have tons of ADR’s scheduled, but we will likely not use every single one of them. (And yes, I do call and cancel the ones we decided not to use.) Would the DDP save us money, eh, probably a little. Do we feel like dealing with tracking credits and such, nope. I know it’s not that hard, we just don’t feel like it. Now if it were free dining time, then yea, we would suck it and keep track, but otherwise, nah, not for us. Yeah, that’s how we roll. It might not be logical to a lot of people, but we can live with that. So, as for our dining selections, I personally LOVE breakfast :love: . I am always ravenous in the morning- always have been, and probably always will be. I am NOT one of those people who can suffice on a banana and coffee until lunch. Sam pretty well eats anytime and anything, so he’s super easy to please. Hence, we have made bfast ADR’s at a couple of our favorite places and added a new one also. As for table service dinners/lunches, we decided that we wanted to try all new places this year! It’s amazing that we have been to WDW so may time and there are so many places we have never tried. So, with the exception of the Party for the Senses, all the non-breakfast dining experiences are new for us! :cool1:

So, drum roll pleas…..here is our ADR list……

Friday, October 24- Dinner @ Kona @ 7:10PM
Saturday, October 25- Party for the Senses (we love this dinner so much, and it is actually one of the reasons we picked this season to visit The World)
Sunday, October 26- Breakfast @ Chef Mickey’s @ 10:20AM
Dinner @ Tony’s Town Square @ 5PM
Monday, October 27- Dinner @ Biergarten @ 5:30PM
Tuesday, October 28- Breakfast @ Crystal Palace @ 8:25AM
Dinner @ JIKO @ 7:50PM (I have been wanting to eat here for 3 years now!)
Wednesday, October 29- Lunch @ 50’s Prime Time Café @ 1:30PM
Thursday, October 30- No ADR’s scheduled. We plan on having counter service for B and L, and then snacking around the F&WF booths for dinner
Friday, October 31- Breakfast @ Tusker House @ 8:25AM (this is our first time here!)
Dinner @ The Wave @ 6:45PM

So, there are our selections. If anyone has any comments on any of our new places, please let me know! I have tried to read reviews on all the places we haven’t eaten, but I still welcome any and all suggestions.

The only ADR which will probably change is the lunch at the 50’s Prime Time Café. I actually made this one in hopes of being able to cancel it- as a backup, if you will. You see Sam’s birthday is September 28th, and as a birthday present to him, I am planning on reserving Lunch with an Imagineer at the Brown Derby on the 29th. We both love all the behind the scenes Disney stuff and love getting CM’s perspectives, so I think we will both enjoy this. I had read somewhere that Disney was discontinuing this :confused: , but then I read a recent review of it- so I am praying that it is still available. If anyone know for sure, I would love to know!! I have asked about here on the Dis, but I haven’t gotten any definitive responses. We shall see on Saturday though- that is the day my 6o day window opens for this. I heard that it fills up fast because it only has 8 or 10 spaces available. Please keep your fingers crossed for me Saturday morning!!! So, that is one of the little extras we have planned this year. Another is the Party for the Senses. Yes, it is expensive, but we really are foodies, and we love it so much! We plan on eating as little as possible that day leading up to the party, so that we can stuff ourselves full of all the great food there!

We are also planning on doing the Segway Tour and possibly the Behind the Seeds Tour. We have done the Segway tour before and we both just loved it! It was so much fun, and soooo much easier to navigate than we thought it would be. I admit, I was nervous about falling flat on my face mid-World Showcase, but it didn’t happen…..to me at least. There was one unfortunate face plant in our group, and I felt so bad for the lady. It was her birthday to top it all off! :headache: Our guide said that was the only time that had happened to someone in his group- yeah, I’m sure that made her feel better! :eek: However, we are willing to take the risk again, now that we are veterans of course! As for the Behind the Seeds Tour, I have never done it, but it sounds interesting to us both. I love the Land Boat Ride, so I think I would like the tour. Plus, it’s only like $20, maybe even less than that, so what do we have to lose really? I need to read up on this one and see what time it starts and other details. I haven’t found too many reviews on this either, so if anyone has any experience here, please give me a head’s up!

I guess the only other real extra we are doing is MNSSHP! Oh how I LOVE this party!! My mom and I did it last year for the first time, and I just know Sam is going to love it. It is definitely going to be crowded since it is the week of Halloween, but since we are just 2 people sans strollers and kids, I think we will manage alright. We have dedicated another day also to MK, so we won’t have to stress about riding rides this night, and we can just enjoy the party atmosphere. So far my only dilemma with the party, is what to dress up as. We need something pretty easy as far as packing, and light-weight, because it usually still pretty warm in October. Last year my mom and I did matching t-shirts, and we got so many compliments on them! If I can’t think of something then we will do matching t-shirts, but I think dressing up would be fun. I am open for suggestions here- please!!! princess: pirate: :hippie: :joker:

Well, I better run and get some work done here today! Up next, the master schedule is revealed….and a new development with Air Tran :scared1:

Jenvenza

08-27-2008, 02:31 PM

I will jump on board! You are off to a great start! And I love your pictures!

You now have 2 readers and some lurkers - I still only have lurkers in my PTR!!

The Marsons

08-28-2008, 03:48 AM

AshleyMWC

08-28-2008, 12:19 PM

Your ADR list sounds great!

We too are breakfast people and love Crystal Palace. Our ADR's are growing all the time! I read an amazing review on the Grand Floridian Cafe two days ago and i got on the phone straight away and booked that. The evening food just looks amazing :)

I have always had really good experiences at the GF Cafe, so definitely keep that ADR. It is a more understated restaurant, and that makes it pretty low key which we really like. I grew up staying at the GF (it was the only place my dad would stay!) and I just love everything about it, from the grounds to the restaurants! Enjoy and thanks for reading along!

AshleyMWC

08-28-2008, 12:38 PM

With a couple readers now on board and a few lurkers in tow, I shall saunter on with this PTR. When I last left off, I laid out our ADR schedule. And then I realized that I probably should have tacked on the rest of the master schedule so it all makes more sense. So, this report is dedicated to my master plan—mostly. But first we must take a brief detour. You see, the master plan changed from the original master plan. Let’s back up a bit, shall we? Original plan: Fly out of Ricmond at 7:30AM Friday, October 24. Arrive Orlando 9:30AM. We love these early direct flights because it gives us the whole day for play time in the World! Now I booked these flights months and months ago- March or April I believe- and I got a fabulous price. Well one day, and I have no idea why, I just happened to sign onto the Air Tran website to see how much our tickets were up to now- just out of curiosity, I figured with gas prices they had shot way up, and I wanted to brag about what a good price I had gotten. Well, imagine my surprise when I went looking, and our departure flight was GONE! :scared1: :scared1: Yes, G-O-N-E, GONE!!!! I couldn’t image that it was full, being 4 months out, but maybe I was wrong. So, I did what any good traveler would do, I pulled up our booking via confirmation number, and BAM, we are on a totally different flight. The lovely folks at Air Tran have us now leaving Richmond at 1:30PM and arriving somewhere around 3:45PM. Um, no! You totally just wacked a day off of my vacation- this would have us arriving at the Poly around 5PM. I was somewhat mad to say the least! I wasn’t sure what I was most mad about- the fact that you are making me miss a whole day practically, or that fact that I was not notified of said change!!!!! After I got off work, I got on my most polite mean voice and called up Air Tran. I got a lovely gentleman on the phone, and he was actually super nice. I explained to him that my flight had been pushed back 6 hours, I was not notified, and none of this was acceptable. He did say that I WOULD have EVENTUALLY been notified of the change. Um, when sir? When I showed up at the airport at 6 in the morning?!?!?! I mean really, what's the point of booking a certain schedule if you are just going to change it willy nilly?!?! :confused3 :confused: I told him that I booked this flight because I NEEDED to be in Orlando that Friday morning. (I totally made it sound like I was flying down for business or a wedding or something EXTREMELY time sensitive!) He asked me what time I NEEDED to be in town and I calmly told his that I NEEDED to be down there about the time of my original, intended, arrival. He kind of mulled it over a minute and I could tell that he didn’t really have a good solution in mind. Thank goodness I did! I told him that I noticed a flight leaving Richmond the night BEFORE around 7:30PM, and arriving in Orlando around 11:30PM, and I would like to be switched to that flight- at no charge of course! He was confused at first, but he eventually caught on and switched our flight- at no charge of course. ;)

So, with this new development, we are now arriving on October 23rd, not October 24th. We are staying the first night at POP, and then checking out the next morning and checking into he Poly! I think this will actually work out much better in the end, because we won’t be getting up at 4:30 in the morning to catch a flight- we are not morning people. We can handle getting in late, but getting up early is strictly for the birds and the worms, in my opinion!

Ok, NOW I can finally reveal my master schedule- as it currently stands at least!

Thursday, October 23
Go to work in the morning (that is going to be a long few hours! :hyper: ). Hopefully I can leave around 1 and get last minute things together at the house. We plan on leaving the house around 5, to get to the airport around 5:30. We hope to check in fast, and grab some dinner before we leave at 7:39PM!!
Arrive at Pop after midnight, check-in, crash in bed.

Friday, October 24th – First Full day in The World!!!!!! :banana: :cloud9: :cool1: :woohoo:
• Sleep in until around 8 or 8:30, and check out of POP.
• Check in the Poly and leave luggage since our room probably won’t be ready yet.
• Head to the bus stop bound for MGM (I will probably always call it that). Tower of Terror is always our first ride, so that is where we will be headed.
• We will probably spend a few hours here, depending on how crowded it is and how tired we are.
• Come back, check in room, and explore the Poly for a bit.
• Dinner at Kona at 7:10PM, and then hopefully catch the Water Parade from the beach.
• Hit the sack by 10ish hopefully.

Saturday, October 25th
• Breakfast at Cpt. Cook’s
• Arrive at AK as close to park opening as possible
• Do as much at AK as we can until around 2PM, and then head back to the Poly.
• Rest and get changed for the Party for the Senses at Epcot at 6:30PM. ( We need to be there around 6 to check in.)
• Eat and drink a lot, and then head back to the Poly when we are done.

Sunday, October 26th
• This is another sleep-in day, because we have a late night planned!
• Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s at 10:20AM
• Spend the afternoon at Downtown Disney relaxing and shopping
• Head back to the Poly around 3:00 to change and get ready for MNSSHP!!! pirate:
• Dinner at Tony’s at 5PM
• MNSSHP until midnight!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, October 27th
• Another sleep-in morning- probably until around 8:30 or 9
• This is the first of our 2 Epcot days
• We will focus mostly on Future World today. We might try and catch the Behind the Seeds tour if the timing is right.
• Dinner at Biergarten @ 5:30PM
• Wander around WS a little bit before Illuminations at 9PM

Tuesday, October 28th
• Definitely not a sleep in day here. Breakfast at Crystal Palace at 8:25AM. I am praying for good weather this morning, because the last time we booked an early one here it was pouring rain and we weren’t able to get any good pics of the empty park
• Spend all day in the MK, until around 5 or 5:30
• Head back to the Poly to get cleaned up for dinner
• Dinner at JIKO at 7:50PM, then explore the AKL!! I am pumped for this night!

Wednesday, October 29th
• This is another MGM day, and we want to get there as close to rope drop as possible.
• I have lunch ADRs at 50PTC, but remember, I hope to be doing Lunch with an Imagineer instead
• We need to leave MGM around 4, so that we can catch SpectroMagic at 7PM at MK. That place is going to be packed tonight, but we will brave it for the parade and fireworks. We will probably just hang back and let everyone fight to get out, and then leave when all the crazies are gone.

Thursday, October 30
• Segway Tour at Epcot at 9AM this morning.
• The tour is over at 11AM, so we will probably grab a snack or an early lunch.
• This is our second Epcot day, and it will mostly be dedicated to WS. This figures to be a very relaxing day, and we plan on making dinner out of snacking around the F&WF booths.
• We will probably catch Illuminations again since it is one of our favorites.

Friday, October 31- Happy Halloween!!
• This is our last full park day, boo!
• We have an early breakfast ADR at Tusker House in AK at 8:25AM
• We will hit the last few things in AK and then head back to the Poly or maybe even hop to another park if time permits.
• We will probably start packing up, so that we can enjoy the evening. Packing doesn’t really take that long with only 2 adults.
• Dinner at The Wave @ 6:45PM, and then we will probably wander around the MK area hotels and maybe catch Hallowishes from the beach!

Saturday, November 1- Departure Day :sad1:
• Check out of Poly whenever we feel like it and store luggage with Bell Services
• DWE will not pick us up until around 5PM, so we have most of the day to do whatever we want. We will probably hit a couple parks for some last rides, and pick up some lunch along the way.
• Flight back to Richmond leaves at 7:57PM :sad2:

So, that is the schedule as it stands now. It is of course subject to change and I’m sure it will- at least a little bit. Thanks for reading along everyone, and lurkers, please stop in to say hello, I promise I’m nice!

Maybe I can bribe some readers with some added, albeit random, Disney pictures :lmao: :rotfl:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/Disney2007203.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/Disney2007224.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/Disney2007291.jpg

Just a sampling of the sights I will be seeing in 56 days!!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:

Jenvenza

08-29-2008, 09:41 AM

You schedule sounds wonderful! I would love to be staying at the Poly. You are going to have so much fun!

And I will probably always call HS "MGM" as well. Old habits die hard!

Alysa

08-29-2008, 10:01 PM

The Marsons

08-30-2008, 03:03 AM

klokkeblomst

08-30-2008, 06:42 AM

Hi, I'm in!!!

JaxJags08

08-30-2008, 08:25 AM

Hi! I just found your TR and I'm really enjoying it. Your plans look great! I'm glad everything worked out with Airtran!

AshleyMWC

08-30-2008, 06:05 PM

Looks a great plan! We arrive a day earlier then planned on the 22nd October and are stopping at Pop for that first night before checking in at our 'home' resort!

Must admit you made me laugh when you pretended you needed to be in Orlando on business!!:rotfl:

Yeah, a teensy tiny white lie never hurt anyone, right? ;)

Hi, I'm in!!!

:welcome: It's great to have another reader!

Hi! I just found your TR and I'm really enjoying it. Your plans look great! I'm glad everything worked out with Airtran!

Yeah, I keep checking Air Tran almost obsessively now because I am paranoid. Thanks for joining in the report!

AshleyMWC

08-30-2008, 06:08 PM

What a cute couple! I love your report so far! We are going to be just getting back as you leave. I have seen your signature picture before and thought what a nice mother/daughter picture it was! Looking forward to hearing more!

Oops, I totally left you out of my multi-quote reply! Thanks for joining in my TR, and thanks for all the compliments...flattery really will get you everywhere in life :lmao: :rotfl: ;)

AshleyMWC

08-30-2008, 06:22 PM

Hello folks, and thanks again to all my new readers and lurkers!!! :banana: :banana:

Well, I have a little update today. Today was the day to call and try to book Lunch with an Imagineer! It has been on my calendar for about 4 months after all. SO this morning I had to wake up early and take Sam's car to get inspected while he was at work. After that I stopped by mom's house to visit a bit, and on the way back, that's when it hit me like a ton of bricks! OH MY GOSH, I FORGOT TO CALL THIS MORNING!!!! How could this have possibly happened...this is soooooo not me! I literally almost had a heart attack I think. I pulled over in to the BP Station and called immediately, knowing it was probably just too late! It was 11AM by this point. I was on hold for a few minutes, by heart racing the whole time mind you. I finally get this lady and told her what I wanted to book, and in her nicest Disney voice she told me "I'm sorry it's all booked up. Is there anything else I can book for you?" NO NO NO NO NO!!!! THERE IS NOTHING ELSE!! I even threw in the pitiful "This is a birthday present card" but, nothing :guilty: I couldn't believe that I had blown it after all these months of planning!! I kid you not, I sat there crying in the BP parking lot. After I contained myself I decided that it wasn't the end of the world-- even though I was still really really mad at myself! There MIGHT be another hope for me though. There is another Lunch on Friday the 31st that I am going to try and book. My window for that opens on Monday morning at 7AM. I already have an alarm set for 6:45 that morning- and I am dialing with 2 phones to minimize wait times!!! If I can get it for that day it definitely messes up my current plan, but I will make it work. IF I am able to get it, I will post my new plans for those days effected.

So, that is my update for today. It's not the best update :guilty: but all is not lost yet!! Please keep all fingers and toes crossed for me Monday morning!!

Oh, on a good note, my MNSSHP tickets came in and they are the cutest things ever!! I will take picture tomorrow and post it.

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone!!!!

Hibernians

08-30-2008, 06:26 PM

Hey Ashley ,

Great PTR !! Me and my crew will also be heading down in October and this will be our 2nd time doing MNSSHP; we last did it in 2006.

We'll be there 10/11 -10/18. 6 weeks away; can't wait !! :cool1:

My kids are like you; we have been telling them that its no longer MGM but they all still call it that and we no longer try to correct them; I guess it will always be MGM to us.. And I agree, BTMRR is a very cool ride, especially at night.
But... the first thing we will do is head over to MGM and do TSM; I can't wait to check it out.

Well; let's hope for some good October weather :goodvibes

Take care !

Joe

AshleyMWC

09-01-2008, 10:24 AM

GREAT NEWS THIS MORNING!!!

I was on the phone dialing WDW Dining at 6:59, and I got through IMMEDIATELY- no time on hold at all (probably because I have memorized all the prompts and I don't have to listen to them anymore)!! I got the nicest lady on the line, and I was able to book Lunch with an Imagineer for October 31!!!!! I was so nervous that I was going to oversleep last night that I literally woke up at least a dozen times checking the clock :headache:

So, now that I have this booked, I have some itinerary shuffling that needs to be done! Don't you just hate it when a well laid plan starts to crumble?!?! This lunch definitely messes up a couple days of my plan, but I'm sure I will figure it out- plus, I think it is going to be soooo worth it :cool1: I haven't decided what to do exactly but as soon as I do I will update everyone!

Have a great Labor Day everyone!!! :cool2:

The Marsons

09-01-2008, 01:05 PM

Great news, really pleased for you!!

heatherlizz602

09-01-2008, 03:19 PM

Count me in!!!! I am glad you got good news with the lunch with an imagineer. I hope to do that someday. I can't wait to read more...

JaxJags08

09-01-2008, 08:17 PM

Yay! :cool1: Congrats!

AshleyMWC

09-02-2008, 10:05 AM

Good morning everyone, and thanks again for reading along on my little journey. I have a couple brief updates for today- nothing too earth shattering, but updates nonetheless! Oh, and I have to confess, I crumbled and told Sam about booking Lunch with an Imagineer, even though it is his brithday present (his bday is Sept 28). I was just too excited...and luckily he was too and is really pumped about it. He didn't even know that the lunch existed, so I was proud that I booked something TOTALLY new to him! But don't feel too bad about me ruining his bday surprise- I am taking him out to a really nice restaurant, and I am getting him a couple Disney books also. Oh, and I am planning on making him a Mickey Mouse Head cake- it remains to be seen how that will actually turn out though!

Ok, on to more pertinent information- sorry, I tend to ramble at times. My mind moves way faster than I can keep up with sometimes.

So, with Lunch with an Imagineer booked, that of course put a kink in my previous Wednesday plan. The original plan was:

Wednesday, October 29
MGM All Day
Lunch with an Imagineer @ 11:30
MK night for Spectro and Wishes

That plan has now been amended, and Lunch with an Imagineer has been replaced with lunch at 50's Prime Time Cafe @ 1:30, and the rest of the day stays the same. Ok, so that day si really no problem at all. It's Friday, October 31, that is the new problem. I was able to get the Lunch with an Imagineer for 11:30 on this afternoon, however, we were supposed to do RD at AK that morning to finish up the things we missed on Saturday. Well, no way is that going to work now! :headache: So, I have changed the plan to:

Friday, October 31
Lazy morning at the Poly packing and such
Lunch with an Imagineer @ MGM at 11:30
Lunch should be done by around 2, so after that we are free to do whatever.
Dinner at DTD- I am thinking about trying the new T-Rex restaurant if it is open, or if not, we will probably hit Wolfgang Puck on the WestSide.

I know that DTD is going to be packed that night since it is Halloween, but our options are kind of limited. We could hit Epcot one more time, but I expect that to be packed beyond belief! So, it will probably be a low key last night for us, but sometimes those are the best nights:love:

Now, that still leaves the problem of needing to hit Ak again. Well, Magical Express shouldn't be picking us up until around 5 the next night evening (flight leaving at 7:59PM), so we will do AK that morning. We will probably have only one or two things to do there anyway.

Ok, last mini-update. And I guess it's not so much an update, as a decision I just made. I have been trying to think of something easy that we could dress up as for MNSSHP. I tossed around the ideas of matching t-shirts like my mom and I did last year- it was easy and fun. But this morning I decided that we shall be dressing as Mickey Mouse Club members. The costume is easy enough. I will wear a black skirt, sam will wear black shorts, and we will each wear a white shirt with our names and the Mickey Mouse Club logo on the front. We will of course each have Mickey Ears (which I will try and get his mom to embroider our names on for us- the woman is like a sewing goddess!!!), and I will probably do my hair in pig tails with some red ribbon. What do you think?? I will of course post pics as the costume takes shape!

Well, I think that is all for now. I have to go home and make my 50 day countdown tonight, because tomorrow is the 50 day mark!! I am still at a loss of what I am going to make, but I expect it will be simple since I am cutting the deadline a bit close (time justt sneaks away from me!) :scared1:

JaxJags08

09-02-2008, 11:09 AM

Love the idea for the costumes! I think it will be super cute! There is no way in the world I could ever get my DH to agree to it though. :lmao:

awaldo

09-04-2008, 11:26 AM

No longer just lurking - Great plans so far. Makes me kinda miss the good old days pre-kids when the WDW goals were TOTALLY different. Can't wait to hear how you like the whole F&WF. I've always wanted to go, but, alas, with DW working in education and 2 kids under 4, it just doesn't seem to be in the same galaxy as "possible"....

kaysmommie

09-05-2008, 10:59 AM

Hi Ashley,
Followed your link from my trippie. You and DBF are such a cute couple! Wow 9 years and good job turning BF into a Disney Fanatic :thumbsup2 . Sounds like a Disney Wedding might be a possibility :idea: maybe?? We will sure miss Poly this year but I'm sure I will love looking at all your Poly pics. Your plans and ADR's look great too. Congrats on booking the lunch with the Imagineer! I can't wait to hear more about your plans and read your trip report.

wdwgirl03

09-05-2008, 12:32 PM

With a couple readers now on board and a few lurkers in tow, I shall saunter on with this PTR.

Well you have another reader now! :wave2: I seem to remember reading another one of your TRs a while ago.

8 nights at the Polynesian! That is so awesome. I love that resort so much even though we haven't stayed there in a while. But it brings back a lot of memories. :goodvibes

I think going as Mouseketeers would be great! When we went to MNSSHP in 2006 I saw a couple people dressed like that and thought why didn't I think of that?!

Can't wait to read more (and keep on posting!). :)

AshleyMWC

09-05-2008, 02:37 PM

Love the idea for the costumes! I think it will be super cute! There is no way in the world I could ever get my DH to agree to it though. :lmao:

Thanks, I hope they turn out as cute as I imagine! Luckily Sam has no shame at all, and he doesn't care if we match or dress up- as long as the costume isn't hot or heavy or anything!

No longer just lurking - Great plans so far. Makes me kinda miss the good old days pre-kids when the WDW goals were TOTALLY different. Can't wait to hear how you like the whole F&WF. I've always wanted to go, but, alas, with DW working in education and 2 kids under 4, it just doesn't seem to be in the same galaxy as "possible"....

We have been to the F&WF before and we dearly love it. Sure Epcot is crowded during the festival, but we really love the atmosphere of it all. I can only imagine trying to navigate all those food and wine booths with kiddies in tow, eek! :scared1:

Hi Ashley,
Followed your link from my trippie. You and DBF are such a cute couple! Wow 9 years and good job turning BF into a Disney Fanatic :thumbsup2 . Sounds like a Disney Wedding might be a possibility :idea: maybe?? We will sure miss Poly this year but I'm sure I will love looking at all your Poly pics. Your plans and ADR's look great too. Congrats on booking the lunch with the Imagineer! I can't wait to hear more about your plans and read your trip report.

Thanks for coming over to my PTR! Yeah, 9 year is forever, and as for a Disney wedding, Sam has said that he would love nothing more, but it probabyl won't happen for us. Logistically with guests and such it just seems too stressful for my liking- but if we do get married (and I assume we will ;) ) I would like to have a Disney themed wedding- slightly understated and classy of course :rotfl:

Well you have another reader now! :wave2: I seem to remember reading another one of your TRs a while ago.

8 nights at the Polynesian! That is so awesome. I love that resort so much even though we haven't stayed there in a while. But it brings back a lot of memories. :goodvibes

I think going as Mouseketeers would be great! When we went to MNSSHP in 2006 I saw a couple people dressed like that and thought why didn't I think of that?!

Can't wait to read more (and keep on posting!). :)

Thanks for coming along! I'm sure we will see other people dressed as Mouseketeers, but that's ok- it's an easy costume and doesn't take up much room packing!

AshleyMWC

09-05-2008, 04:46 PM

Hello everyone, and thanks to all the new readers and lurkers! I was so excited to see so many new comments :cool1:

I have a couple small updates to share! First of all, since we are now under the 50 day window, I made a 50 day countdown for the house. Of course first I had to steal copious amounts of Mickey Head Paint Chips from HD. Ugh, I hate taking those things. I always feel so guilty- not that that has stopped me yet! I kid you not, I had to go to 2 different Home Depots to get the chips. At the first HD the paint guy would NOT leave me alone. He kept trying to help me- I guess I looked too realistic while looking at paint chips. He must have thought I was actually trying to match paint-get a clue buddy! So, I couldn't get him to walk away for long enough for me to steal the Mickeys, so on to HD Number 2! Luckily it was only 10 minutes away! Thankfully there was only one paint lady loitering about here, and she walked away a lot :thumbsup2 So, I grabbed one of those paint pamphlet things from Behr paint I believe, and proceeded to shove Mickey Heads in there as fast as I could. When I left I had no idea how many I had, if I had enough, or what colors I had. Well, it turn out I had plenty, but I didn't do that great with color variation- lots of reds/oranges, not so much of the blue/green families. Oops :rolleyes1 Of course Sam found it all hysterical of course. Before I left the house, he had concocted this whole story for me to tell the paint worker people about how I needed 50 Mickey Head Paint Chips for my cousin's upcoming birthday party. Now see if he had been there, he would have definitely peddled this story and walked out the door with 50 paint chips- without hiding them in Behr brochures like I did. I, however, am just not good at peddling fake stores like he is- no way could I have pulled that off!

So, anyway, here are the results of my effort!! :woohoo: And yes, we do have the countdown hanging on the wall where everyone who enters the house can see:thumbsup2

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3559.jpg

You can see a couple of the days marked off at the bottom- we take turns each day.

And, here are the stickers we use to mark the days!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3565.jpg

I have to admit, I love looking at the countdown while sitting on the couch- :love:

Second update: MNSSHP costumes! Since I have decided that we are going to be Mouseketeers, I needed to make shirts with the MMC logo ad our names on them. Now I have made iron on shirts before, but honestly, I don't enjoy it- they always end up off center or something and between printing the designs, ironing them, and running all over creation finding shirts, I just didn't feel like doing it this year. So, I ordered our shirts from Zazzle today! I have never ordered from there before, and it's not really cheap, but if they turn out well, it will be well worth it in my opinion!! I got white shirts, Mickey Mouse Club logo on the front, with our names in all caps above the logo. On the back I wrote "Who's the leader of the club...." I can't wait for them to come in- I will of course post pictures!!

wdwgirl03

09-05-2008, 06:30 PM

Your countdown calendar turned out great! And I love those Cars stickers. :teeth:

Hibernians

09-05-2008, 10:13 PM

The Marsons

09-06-2008, 11:33 AM

Love your chart hunni it looks fab.

Your MNSSHP costume sound so cool! Did you see any pictures from last nights first party?

Alysa

09-06-2008, 11:55 AM

Did you see any pictures from last nights first party?

Ooooo! They have photos? Where?
Then again, maybe I shouldn't spoil the surprise!
:scratchin !

KayleeUK

09-06-2008, 01:24 PM

Loving your pre trippie :)

AshleyMWC

09-06-2008, 10:09 PM

Ashley,

My Kids would love a calendar like this !!! I'm not even sure how you got these Mickey stickers but evidently they are in the HD paint section ?
I live close to several HD's, so I will make this my weekend mission.
Are these sample Mickey stickers ? I assume each color is for a different shade of paint ?

Yeah the Mickeys are just paint chips from Home Depot. They are very handy for making countdown calendars and Dis name tags for attaching to your park touring bags! I hope you were able to score some for a countdown of your own!!

Love your chart hunni it looks fab.

Your MNSSHP costume sound so cool! Did you see any pictures from last nights first party?

I only saw a couple of pics from last night- jsut Mickey and Minnie's new outfits and a few candy reports. I want to look so bad, but Im not letting myself so that there is some surprise left for the party for me :goodvibes

Ooooo! They have photos? Where?
Then again, maybe I shouldn't spoil the surprise!
:scratchin !

Yeah, the temptation is almost maddening, but I am REALLY trying to hold out and not look!!!

Loving your pre trippie :)

Thanks- it is so great to have another reader!!!! :welcome:

kathleen27

09-08-2008, 11:48 AM

Hi Ashley,

Your plans sound great!!!

The poly looks so beautiful. We may just stop and visit there.

Your costumes sound really cute! I have heard great things about Zazzle from different people.

I was so nervous when I went to get paint chips, but the guy totally ignored us. I used the stuff them in the brochure technique too. :lmao: The countdown calendar is cute!

Lunch with an imagineer sounds great! I would love to take my son for that when he is a little older. I am looking forward to hearing about your experience there!

AshleyMWC

09-08-2008, 08:52 PM

Well, we are down to about 45 days on our countdown, so I thought I would post a few little tid-bits I have purchased for the trip. I have been trying to amass a stock of enough disney shirts for each day in the world. Well, so far I am up to six shirts- which means I need 3 more! Eek, sounds easy, but I am a tad bit particular on what shirts I want to wear. So, here is what I have so far- some are new and some are from last year. The Donald, Minnie, and Pirates ones are old, and the other 3 are new. Oh, and the leopard one isn't Disney, but I thought it was so cute and so appropriate for our AK day.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3582.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3583.jpg

Of course I have planned a general idea of which to wear which day:

Cinderella: MK day princess:
Donald: Epcot (in hopes of finding him outside the Mexico pavillion) :donald:
Fantasia: MGM::MickeyMo

Those are the definites- of course I have a rough idea of the others also, but those are the most obvious to me :goodvibes

So, I am still in need of a shirt for the Chef Mickey morning, the first day, and Halloween Day. For Chef Mickey I want a Donald shirt :donald: - but not the one I already have. You see, I wore that one there last year, and who wants duplicate pictures?!:confused3 For the first day, I am open to whatever, and for Halloween I of course would like a holiday shirt, but that might not happen, as time is running out to find these things! I have been scouring literally every website imaginable for at least a Donald shirt, but alas I am having no luck. :sad1: But I am determined- a Donald shirt MUST turn up eventually- hopefully eventually falls within about the next 40 days or so.

Finally, here are my bath/lotion products!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3590.jpg

I always get a new "vacation scent" as I call it for every Disney trip. I once heard a Secret commercial that said that scent is the strongest sense tied to memory. So, I figure that I use the lotions on vacation and then whenever I need a pick-me-up afterwards, I can get out my vacation scented lotion! It worked on last year's scent :yay: :yay: :yay:

Well, I think that's all for today. Oh, I did go out this weekend and look for a cute little casual black skirt for my Mouseketeer outfit, but I had no luck. I will keep looking....

awaldo

09-09-2008, 07:15 AM

JaxJags08

09-09-2008, 07:40 AM

Coconut Lime Verbana is my vacation scent! I first wore it on a trip to NYC and I now wear it on every trip. It so takes me back whenever I decide to wear it at home!

Yes, clothes are important! My feeling is that you're documenting your trip through pictures that you'll look at for years to come, so you want to choose wisely. :lmao:

AshleyMWC

09-09-2008, 08:51 AM

That's so funny about the vacation scent-my DW does the same thing! I love it when she puts the "vacation scent" on at home...it takes me back too! I love your choice of shirts - we're always the "wierd" family that has either a few customized shirts with names or matching shirts there...my wife hates it. It's wierd, I would NEVER EVER wear any of the stuff at home that we wear there. She's so glad when I let her wear her "regular" clothes at the World!

I know, I would never walk around Richmond sporting matching shirts, but at Disney- it just seems totally natural, and totally acceptable!

Coconut Lime Verbana is my vacation scent! I first wore it on a trip to NYC and I now wear it on every trip. It so takes me back whenever I decide to wear it at home!

Yes, clothes are important! My feeling is that you're documenting your trip through pictures that you'll look at for years to come, so you want to choose wisely. :lmao:

That was my vacation scent last year! I love that scent so much- actually better than the one I picked for this year. But since last year was a trip with my mom, and this year is with DBF, I wanted different scents for different memories. I might keep looking around for this year's vacation scent- I'm not sure that I am totally sold on it yet.

KayleeUK

09-09-2008, 09:59 AM

I have a Vacation scent too :) Love your T-shirts too.

AshleyMWC

09-10-2008, 10:50 AM

I felt that I needed to rescue my Pre Trippie from the 3rd page- and I wanted to let everyone know that I have purchased 2 more shirts for my trip! That means I only need one more- the most difficult one to find- a DONALD shirt for Chef Mickey's :donald: I ordered the shirts on ebay, so they are not in my hot little hands yet, but perhaps a description will suffice :goodvibes

1. A gray Minnie shirt to wear probably the first day. It has a colored drawing of minnie in the middle, and then some other Minnies in the background that look like they are from a sketch book ::MinnieMo
2. A Tinkerbell Halloween shirt! It is so cute, I hope it fits ok. :tinker:

I am always worried when I buy stuff online- not because I don't trust people, but because I never know if it will fit or not. Keep fingers crossed that there are ok, because I am running out of shopping days :scared1:

I think I covered up day # 44 on the countdown this morning- it was early, but I think that is right :cool1: :cool1:

wdwgirl03

09-10-2008, 11:03 AM

Love all the shirts, especially that Cinderella one. So cute!

IrishFinneganFan

09-11-2008, 01:53 PM

Nice PTR! From my post count you can probably tell I'm not much of a poster, but more of a reader, so I'll be reading, but probably not talking too much!

heatherlizz602

09-11-2008, 09:20 PM

Ashley I LOVE the countdown calendar thats so cute. I can't wait until my "50" day mark....ahem...obviously quite a while from now...but that's what keeps me sane.

The donald shirt cracks me up I have to get me one of those.

Good luck in finding the shirt you are looking for and keep the updates coming ...I'm getting anxious for the costumes. HAHA.:goodvibes

kathleen27

09-11-2008, 09:35 PM

All your shirts look great! You'll have so much fun wearing them!:goodvibes

AshleyMWC

09-15-2008, 11:12 AM

Love all the shirts, especially that Cinderella one. So cute!

Thanks! The Cinderella one is one of my faorites also. I haven't seen too many people wearing it, so I am excited :goodvibes

Nice PTR! From my post count you can probably tell I'm not much of a poster, but more of a reader, so I'll be reading, but probably not talking too much!

Thanks for saying hello, and welcome aboard my journey. :welcome:

Ashley I LOVE the countdown calendar thats so cute. I can't wait until my "50" day mark....ahem...obviously quite a while from now...but that's what keeps me sane.

The donald shirt cracks me up I have to get me one of those.

Good luck in finding the shirt you are looking for and keep the updates coming ...I'm getting anxious for the costumes. HAHA.:goodvibes

Thanks, we both LOVE the countdown calendar also. This may have to become an every year thing for us. It's great that in our late 20's we are so excited when it is our day to put the sticker on! As for the Donald shirt, I got mine in the Philharmagic gift shop- you should definitley pick one up!

All your shirts look great! You'll have so much fun wearing them!:goodvibes

I am so excited to wear them all. Hopefully the two I ordered from eBay will come in this week so I can post pictures of them also.

Well everyone, thanks again to all my readers and lurkers out there. I don't have much to update today because Sam and I just spent a nice long weekend at the beach- Nags Head, NC for anyone interested :beach: The weather was absolutely gorgeous and we had a truly wonderful time. It was only 2 nights, but it was like a nice mini-vacation for us. On Friday night it was a gorgeous night, and we spent, I kid you not, almost 5 hours (and a couple few frosty beverages :drinking1 ) sitting on the porch just talking- mostly about Disney :thumbsup2 We even talked about when we have kids one day, how old they will be when we first take them to the World. Incidently, I think we decided on age 3 :rolleyes1 Yeah, it's a ways in the future, but still, it was fun to think about. Seriously, we probbaly spent 70% of this past weekend talking about Disney, it was the perfect weekend in my opinion! I will post some pics from this weekend tonight, as soon as I have a chance to download them.

I guess my only real update is that I have made a new decision as far as my Disney shirts. I have decided, after much internal debate, to just wear the Donald shirt I have to Chef Mickey's rather than trying to find a new one. I have looked everywhere I can think of for a different one, and I have come up totally empty handed- and time is kind of running out :hourglass

Oh, we did also make then decision to take Magical Express to the Pop for the first night, but NOT tag our bags. We will be luggin those suckers on the bus with us. Since we are only going to be at the Pop for about 9 hours (about 8 which we will be sleeping), I don't feel like dealing with transfering luggage and tracking it down int he morning when we wake up. Our plan is to check-in, sleep, wake up, shower, and check-out. We have also decided to take a cap from Pop to the Poly that morning so we can have our luggage with us. I have heard about some people's luggage taking a long time to make the resort to resort transfer, so we are making our own transfer. I have no idea how much a cab will be, but I figure in the grand scheme of vacation, it can't be THAT much...right?!:confused3

Yeah, sorry, that's the only update I have for today- I know it's nothing major, but I didn't want to abandon my TR for too long ;)

Be on the lookout for some beach pics tonight!!

Villainess

09-15-2008, 12:10 PM

Signing on to your PTR!!!!!

Maybe you could bring your Donald shirt as a reserve but be on the lookout for a new one to wear to Chef Mickey while you are there?

Hibernians

09-15-2008, 06:52 PM

hey Ashley,

Could you tag your luggage and have DME send it directly from the airport to the Poly ? It would save you from having to carry it around the airport and to the hotel. I would think they could hold it at the Poly until you check in.

I'm moving really slow on writing my own pre-trip, but I did make it to Home Depot and got about 15 Mickey paint sample things. I have to get about 10 more and get my calendar up. 26 days to go :dance3:

kaysmommie

09-16-2008, 08:23 AM

Cute shirts :goodvibes especially the Cinderella one. Your trip will be here before you know it. Glad you had a good time at Nags head. I think 2 is a good age for first Disney trip ;) because it's sooner and my kids enjoyed it exactly the same at 2 as they did at age 3.

AshleyMWC

09-16-2008, 12:23 PM

Signing on to your PTR!!!!!

Maybe you could bring your Donald shirt as a reserve but be on the lookout for a new one to wear to Chef Mickey while you are there?

:welcome: That is certainly an idea for me to keep in mind for the Donald shirt! I will probably do just that :thumbsup2

hey Ashley,

Could you tag your luggage and have DME send it directly from the airport to the Poly ? It would save you from having to carry it around the airport and to the hotel. I would think they could hold it at the Poly until you check in.

I'm moving really slow on writing my own pre-trip, but I did make it to Home Depot and got about 15 Mickey paint sample things. I have to get about 10 more and get my calendar up. 26 days to go :dance3:

I THINK, and I could be wrong, that your luggage has to go where you check in, so that would be Pop for us. I mean it's really not a huge deal, it's not like we have strollers and kiddies in tow. We should each have a checked bag and a carry on, so I'm not too worried. I usually check an empty small suitcase for souvies and such, but I am still on the fence on that one since the airline have so kindly decided to start charging for that :sad2: Eh, we shall see- I'm sure we will work it out in the next 37 days ;) Plus, at midnight, we shouldn't have as many people to dodge in the airport as mid-day...I hope! I hope you are able to get a PTR started soon, I will be reading along!

Cute shirts :goodvibes especially the Cinderella one. Your trip will be here before you know it. Glad you had a good time at Nags head. I think 2 is a good age for first Disney trip ;) because it's sooner and my kids enjoyed it exactly the same at 2 as they did at age 3.

Thanks, that is one of my favorite shirts also! I'm SURE that I could be convinced to take my currently un-born children to Disney at age 2 as opposed to age 3. There would likely be very little arm twisting required :rotfl2:

AshleyMWC

09-16-2008, 12:51 PM

Well I know that I promised some beach pictures last night, but time just seemed to slip away from me. However, when I went home for lunch today I uploaded a couple for you guys. There is one really good picture of me and Sam with a sunset in the background, but that one is on Sam's camera so I will have to wait until tonight to upload that one. In the meantime, here are a couple of Sam- acting like Sam. I am so proud.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_0182.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_0183.jpg

When he clmibed on the dolphin he noticed that the price had increased over the years from $.25 to $.50 and he was appalled that inflation had now taken grips on the electronic childhood rides. He stated, in a dead straight faced tone, "Times are tough, people can't afford to ride the electronic dolphin anymore." I darn near laughed my butt off :lmao: Ok, I know it's not that funny just to read, but at the time we were both :rotfl2: All weekend, whenevr we saw an opportunity, we started a sentence with "Times are tough..." Yeah, I guess inside jokes are funnier when you're on the inside, sorry guys :upsidedow

These next ones are from the top of an observation tower that we climbed. We had an awesome view of the ocean and the sand dunes. We tried to take a self-portrait, but I of course forgot my sunnies :cool2: and I was kind of blinded by the sun, so they didn't come out very good. Oh well, we tried- and at least we have proof that we climbed up there! It really was a pretty view.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_0185-1.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_0186.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_0187.jpg
(Trust me when I say that you don't want to see that picture in a larger format!)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_0190.jpg

Nwo this next one we thought was just funny. It was at the pizza place we ate at the last night. The big question is, DID the server get the lasagna?.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_0194.jpg

So, now for a quick Disney update! Get excited folks, our shirts came in for our MNSSHP costumes!!! Mine fits perfectly and I am totally satisfied with it. Sam's looks a little big to me- both in terms of shirt size and image size, but he hasn't tried it on yet. On my Zazzle recepit it says that they honor returns if not completely satisfied, so if it doesn't look good I need to send it back ASAP to get a new one made! But, here is a picture of mine- front and back. Now all I need is a black skirt and red ribbons for my pig-tails. (We decided to wait until we got down there to pick up the Mickey ears- Sam said that it just seems more genuine that way.) Man, have I trained that boy right! :thumbsup2

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3593.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3595.jpg

Last night I finally called and reserved my Magical Express pick-ups, so that is one less thing I have to get done. I also canceled my Tusker House breakfast on the 31st. I was kind of bummed to cancel it, but since we have Lunch with am Imagineer that afternoon at 11:30, there was just no need to keep it. Oh well- next time!! ;)

Well, I think that's about all I have for today. Hopefully my eBay shirts will be in soon so I can try them on and post pics of them.

Thanks for reading along with me!! :thumbsup2

awaldo

09-16-2008, 02:32 PM

Cool shirt...what did you have put on the back of Sam's? I may have to mooch that idea for when we go NEXT JULY!?! for our matching shirt day!

AshleyMWC

09-16-2008, 02:37 PM

Cool shirt...what did you have put on the back of Sam's? I may have to mooch that idea for when we go NEXT JULY!?! for our matching shirt day!

Both of our shirts say the same thing on the back. I was going to do different parts of the Mickey Mouse Club March song, but I decided to keep it simple. Thanks for reading along!

dawnbu40

09-16-2008, 02:53 PM

Hi! I just discovered your PTR today and I'm all caught up and enjoying it!

The Halloween costumes are adorable and I am looking forward to seeing the party pics!

AshleyMWC

09-22-2008, 09:02 PM

Hello faithful readers! I am sorry that I have been neglecting my PTR lately, but honestly, I haven't had much to add recently. I surprisingly haven't had to make any major changes in hotel, airlines, meals...nothing. Am I the only one who gets bored when there's nothing new to change?? Well, I did cancel one breakfast ADR, but I think I mentioned that earlier, so its nothing new or exciting. The only thing I am regretting schedule-wise is not having a character breakfast the first morning. I have been doing Chef Mickey's the first morning of vacation for as long as I can remember and I am sad to not be seeing the characters first thing- especially since we are going to MGM that first day and I don't consider it a real "character intensive park." So, I am still toying with the idea of calling to see if O'Hana by some miracle has a late breakfast around 10 available that first day- we could always cancel if we don't want it. I kind of like the idea of taking a cab over to the Poly that morning (from POP) and having a good breakfast and exploring the resort before tearing into the parks. Any thoughts on my "maybe" new plan? I think I just talked myself into trying to make the ADR. It's unlikely that I will be able to get it I know, but I think I have convinced myself to try . If we could eat at 10, we could explore a bit, and try to catch a bus to MGM by 11:30 or 12. That would give us 4 or 5 hours at the park before our dinner ADR at Kona. Was that enough rambling for everyone? How many people have I lost? :confused: :headache:

Ok, how about some pictures?!?!

The first one is of my latest t-shirt purchase.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3603.jpg

This is the one I will be wearing for Halloween day- not MNSSHP, just Halloween the day. I LOVE it, it is exactly what I was looking for! I really didn't think I would find one, but when I found this one on eBay I was so pumped that a) I won it and b) that it actually fit!! I can not even add up how much time I have spent on eBay looking for shirts. I actually just bought another one yesterday and it should be here soon. Assuming this one fits, I will only need one more to have one for every day! (And I have 2 that I am "watching" to buy) Yes, I know that I sound like a totally compulsive eBay stalker- but I just can't help myself. Shopping on eBay is like shopping and treasure hunting all in one- you cannot imagine how excited I am when I get a good find. It might be borderline sad, really :eek: Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, I refuse to pay more than $10 a shirt, so I'm not spending hundreds of dollars on shirts- no worries there!

Moving on.....

Here are a few little goodies I have picked up recently.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3604.jpg

Up first, the big folder. I heart the big folder. I even made one up for Sam to take on his guys trip last year, and he also now hearts the big folder. I have it organized inside into the following categories: 1. Travel documents 2. Tour Guide Mike printouts 3. Tickets and confirmation numbers 4. Daily schedule spreadsheet

Pictured next are just some plain 'ol Balance Bars. Yeah, I love them- I truly do, and not just because they are "healthy." I really do like the taste of them :sad2: I like to always have a hearty snack with me in the parks because when I get hungry, I get hungry fast and with very little warning. I am also a nervous traveler away from home- I love being on vacation, but I think being the nervous traveler that I am makes me burn calories off faster and I feel that I need food literally all the time it seems. Ok, not ALL the time, but suffice it to say, I need a good solid snack on hand when the hunger calls to me waiting in lines.

Finally- yes, those are hair ribbons! I know that I am 27 and 27 year olds shouldn't be wearing hair ribbons, but who cares?! I love ribbons and Disney makes me feel like a kid and a princess, so gosh darn it I want to wear them! I am actually getting them to match all my shirts. Who knows how many I will end up wearing, but I like having the options. The pink ribbons is for the pink Minnie shirt, blue is for the Donald shirt, orange is for the Halloween shirt, and the red is for my pig-tales for the Mousketeer MNSSHP costume.

Now on to the last picture of this installment. I have gotten these little goodies in the mail recently, and everyone knows that Disney mail is the bestest mail ever!!! Mickey mail rocks :mickeyjum

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3610.jpg

When I first opened the Magical Express envelope today I thought they had messed up and sent me tags for the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I mean when you see AK don't you think AKL? Well, apparently Disney doesn't :confused3 Apparently AK = Pop Century, who knew?! It actually doesn't really matter anyway though because we're not tagging our bags. And the most important picture of all is of course those MNSSHP tickets!! AHHHH, they are beyond adorable- here's a close-up shot because I love them so much!!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3612.jpg

Well, i guess that's my update for now. Thanks for reading along and I;ll let you guys know if I get O'Hana breakfast for the first morning. Now that I have thought more about it I wish I had tried to book it earlier! Fingers crossed please......pixiedust:

Oh, and p.s. WE LEAVE A MONTH FROM TOMORROW!!!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

kaysmommie

09-22-2008, 09:17 PM

kathleen27

09-23-2008, 12:27 PM

Sounds like a fun time at the beach!!!

I too have been spending a "bit" of time on ebay. :rolleyes1
I have been looking at costumes and pins.
Before this I had not bought anything on there in over a year.
Amazing how much shopping is involved before a trip. :lmao:

The tink shirt is cute!
Perfect Halloween color.

The AK confused me too. :confused3
That doesn't make sense to me.
But they say Pop underneath.
Not sure we will use ours either.

Yay!!! For the MNSSHP tickets!!! :cool1: :cool1:

And Yay!!! For ONE MONTH!!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

awaldo

09-23-2008, 12:35 PM

I wondered what the ticket things were...until I read further. Those are soo cool. FYI - pure speculation, but I think maybe the AK thing does mean Animal Kingdom, or something like that. Our tags for Coronado had "AK" on them, so I think maybe they pick up all the luggage from the airport, and go to some central sort facility - AK helps get it going towards the Animal Kingdom area resorts. Just my guess.

The Marsons

09-23-2008, 12:36 PM

I want that Tink shirt!!

Its awesome!!

Glad you are ok!

AshleyMWC

09-23-2008, 02:06 PM

Love when the documents arrive :thumbsup2 . i have a print out of the Mickey Mouse club to make our own Tshirts with transfer paper. I kept it as a back up in case we decide not to dress up. I guess it's not too orginal since you thought of it too :laughing: . Loved the beach pics, it's very pretty there. Your trip is getting close.

You can't ever go wrong with a Mickey Mouse Club shirt! I can't wait to wear our Mouseketeer costumes. :earsboy: Yes, Nags Head is a very laid back beach, adn that's why we love it. It's not really commercial like Myrtle Beach, but it has the perfect balance of enough to do and enough not to do :cloud9:

I too have been spending a "bit" of time on ebay. :rolleyes1
I have been looking at costumes and pins.
Before this I had not bought anything on there in over a year.
Amazing how much shopping is involved before a trip. :lmao:

It is crazy how eBay can consume your life so quickly :eek: . I guess it's the thrill of the hunt!

I wondered what the ticket things were...until I read further. Those are soo cool. FYI - pure speculation, but I think maybe the AK thing does mean Animal Kingdom, or something like that. Our tags for Coronado had "AK" on them, so I think maybe they pick up all the luggage from the airport, and go to some central sort facility - AK helps get it going towards the Animal Kingdom area resorts. Just my guess.

I think that you may have hit the nail on the head! That sounds perfectly logical- way to go, you win a gold star. Except that I couldn't find one, so you win a yo-yo instead :yo-yo:

I want that Tink shirt!!

Its awesome!!

Thanks, it is turning out to be one of my favorite ones and I can't wait to wear it. Oh wait, yes I can, because when I wear it, it will be the last full day of our trip :sad1:

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

Ok, quick update. I called today to try and book the O'Hana breakfast on our first day, but of course nothing was available- I didn't expect it would be. The lady was so nice and she said, "Currently, and I stress currently, we have nothing available on that day." I was able to book Kona for breakfast that day though- for any time I wanted, mind you- so I went ahead and booked that for 10AM. I am going to keep calling and hope that something opens up. I am tempted to call back this evening and check, but I guess that would be too soon to call back :rotfl: Worst case scenario- when we check in we will see if we can walk up to O'Hana, and if not, we have the awesome Kona as a fall back. :woohoo:

kaysmommie

09-23-2008, 02:18 PM

You can't ever go wrong with a Mickey Mouse Club shirt! I can't wait to wear our Mouseketeer costumes. :earsboy: Yes, Nags Head is a very laid back beach, adn that's why we love it. It's not really commercial like Myrtle Beach, but it has the perfect balance of enough to do and enough not to do :cloud9:

It is crazy how eBay can consume your life so quickly :eek: . I guess it's the thrill of the hunt!

I think that you may have hit the nail on the head! That sounds perfectly logical- way to go, you win a gold star. Except that I couldn't find one, so you win a yo-yo instead :yo-yo:

Thanks, it is turning out to be one of my favorite ones and I can't wait to wear it. Oh wait, yes I can, because when I wear it, it will be the last full day of our trip :sad1:

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

Ok, quick update. I called today to try and book the O'Hana breakfast on our first day, but of course nothing was available- I didn't expect it would be. The lady was so nice and she said, "Currently, and I stress currently, we have nothing available on that day." I was able to book Kona for breakfast that day though- for any time I wanted, mind you- so I went ahead and booked that for 10AM. I am going to keep calling and hope that something opens up. I am tempted to call back this evening and check, but I guess that would be too soon to call back :rotfl: Worst case scenario- when we check in we will see if we can walk up to O'Hana, and if not, we have the awesome Kona as a fall back. :woohoo:

If you really want to get into 'Ohana for breakfast then call everyday, even the night you want to eat there. A CM on the dining line told me that lots of people cancel the day before or the day of thier reservation.

JoanieS

09-23-2008, 02:57 PM

I just found your PTR and I'm enjoying it very much!!

I wanted the 3 adults in our party to dress as mouseketeers, but I was vetoed - party poopers! So, I made Halloween shirts instead!

wdwgirl03

09-23-2008, 04:15 PM

Oh, and p.s. WE LEAVE A MONTH FROM TOMORROW!!!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

Woo hoo, that is awesome! I am jealous.

I love your Halloween t-shirt...great find!

Yay for Disney mail! That is always exciting. The tickets they have are adorable...I think my park hopper has that Mickey design on it. :) As for the AK on the Pop Century tags, it is just for the resort area. Like when we stayed at Saratoga Springs it said DD for Downtown Disney.

AshleyMWC

09-26-2008, 02:49 PM

If you really want to get into 'Ohana for breakfast then call everyday, even the night you want to eat there. A CM on the dining line told me that lots of people cancel the day before or the day of thier reservation.

I am definitely going to keep calling as often as I can, and if we don't get anything, I will also ask when we check in at the Poly. Certainly SOMEONE won't show up that day and we can snag their table ;)

Wow, your trip is sooo close now, I can't wait to hear what an awesome time yours kids have!

I just found your PTR and I'm enjoying it very much!!

I wanted the 3 adults in our party to dress as mouseketeers, but I was vetoed - party poopers! So, I made Halloween shirts instead!

Don't underestime making Halloween shirts. My mom and I had them last year, and soo many people kept asking us where we bought them. I'm not kidding, I could have sold those babies for probably $30 each last year!

Woo hoo, that is awesome! I am jealous.

I love your Halloween t-shirt...great find!

Yay for Disney mail! That is always exciting. The tickets they have are adorable...I think my park hopper has that Mickey design on it. :) As for the AK on the Pop Century tags, it is just for the resort area. Like when we stayed at Saratoga Springs it said DD for Downtown Disney.

Yeah, I love that Halloween t-shirt as well, it is one of my favorite shirts for the week. I;m sure it helps that orange is one of my favorite colors too :thumbsup2

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

Well, no real update today for Disney, but I had some unrelated exciting news (at least to me) that I wanted to share. So, Sam has decided to go back to school and get his Masters in Finance- and the bank is going to pay for the whole thing!!!! I have been after him to go back since I finished my MBA, and he kept saying "maybe", "i might". I knew that he wanted the degree, but sometimes he lacks a certain amount of motivation, if you know what I mean ;) He also plans on taking the CPA exam in the midst of all of this- just as a "fall back" he says. He has his undergrad in Accounting, and he only needs 15 more credit hours of school (making 150 total) and a passing score on the CPA to be officially licensed. So, in 2 years time he MIGHT have both his MS in Finance and his CPA!! That would thrill me to no end. He claims that all this thinking came about "randomly" but I think he's full of it. You see, we have been talking a lot lately about getting married and having a family, so I think that's where it all stems from- but I would never dare tell him that! Anyway, I just wanted to share my excitement with someone, and of course I turned to the Dis first! (Ok, second, I told my mom first :lmao: )

On a Disney note, I did start making my packing list this morning. Man, that thing is long! Ok, well I am heading out of here to start the weekend a little early. Sam's birthday is Sunday, so we are celebrating this weekend :dance3:

AshleyMWC

09-28-2008, 02:28 PM

Ok, i must interrupt this PTR to let everyone know that SAM PROPOSED LAST NIGHT!!!!! We are getting married!!!!!!!!!!! We went up to Fredericksburg for dinner last night- for HIS birthday dinner. After dinner we went and walked around the Mary Washington College campus (where I went to school), and right there in the middle of campus, there he was on one knee. I am still working on getting pics of it. Every time we tried to take a picture of the ring, it just reflects and is a big blur. It is sooo pretty though- and Sam picked it out all on his own. He used my great grandmother's diamond for the main ring, and had it set in the most beautiful setting.

So, we have decided on next October to get married, and of course we have already decided to honeymoon in Disney! How great is it that I ALREADY know for sure we will be back next year?!?!? Ah!! Ok, I am off to finish decorating Sam's birthday cake.

JaxJags08

09-28-2008, 03:14 PM

OMG - congratulations! :banana: :banana: :banana: That is really exciting! I think there's a wedding board on the dis - you should start a pre-wedding report. Wedding planning is so much fun!

Alysa

09-28-2008, 04:47 PM

How romantic! Congratulations! Every best wish for a long and happy marriage!

kaysmommie

09-28-2008, 07:05 PM

Congratulations Ashley and Sam!!! I was wondering if he would propse in Disney but i guess not since he did already. Wonderful news, thanks for sharing.

teruterubouzu

09-28-2008, 07:23 PM

Congratulations! I don't know if I even commented on your PTR or not before, but this is big news. I wish you the best. What a fun thing to celebrate on your upcoming trip.

julezdisney

09-28-2008, 10:36 PM

JUST found your PTR and JUST found your news! Congrats and subbing!

awaldo

09-29-2008, 10:59 AM

Congratulations! Sounds like all your wishes are coming true!

IrishFinneganFan

09-29-2008, 06:37 PM

Congratulations!! That's sure to make your upcoming trip even more special!

mom2mek

10-03-2008, 08:47 AM

AshleyMWC

10-03-2008, 09:29 AM

Ashley, first off....CONGRATULATIONS! :banana: :banana: That's great news! And a Disneymoon! Fantastic!

I followed your mother/daughter trip report from last year, and am hopping on board for this one as well. It sounds like you have some great plans and I love the Mouseketeer costumes - very cute!

The beach pics are very nice - I am very familiar with that Kitty Hawk Kites tower - a little rickety the last time I went up it! :eek: We love climbing the dunes (and the kids love running down them). I love the OBX - one of my favorite places (after Disney, of course).

Looking forward to more...popcorn::

Sara

Sara-

Thanks for coming along, I loved reading your last TR as well, and I can't wait to read about your upcoming trip. Yes, we both love the OBX- you just can't beat the relaxed atmosphere of it. We didn't get to climb the dunes this time around, but I have many many times :)

kathleen27

10-03-2008, 09:39 AM

Ok, i must interrupt this PTR to let everyone know that SAM PROPOSED LAST NIGHT!!!!! We are getting married!!!!!!!!!!!

So, we have decided on next October to get married, and of course we have already decided to honeymoon in Disney! How great is it that I ALREADY know for sure we will be back next year?!?!? Ah!!

Congratulations!!!!
That's great news!!!!

The Marsons

10-03-2008, 09:51 AM

OMG hunnie!

I've got all goosebumps! Many congratulations to the two of you.

Really happy for you, my gosh this time next year you will be nearly married.

Whoo Hoo!:love:

AshleyMWC

10-03-2008, 09:54 AM

First off, thanks to everyone for the congratulations- I don't know that it is really sunk in yet though! Last night we were at a cocktail party and Sam introduced me as his fiance, and it was just weird!! A good weird...but, werid nonetheless! We have decided on October 10th of next year, and now we are trying to nail down a location. We have moved away from the church we are members at, but we have found one right down the streeet that we are hoping to get married at. Keep your fingers crossed that we can snag the date we want. We are also planning on a having a 10 day honeymoon next year!! We are hoping to leave the Wednesday after the wedding (the 14th- we thought a few days off might be nice to regroup and pack and such) and stay through the next Saturday (the 24th)!!! Preliminary plans have us staying at POFQ. We have never stayed at a moderate, but we are about to be broke as a joke, so we are leaning toward this one. It seems smaller than the other moderates, and I like the laid back style it seems to have. I would love to hear opinions of it since it would be our first time there. We have also talked about doing a split stay- POFQ and AKL, if we can swing it financially. I know this is really off topic and way far in the future, but we are excited, what can I say :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

Oh, here are some ring pics too. The ones I was taking weren't turning out, so I borrowed the pictures from the Tacori website. It looks even better in person, I think :love: I am finally starting to get used to wearing it. I love looking at it, but I am truly terrified of having something so expensive on my finger :eek: Plus, I'm not used to a ring on that hand, so it's taking some getting used to.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/10943_alt.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/10943_multi.jpg

Ok, what can I update on for this coming trip?? Hmmm, not much. We have been busy almost every single day since Sam popped the question, but luckily I don't have much more to get done before we leave either. I did get two more Disney shirts in the mail that I won on eBay, so I will try and post some pics of those ASAP. With these two, I finally have enough for every day :dance3: . I also still need to do:

* Make room/longhouse request
* Keep calling to try and get O'Hana breakfast for 1st morning
* Retype itinerary and make copies
* make ADR card and laminate (to carry in park bag)
* Get a couple more hair ribbons to match the new shirts
* Give the house a good cleaning!
* Print out TGM information sheets
* Buy black skirt for Mouseketeer costume

Well, that's all that comes to mind right now, I know there is more though. And of course, I will be out of town this weekend! My mom and I are headed to Tennessee. The guys she is dating has a house out there, and we are going there for the weekend. Yeah, it's a long way for the weekend. HE has been out there all week, so we are going to "pick him up" for lack of a better term. It's an 8 hour drive, and we hope to be hitting the road in about 2 hours. The drive down will be fun though- we will of course just talk about wedding stuff :cool1:

Ok, I am off to get packed up for this weekend. If I have time before I leave I will post shirt pics and a picture of Sam's Disney cake that I made for his birthday last Sunday. It's no masterpiece, but I have to say, I am proud of it and he loved it :love:

The Marsons

10-03-2008, 09:56 AM

That ring is just stunning! What did your parents say?

You will love POFQ it is so romantic!

mom2mek

10-03-2008, 10:21 AM

Wow Ashley! That ring is gorgeous! I'm blinded by the sparkle! He picked a beautiful setting. Have fun this weekend driving with your Mom. Planning a wedding is so much fun - I would have loved to get married again (to the same man, of course) just so I could do the whole planning/wedding/reception thing over again! Loved every second of it! :love:

Sara

julezdisney

10-03-2008, 10:45 AM

We have also talked about doing a split stay- POFQ and AKL, if we can swing it financially. I know this is really off topic and way far in the future, but we are excited, what can I say :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

I did get two more Disney shirts in the mail that I won on eBay, so I will try and post some pics of those ASAP.

I just bought a Disney Mickey polo dress of ebay as well! I'm only packing a few things though, as I want to BUY some of my wardrobe there! :rotfl:

My mom and I are headed to Tennessee. The guys she is dating has a house out there, and we are going there for the weekend. Yeah, it's a long way for the weekend. HE has been out there all week, so we are going to "pick him up" for lack of a better term. It's an 8 hour drive, and we hope to be hitting the road in about 2 hours. The drive down will be fun though- we will of course just talk about wedding stuff :cool1:

How fun!! And wedding planning sounds fun. DH and I wed secretly, but I'm always excited for other's plans! If you start a Disboards wedding planning thread, make sure you link it!
:goodvibes

OH- and your ring is GORGEOUS! That man loves you!

Alysa

10-04-2008, 12:40 AM

POFQ is beautiful and SO Romantic - you'll love it there. My DH proposed when we stayed there and I have the nicest memories of it. There are bunnines everywhere there, its like staring in Enchanted. The room decor is so lovely and the grounds are exquisite with lovely paths and fountains and flowers everywhere. Not sure if they still do it or not but when we stayed there you could see downtown Disney fireworks from our window.

Your ring is just stunning!

AshleyMWC

10-08-2008, 12:36 PM

That ring is just stunning! What did your parents say?

You will love POFQ it is so romantic!

My mom is totally in love with the ring- it's hard NOT to like it honeslty, especially in person. My dad passed away last year, but I know that he is looking down and approves of the engagement and the ring :cloud9:

Wow Ashley! That ring is gorgeous! I'm blinded by the sparkle! He picked a beautiful setting. Have fun this weekend driving with your Mom. Planning a wedding is so much fun - I would have loved to get married again (to the same man, of course) just so I could do the whole planning/wedding/reception thing over again! Loved every second of it! :love:

Sara

Yes, the sparkle is a little blinding, I must admit :love: We have finally secured the church, so now we are on to looking at reception sites. Once I get that nailed down, i will feel much calmer and like it is really set in stone!

How fun!! And wedding planning sounds fun. DH and I wed secretly, but I'm always excited for other's plans! If you start a Disboards wedding planning thread, make sure you link it!
:goodvibes

OH- and your ring is GORGEOUS! That man loves you!

Yeah, I believe he does :love: me. I figure after 9 years, we both know what we are getting into, and I couldn't be happier- and I don't think he could be either

POFQ is beautiful and SO Romantic - you'll love it there. My DH proposed when we stayed there and I have the nicest memories of it. There are bunnines everywhere there, its like staring in Enchanted. The room decor is so lovely and the grounds are exquisite with lovely paths and fountains and flowers everywhere. Not sure if they still do it or not but when we stayed there you could see downtown Disney fireworks from our window.

Your ring is just stunning!

It's great to hear a winning review of POFQ! We are going to go over there and check it out this year to see what kind of feel we get from it. I anticipate us liking it a lot though. I think the boatride to DTD is a big plus for the resort, in my opinion.

AshleyMWC

10-08-2008, 01:20 PM

Well, I know I promised pictures last Friday, but betetr late than never I say! First off, here is the cake I made Sam for his birthday- the day after he proposed!! :love: :love: :love: :love: :love:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3627.jpg

It was a Funfetti cake (his request) with buttercream icing. I used the Mickey Head paint chips from HD as a stencil for the cake design. It's nothing super fancy, but I was proud and everyone loved it- not bad for a first attempt at cake decorating.

Next, we have the 2 final shirts I won from eBay.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3640.jpg

I plan on wearing the Tinkerbell one the first day when we check in the Poly, and wearing the Mickey one at Epcot one day. Yay, a Disney shirt for every day! Who knew it would take so long for me to find shirts for each day :confused3 I guess I am just picky. But hey, I HAD to coordinate a LITTLE bit to each day's park, right?!?! ;)

Other than that, I honestly don't have much to update. That is not to be read as I don't have much to do. I have tons to do!!! Remember that list I made in my last update of things I needed to do?? Yeah, none of them have been done yet :eek: I predict a very busy week the week before we leave. Eh, it will all get done I'm sure. And speaking of that week before we leave, it's next week!! We leave 2 weeks from tomorrow!!!! Here is what our countdown calendar looks like as of this morning!!!!!!!!! I truly feel like I was just sitting in the floor making this thing, and here is it 36 days later :banana:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3643.jpg

Oh, and I just realized that I haven't introduced our two little angels who won't be joining us on this trip. Sooooooo, presenting:

Noel, age 4, Miniature Schnauzer.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3656.jpg

Favorite activities include sleeping, cuddling, eating treats, and that's about it. If she was a Disney character, she would definitely be one of the princesses! Noel believes that she is a true princess. She thinks that she totally runs the household (ok, who are we kidding, she does!), dislikes being dirty or wet, and will only sit on a carpeted or padded surface at ALL times. I'm not kidding. We make the dogs "sit" for treats, and if she is standing on a hard surface, she will run over to her bed or the nearest rug before she sits down. princess: Regardless, she is my baby, and it's hard to imagine life before her!

And her partner in crime:

Disney, age 3, miniature schnauzer.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3647.jpg

Favorite activities include annoying his sister, being attached at the hip to me whenever he can, chewing on his rope, eating. If he was a Disney character, he would probably be Goofy. He is the total opposite of Noel. Disney is animated, to say the least. He is beyond excited when he sees a person or another dog, he makes weird (yet highly amusing!) noises in his excitement, and he truly LOVES life in general. He loves to please you, whereas Noel would rather please herself first, and you if she has time for it. Disney loves to play and run, whereas Noel would prefer to watch from her princess pillow. Disney is however, a little love muffin underneath it all. When he is tired, he wants nothing more than to be jammed up against me somehow. I present, exhibit A:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3614.jpg

Yes, this is how he sleeps every night. I have learned to sleep without the need of a pillow :laughing:

So, those are my little darlings, and my kind of lack of an update. I am really really going to try and get a few things accomplished tonight. I tihnk Sam is busy tonight, so mayeb I can get a few errands taken care of. Speaking of errands, Sam hates that word. He says errands are for old people. Well, then what the heck should I call them :confused3 Random, I know. Errands and Platter, he hates both of those words. He says that the word platter (as in Chicken Finger Platter, just cheapens the dish) Hence, being the loving fiance that I am, I throw them in whenever the appropriate situation arizes. Ok, that was a random tangent, but what a weirdo :rolleyes:

Ok, well I ebtter get some work done here. I have tons to do before the 23rd :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

JaxJags08

10-08-2008, 02:36 PM

teruterubouzu

10-08-2008, 07:25 PM

Aww, your dogs are so cute. My parents have a miniature schnauzer named Loco (and yes, the name suits him) with the same coloring as your dogs. He's getting up there in years. I think he's 14, but he's still the same fun little guy.

izzyzoeybear

10-08-2008, 09:03 PM

I joined into to you PTR. You 2 are a cute couple....I have only made it through the first few pages but am working getting all caught up!! We will be there on some of the same days (Oct 29th-Nov 2nd-quick trip over fall break) but looking at your plans we will be about day behind you at most of the parks...Can't wait to read more but it is bedtime for me...:rotfl: getting older, need to sleep more...

kafitty

10-10-2008, 08:55 PM

hi there! congrats on your engagement - very exciting! Sounds like you landed a good one. :woohoo:

i love the Disney cake you made for him! Very cool.

can't wait to read about your trip!

AshleyMWC

10-11-2008, 12:49 PM

That's a really cute cake! Your vacation is right around the corner - I can't wait to read about it and see your pics. BTW, I really like those shirts! :thumbsup2 And your puppies are adorable! One of my cats likes to share a pillow. It's especially funny when her head is on the pillow and she's tucked under the blanket like a human.

Aren't animals the best? Ours are always good for a laugh or two and I can't imagine life without them.

Aww, your dogs are so cute. My parents have a miniature schnauzer named Loco (and yes, the name suits him) with the same coloring as your dogs. He's getting up there in years. I think he's 14, but he's still the same fun little guy.

I hope our dogs live as long as Loco!! Noel was actually jet black when we got her, and now she is totally silver. Disney is still very black, although in those pics he looks a little more gray. Thanks for reading along!

I joined into to you PTR. You 2 are a cute couple....I have only made it through the first few pages but am working getting all caught up!! We will be there on some of the same days (Oct 29th-Nov 2nd-quick trip over fall break) but looking at your plans we will be about day behind you at most of the parks...Can't wait to read more but it is bedtime for me...:rotfl: getting older, need to sleep more...

Isn't it great how close our trips are getting now?!?! Who knows, maybe we will run into you guys along the way-- we tend to park hop in the evenings after dinner sometimes :thumbsup2

hi there! congrats on your engagement - very exciting! Sounds like you landed a good one. :woohoo:

i love the Disney cake you made for him! Very cool.

can't wait to read about your trip!

Yes, I think I do have a good one--great one, I mean :love: We are very excited about the upcoming year! Thanks for reading along with us!

************************************************** *****************************
WOW, will ya take a look at my countdown?!?! How exciting! Time is really flying by now, and I still have a ton of stuff to do. I think I finally have all my travel size goddies bought, so that is one less thing to do. Man, I have a whole bag full of them, it's borderline ridiculous, but I am a total sucker for mini-sized items :sad2: I will take a pic of them tomorrow so you can see my stash. Well tonight I am off to see SugarLand and Kellie Pickler, so I need to get ready! I am so pumped- I have missed SugarLand 2 times in the last 2 years due to weather, so the fact that it is mid 70's and sunny today is a HUGE victory!! I'll report back tomorrow on some little trip updates and of course, the concert!!!!

izzyzoeybear

10-11-2008, 06:42 PM

"Isn't it great how close our trips are getting now?!?! Who knows, maybe we will run into you guys along the way-- we tend to park hop in the evenings after dinner sometimes :thumbsup2 " Your quote..not sure what it did...lol

I will be the one with the really unruly 3 yr old....that will be driving everyone crazy.....and my hair will probably be going in all sorts of directions from trying to pull it out. We should be easy to spot....:lmao:

Malibelle

10-13-2008, 07:27 PM

Wow what a great pre trip report!

Contrats on your engagement. The ring is beautiful! Are you still deciding on a wedding location? How about disney! We had ours there and it was amazing.

I am interested in readying your trip report when you get back about the lunch with an imagineer. I have it booked for our thanksgiving trip. Its a surprise to my husband. I turned him into a disney fanatic too. I was even able to talk him into buying DVC as our wedding gift right before our wedding.

AshleyMWC

10-14-2008, 08:51 AM

I will be the one with the really unruly 3 yr old....that will be driving everyone crazy.....and my hair will probably be going in all sorts of directions from trying to pull it out. We should be easy to spot....:lmao:

Hahaha, we will be on the lookout, although I think an unruly 3 year old with a frazzled mom, in Disney World, might be pretty common sight. I will, however, have my lime green Dis tag on my bag though, so please say hello if you see us :thumbsup2

Wow what a great pre trip report!

Contrats on your engagement. The ring is beautiful! Are you still deciding on a wedding location? How about disney! We had ours there and it was amazing.

I am interested in readying your trip report when you get back about the lunch with an imagineer. I have it booked for our thanksgiving trip. Its a surprise to my husband. I turned him into a disney fanatic too. I was even able to talk him into buying DVC as our wedding gift right before our wedding.

Thanks for reading along! Yes, we are very very excited about getting married. We have been dating for 9 years, yes 9, and it finally feels like the time is right for us. We had tossed around the idea of a Disney wedding, but decided against it for a number of reasons. We have decided to honeymoon in Disney though! We are looking at staying at POFQ, but that is of course subject to change at any moment :lmao: As for DVC, we also toss around that idea quite frequently, and we know that we will buy in at some point, whether it be in one year or 3- we WILL be DVC owners one day!! BWV here we come....eventually.....

Malibelle

10-14-2008, 09:19 AM

We stayed at POFQ for our wedding, we loved it but now we are spoiled staying in Delux resorts with DVC. YOu should think about renting points from a DVC owner to stay in a delux for your Honeymoon. That would be great and actually works out sometimes cheaper than just booking a delux or monderate on your own depending on when you are going. WE did it several times before we bought DVC.

AshleyMWC

10-14-2008, 09:34 AM

Well everyone, I am sorry to say that I still have no pictures uploaded of mini-toiletry land. I was actually in the process of taking a picture yesterday when I heard Sam and his friend pull in the driveway, and I had to quickly throw everything back into the bag from whence it came. Now Sam would have thought it was perfectly acceptable to be taking these pics (he appreciates all that is the Dis), but his buddy, well let's just say I wasn't in the mood to hear about how ridiculous it was. You know the people- they always have a better way of doing things, and they always feel the need to tell you what you are doing wrong. Yeah, I didn't want that raining on my mini-toiletry parade. Mini-toiletries are a sacred thing don't ya know ;) So, anyway, today at lunch I will be taking and uploading said picture for your viewing pleasure.

Now as for my checklist of things that need to be done before we leave.....well.....I did clean out the panty yesterday, that counts as cleaning house I think. I still have a ton more cleaning I want to do before we leave, but I have accepted the fact that it won't ALL get done, and I guess that's ok. The major stuff will get done though :laundy: Oh, I did get one thing done- I finished getting hair ribbons to match my shirts. And, I am calling this afternoon at lunch to make my longhouse request and try for O'Hana for breakfast again. Does anyone else hate making room requests? The last time I called and did that (last year), the lady seemed none to happy that I was making said request. I'm not asking for a lot, just a particular longhouse if possible :confused3 Oh well, I'm gonna have to suck it up and call today- I mean really, we are 9 days out!!!! :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

Oh, I think I forgot to mention that I ordered Sam a couple shirts from the Disney Store last week- hopefully they will come in in the next couple days. I ordered him 3 (I think), so he will at least have cool shirts for 4 or 5 days of the trip ;) I mean come on, we can't all be as cool as me and have a shirt for EVERY DAY, now can we?? :laughing: I think I ordered him a Mickey shirt, a Goofy shirt (for Chef Mickey's, as Goofy is his fav), and a Grumpy shirt. Grumpy totally doesn't fit his personality, especially at Disney, but XL shirts in the sale section were slim pickins. Ah, I just got an email that said the shirts should be arriving today. Pictures to come, of course :cool1:

Oh, and one more thing, please tell me that other people out there look at the 15 day weather forecast! I know it is totally unreliable more than a couple days out, but I just can't help it! And of course, what does the 15 day forecast say for me?? Rain/thunderstorms! Ok, not every day, but enough of the days. Why oh WHY do I torture myself like this?? I mean I guess it doesn't really matter if it rains- we are going anyway. Please tell me I am not alone in my craziness :sad2:

Ok, I betetr get back to work so that I can leave for Disney in, how many.... oh yeah, 9 days!!!! :dance3: :woohoo: :cool1:

llurgy

10-14-2008, 05:59 PM

izzyzoeybear

10-14-2008, 07:00 PM

If you have hit the crazy wagon for checking the forcast 15 days out then so have I..:lmao: I have been watching the weather channel everymorning while getting ready for work for the last 2 weeks...I am hoping for some nice warm weather part of the time....

As for the toiletries....I should take a pic of my closet. I love getting my little bottles of goodies ready to go....We actually have started to work on packing now that the weather is getting colder here so the kiddos are wearing their jeans and not their short...

The countdown is on.....14 days here and counting!!:banana: :banana: :banana:

julezdisney

10-14-2008, 07:19 PM

Single digit dance! Yay!

And I'm not only guilty of checking the 15 day forecast as well as the 10 day, but also while we were THERE I was checking! But, let me assure you, it was always wrong.

Yay for 9 days!

The Marsons

10-15-2008, 03:29 AM

Hey hun,

Hope you are ok?

This time next week i will be on the plane:goodvibes

Have you got much more to get for your hols?

AshleyMWC

10-15-2008, 09:07 AM

Just subbed in,
Congratulations on your engagement!! Double congrats on your Honeymoon location :) :)

The picture of your ring is not showing up in Firefox nor IE and I wanted to see it :(

Not long to go now, lucky you

Mandy

Thanks, we are getting sooooo excited now!!

If you have hit the crazy wagon for checking the forcast 15 days out then so have I..:lmao: I have been watching the weather channel everymorning while getting ready for work for the last 2 weeks...I am hoping for some nice warm weather part of the time....

As for the toiletries....I should take a pic of my closet. I love getting my little bottles of goodies ready to go....We actually have started to work on packing now that the weather is getting colder here so the kiddos are wearing their jeans and not their short...

The countdown is on.....14 days here and counting!!:banana: :banana: :banana:

I have really tried to limit my weather channel watching because it does truly make me neurotic! I mean I figure as long as there's not a hurricane coming or something, a little rain here and there is no big deal. I always try and remind myself that some people would give ANYTHING to go to Disney World for just a day or two- rain or not. But, so far, the forecast is looking like mild temps and mostly sunny, wooohooo:cool1:

Single digit dance! Yay!

And I'm not only guilty of checking the 15 day forecast as well as the 10 day, but also while we were THERE I was checking! But, let me assure you, it was always wrong.

Yay for 9 days!

Yeah, I know what you mean about it always being wrong. Last year before we left they were calling for a good chance fo shwoers almost every single day, adn we had not one drop until the day we left. I always say that being a weatherman is the best job ever- it's the only job that you can be wrong that much and still collect a paycheck. (No offense to any meterologists out there, I realize that it's a hard job and you really can't predict the weather but so much)

Hey hun,

Hope you are ok?

This time next week i will be on the plane:goodvibes

Have you got much more to get for your hols?

Oh, I am definitely ok! We are getting so excited it's ricidulous!! Between the beginning stages of wedding planning and the upcoming vacation, I feel like I am on cloud nine right now :cloud9: One week from tomorrow we will be on a plane bound for Disney :dance3:

izzyzoeybear

10-15-2008, 07:00 PM

AshleyMWC

10-16-2008, 09:04 AM

Well I will let you in on a littel secret why I check the weather so much....I don't care if it rains while I am there....but i hate,hate,hate flying....which is so silly becasue we fly all the time. So I am watching to see if there will be bad storms from Indiana to Flordia the day we leave....It really is a control issue but that is a whole other story...We fly because 2 hrs on the plane with 2 children is much better then 16 hrs on the road with them....:rotfl2: What we will do for our loved ones...

Funny you should mention that, because I hate flying too. I used to really like it when I was little, but now, I jsut don't like it at all. But, like you said, a 2 hour flight is almost always better than a 12 hour drive :scared1: We are flyign at night this year, so maybe it will be better since I won't be able to see everything outside :confused3 Or maybe it will be worse :confused3 Whatever the case, we shall see in a week from today! :thumbsup2

AshleyMWC

10-16-2008, 09:30 AM

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY we will be on the way to the Mouse's House!!! I can't believe it is already here and I still have so much to do! We have been so busy lately that I am really banking on this weekend to get packed and pick up last minute things we need.

Last night I did make my LGMH tag for my park bag, so at least that is one thing done. I was going to make it all pretty and sparkly, but I lost motivation and just made it plain- one side has AshleyMWC and the other side says Do you DIS?. It's simple and effective, and it only took me about 5 minutes to make :thumbsup2 Now I just need to find the hole puncher to make a hole for the lime green ribbon I am going to attach it to.

Last night I also got out my park bag (just a Vera Bradley small backpack) and loaded it up with Aleve, wet-naps, Purell, gum, tissues, and a mini-hairbrush. I love that bag. It is small and lightweight, and has plenty of room for the aforementioned items, as well as 2 ponchos if needed, plus a bottle of water/soda. If the pnochos aren't in there, my camera bag fits in there perfectly as well, but I find it a hassle to drag it in and out fo the bag, so sam will probably carry the camera bag most days.

Hmmm, other than that, nothing else has been accomplished, eek!!! :scared1: But in all honesty, I don't relaly have tons more to do, other than physically pack everything up. I have been good the past coupel months about picking things up as I see them, so as not to be too stressed my the last week. The only things I think I still need to get are snacks for the plane, and a black skirt for the halloween party. I have looked everywhere for a skirt, but I guess I wanted until too late in the season. I still have a couple more places to check, and if I can't find one, I'll have to start getting creative I guess :headache:

I do need to go ahead and print out my TGM pages that I like to take along and peruse. I will do that this afternoon I guess. I also need to type up a list of all our ADR's so that I can laminate that and carry it in the park bag. I always carry a list of ADR's just in case ;) Also along the same lines, I need to type up a final itinerary and put that in the folder. I don't think we are going to have any changes to make between now and then, so I might as well go ahead and do that too.

I know that I promised pictures a coupel days ago, and I haven't forgotten, I jsut ran out of time. I am going to try my darndest to upload them at lunch today so that I can post them this afternoon.

Thanks for reading along everyone, I really do appreciate it!:thumbsup2

izzyzoeybear

10-16-2008, 08:04 PM

AshleyMWC

10-16-2008, 09:43 PM

I let my son know today that we would be at MNSSHP in exactly 2 weeks from today. He was like really??? And now the wish list is starting because he asked for a Mickey Hoodie from the parks.

Don't you just love the Vera Bradly bags? I get a new one once a year for Christmas from my parents. and as ridiculous as this is...My DD who is 3 loves them and she is going to ger first one this Christmas to carry her Nintendo DS in. But she is a girly girl might as well get her started now...
:lovestruc

Hey you might as well start the girl off right when she is young. Nothing like laying a good foundation for the future I say ;) I mean, it might be an expensive future, but at least she will look good, right?!:lmao:

AshleyMWC

10-16-2008, 10:12 PM

Well, as promised, here are a couple of pics for you guys. The first are the 3 new shirts I got for a whopping $5 each for Sam. He now has 5 Disney shirts to wear for vacation, so I am rather proud of myself ;) He of course couldn't care less what he is wearing, but it still makes me happy for him to be dressed in the Disney spirit.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3671.jpg

The second picture is the elusive mini-toiletry land. Ok, it seemed like a lot more stuff in the bag, but here it is regardless. There are a couple things that I didn't include in the pic, but that is most of it....I think.....

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3658-1.jpg

Moving on, we have Mousekeeping envelopes. I can't take credit for the designs, just the cutting and pasting onto the envelopes. I like to have them already made up and pre-monied (that's so not a word, I know) before we leave. This just eliminates scrounging for $1 bills in the morning when we are usually in a hurry anyway. I usually leave $3 a day, and leave the envelopes either on the pillow or on the vanity. I am always worried that Mousekeeping won't know to take the envelopes, but so far they have not let me down.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3672.jpg

Next, we have my park bag. Ok, it's not new or anything, but I did get it out, wash it, and pack it with the park-carrying essentials. For that reason, I thought it deserved a place in my PTR. I was going to take a picture with my Dis LGMH name tag attached, but since it is laminated, it just kept reflecting the light. So, you will just have to take my word that it will be attached and waiting for approaching Disers next week :thumbsup2

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3675.jpg

And finally, the face of my 29 year old fiance in his recording studio upon realizing that exactly one week form now we will be preparing for landing in Orlando!!! What can I say, I am marrying a big 'ol kid :goodvibes

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_3680.jpg

So, that does it for the pics tonight. On a planning note, I did call this afternoon and put in a request for Tokelau longhouse, 3rd floor at the Poly. And then the CM, Brad, to be exact, asked me "What will you be celebrating with us this trip?" To which I had to think fast on my feet and reply, "Well, we weren't planning on celebrating anything in particular this year, BUT we did just get engaged, so now we will be celebrating that I guess." Yeah, it was a shameless plug in hopes of some pixie dust, but whatever...we ARE celebrating getting engaged, I just hadn't planned it that way when we booked in January ;) He was seemed excited for us, so I am keeping my fingers crossed for some magic...but totally not getting my hopes up. Staying 8 nights at the Poly is magic enough for me!!!! :dance3: I also had Brad check one more time on O'Hana character breakfast for the first morning, to no avail. So, I have decided to just go with breakfast at Kona like we currently have booked. The menu looks so good there, that I'm really not that let down at all. Heck, we might to be excited to get to the parks and end up ditching breakfast anyway. Who knows, we'll just play that morning my ear--- it's a bonus morning for us anyway, thanks to Air Tran :banana:

So, I think that's about all for now. I have a couple loads of laundry that are calling my name to be folded before bedtime.

kaysmommie

10-17-2008, 08:20 AM

AshleyMWC

10-17-2008, 09:23 AM

Your trip is getting close, just 6 more days :dance3: . I think and engagement is a good thing to celebrate! Why did you choose Tokelau and not Samoa? Just wondering since we love Samoa longhouse. I love you new shirts and your mousekeeping envelopes are cute too.

I know, 6 days, I can hardly believe it. We booekd this trip back on January 18th, and that was over 200 days ago :scared1: This weekend is dedicated to packing, for the most part, and that means the trip is REALLY close- at least in my mind. As for Tokelau, I requested it because it is kind of inbetween the GCH and the TTC. Last year we found ourselves walking to the TTC a lot to either catch the boat to MK or the monorail to Epcot, so I like being close to that. Tokelau also seems to be a short walk to the GCH for eating and the monorail. Samoa is just a little to close to the big pool for me I think. We are not pool people- sometimes we will get in one or two times at most, so I am trying to avoid pool noise if possible. I think that having the quiet pool right outside the building might be nice though. Last year my mom and I stayed in Tahiti, and while we loved the convenience to the TTC, I remember wishing I was just a TINY bit closer to the GCH. So, to make an already too long explanation even longer, that is why I have requested Tokelau. Honestly, I almost didn't put in a building request just to see where we got, but I really didn't want to end up in Tuvalu since we have a garden view room. Plus, I have read that is some of the garden view rooms in Tokelau, you can see the lagoon and even the castle if you get the right room ;)

I can't wait to read about your trip, although I am sorry that Thomas was sick a few days. Hopefully you were still able to experience some magic :goodvibes

bawsmom

10-17-2008, 10:03 AM

AshleyMWC

10-17-2008, 12:43 PM

hey
just wanted to say that i am loving your trip report!! we were in Tokelau 2 years ago:sad1: and loved it!! i had not requested anything so it was just luck of the draw...:cool1: we could step onto our balcony and turn to the right and see the castle!! it as really nice and quiet. i don't remember the walks being long at all- and with 2 kids i probably would have remembered the whining! good luck ... can't wait to hear all about it.:)

Thanks for joining along for the ride!! I am glad to hear that you enjoyed Tokelau, and I hope that we get a room there. If we don't it's no biggie, but it just seems like the perfect location for us.

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

Can I just say that I think I have an addiction to checking the weather forecast! Is there a program for people like me?!?! I know that a 15 and even 10 day forecast is totally a guess on the weatherman's part, but I just can't stop myself! :eek: There is way too much rain in that 15 day forecast :scared1:

Ok, I am going to get back to working on my packing list, hopefully that will take my mind off my addiction ;)

llurgy

10-17-2008, 03:18 PM

I dont think we ever got a piccie of the toiletries did we???

Hmmmmmm...... LOL :)

Just kidding, not long now :)

Mandy

julezdisney

10-17-2008, 04:18 PM

Wow! 6 Days! Eeeeeeee!:banana:

izzyzoeybear

10-17-2008, 04:45 PM

The mousekeeping envies are just adorable. I don't think I would have even thought of doing something like that. We just usually throw the money on the table for them. We are now down to 12 days!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:

AshleyMWC

10-17-2008, 08:00 PM

I dont think we ever got a piccie of the toiletries did we???

Hmmmmmm...... LOL :)

Just kidding, not long now :)

Mandy

Oh no, did you miss my picture of the toiletries?!?! Just scroll up a little bit and you will see them :goodvibes Yes, it certainly is getting close now, and other that TOTALLY stressing over the fact that rain is forecasted for my MNSSHP night, I am pumped! The possibly rain is kind of bumming me out, but I keep telling myself that the forecast will change a a dozen times between now and then ;)

Wow! 6 Days! Eeeeeeee!:banana:

I KNOW, my Mac ticker currently reads 5 days, 22 hours, 18 minutes, it's awesome!!

The mousekeeping envies are just adorable. I don't think I would have even thought of doing something like that. We just usually throw the money on the table for them. We are now down to 12 days!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:

Yeah i love the envelopes too- too bad I can't take credit for the designs. I used to just leave a few dollars, but I find it so easy to just pull out an envelope that already has a few dollars in it, each morning before we head out.

izzyzoeybear

10-17-2008, 08:08 PM

llurgy

10-17-2008, 10:21 PM

Oh no, did you miss my picture of the toiletries?!?! Just scroll up a little bit and you will see them :goodvibes Yes, it certainly is getting close now, and other that TOTALLY stressing over the fact that rain is forecasted for my MNSSHP night, I am pumped! The possibly rain is kind of bumming me out, but I keep telling myself that the forecast will change a a dozen times between now and then ;)

How did I ever miss that piccie post? It's a long post too. I must be blind:3dglasses

I love the Grumpy T-Shirt
I want one

I love the Mini hairbrush
I want one

I love your park bag
I want one

:lmao: :lmao: :dance3: :dance3:

I wanna know all about the LGMH.......I think I want one of those too but I need to know Exactly what it is first:rolleyes: :upsidedow :upsidedow :rolleyes:

Mandy

kaysmommie

10-18-2008, 09:37 AM

Just 5 more days. I guess Tokelau might be a better location for you than Samoa. If your not pool people. the view is nice too and it wasn't realy noisy at all as I'm a light sleeper. I wouldn't want Tuvalu either though for a garden view at least. Tahiti would be nice for the 2 sinks though but a bit far of a walk with little kids. I hope you have a great stay at the Poly and a wonderful trip as and engaged couple pixiedust: at Disney!!

Camster0307

10-18-2008, 12:21 PM

Hi Ashley! As usual, I'm late to the party! Sorry I had no idea you had started a pre-trippie.(I'm having a hard enough time keeping up with my own, that I haven't been browsing the TR boards lately!)

Your trip is soooo close and you seem so organized - I'm jealous!;)

First of all, you and Sam are just THE cutest couple! And he's a Disney fanatic too? Jackpot! Congrats on your engagement; and the ring is absolutely gorgeous!

You've got some great ADRs lined up. So happy you were able to get the lunch with an imagineer. I'm also real curious to hear about the Party of the Senses. I would LOVE to try that some day!(think I'd need to ditch the kids for that one, though!)

Love your countdown calendar and your collection of shirts. And -- step away from the weather forecast!!!! Seriously, I don't think they're ever right - even when predicting the weather for the next day!:laughing:

And, on one last note - I laughed out loud about Sam hating the words "errands" and "platter". My DSIL is freaky like that too - she hates the words "belly" and "hoagie". So, of course, we torture her by always telling her we just ate a hoagie and it's now in our belly!:lmao:

(personally, I HATE the words "last day of Disney vacation.":sad2: )

julezdisney

10-18-2008, 01:51 PM

I just today saw your MMC tee shirt. Adorable!

AshleyMWC

10-20-2008, 08:35 AM

I am actually thinking that maybe i might get some plain envies and some Disney stickers and let the kids decorate them all up this weekend. I like the idea of the envies since you are right they are easy to just pull out of the suitcase and lay out instead of having to make sure one always had dollar bills....I will have to take pics for my PTR after they have them done...:goodvibes

Up until this year I jsut took plain white envelopes and decorated them with stickers and a little note for Mousekeeping, nad that worked fine. Hoenstly, this was just easier to print them out, but making the envelopes last year was fun also!

I wanna know all about the LGMH.......I think I want one of those too but I need to know Exactly what it is first:rolleyes: :upsidedow :upsidedow :rolleyes:

Mandy

The LGMHs are jsut pain chips from Home Depot. I think the color is called Alien green or something to that effect. I just cut out the Mickey head from the paint chip sample, wrote my Disboard name on it, and then laminated it. I will try and get a picture up today with it attached to my park bag. It's a pretty simple project that only takes a few minutes.

Just 5 more days. I guess Tokelau might be a better location for you than Samoa. If your not pool people. the view is nice too and it wasn't realy noisy at all as I'm a light sleeper. I wouldn't want Tuvalu either though for a garden view at least. Tahiti would be nice for the 2 sinks though but a bit far of a walk with little kids. I hope you have a great stay at the Poly and a wonderful trip as and engaged couple pixiedust: at Disney!!

My mom and I actually stayed in Tahiti last year and it was also a great location. The walk would be a little far I guess with little ones, but it's certainly doable. We loved being a 2 minute walk tot he TTC also. The 2 sinks were a huge bonus also. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again, I just would like to try somewhere different this year.

Hi Ashley! As usual, I'm late to the party! Sorry I had no idea you had started a pre-trippie.(I'm having a hard enough time keeping up with my own, that I haven't been browsing the TR boards lately!)

Your trip is soooo close and you seem so organized - I'm jealous!;)

First of all, you and Sam are just THE cutest couple! And he's a Disney fanatic too? Jackpot! Congrats on your engagement; and the ring is absolutely gorgeous!

You've got some great ADRs lined up. So happy you were able to get the lunch with an imagineer. I'm also real curious to hear about the Party of the Senses. I would LOVE to try that some day!(think I'd need to ditch the kids for that one, though!)

Love your countdown calendar and your collection of shirts. And -- step away from the weather forecast!!!! Seriously, I don't think they're ever right - even when predicting the weather for the next day!:laughing:

And, on one last note - I laughed out loud about Sam hating the words "errands" and "platter". My DSIL is freaky like that too - she hates the words "belly" and "hoagie". So, of course, we torture her by always telling her we just ate a hoagie and it's now in our belly!:lmao:

(personally, I HATE the words "last day of Disney vacation.":sad2: )

Thanks for coming over to to my PTr, I have really enjoyed reading about yours! Yes, I have to say that this year I am more organized than usual. Last year I felt so rushed getting last minute things that I have been picking things up for months, here and there, as I see them. I have made a packing list, and it has made packing SOOO much easier. I will never not have a packing list again!

I will certainly report back in detail about Lunch with an Imagineer and PArty for the Senses. You should definitely try and sneak away for PFTS one year. It is a really fun evening, and such a great way to try so many different foods and wines!

Oh, and rest assured, I have stepped away fromt he weather forecast. There are no hurricanes headed our way, so I guess that's the most important thing. I have accepted that being there for 9 days, we will certainly have a couple rain showers, but that's ok. I can hoenstly handle the rain, I just really don't want rain our MNSSHP night or the Segway morning. On an up note, temps are looking to range between 78-82 for the highs next week, perfect!!! :lovestruc

I just today saw your MMC tee shirt. Adorable!

Thanks, I can't wait to wear them!!!

AshleyMWC

10-20-2008, 01:59 PM

Well, we are down to 3 days at our house!!!! It is really starting to sink in now, although since I have so much left to do, mostly at work, before we leave, I don't think it will totally sink in until we get to the airport Thursday night. My plan this past weekend was to get everything laid out to go in the suitcase- yeah, that totally didn't happen. It was NOT my fault though. One of Sam's friends was in town this weekend, and he spent the night Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Hence, the extra bedroom was out of commission for me to lay all my items out. I tried not to panic, however. I managed to get almost all the laundry done that we will need, and I packed up all my toiletries. I have selected all of Sam's shirts for park days- he can't be trusted totally here because he has so many ratty and holey shirts in his collection :sad2: I have also printed out and put in the Disney folder all my Tour Guide Mike printouts, our itinerary for the week, my ADR list, and our ME and MNSSHP tickets. Suprisingly, I actually still feel calm about getting everything done. I think having a detailed packing list really really made me not freak out this weekend. So, tonight, packing will resume full steam! I hope to have everything on the bed tonight (other than what I still need to use this week, of course) and also get the suitcases out of the attic. So, that is my packing-or lack of packing- update from the weekend.

Oh, on a totally unrelated note, we officially have a wedding date! October 10, 2009!! So, this time next year, not only will we be married, but we will be on our Disneymoon! POFQ (most likely), here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!! :dance3: My goal was to have a date confirmed with the chruch before vacation, so at least I got that done. Now, we start looking at reception sites, woohoo ;) And of course, I can thrust myself into full on planning mode. :thumbsup2 After vacation I will probably start a wedding report on the Dis wedding board, so feel free to come on over once in a while. popcorn::

Tonight, other than packing, I also need to head over to Pet Smart to get more dog food and treats for Noel and Disney, before shipping them off to grandma's house. My mom is going to watch Noel, and Sam's mom is going to watch Disney. His parents also have a miniature schnauzer, and Disney loves to run and play, so that's why we are splitting them up. Noel prefers to sit and be loved on like an only-dog, so she will be totally loving 10 days of being spoiled rotten by my mom!! Other than that, I don't think I need to get anything else- is that even possible??!! I mean I have even gotten plane snack already- this is way prepared even for me. Unfortunatley the only thing awaiting me after I pack is cleaning the house. Ugh!! I just need to give the bathrooms and the kitchen a good once over..oh, and the gues room since Sam's parents will be staying there this weekend. Ok, there is a little more cleaning to do that I would like. But that's ok...a plane to the Happy Place is waiting at the end :woohoo: :love: :yay: :cool1: :goodvibes

Ok, back to work for me. I will try and update tonight with packing pictures :thumbsup2

llurgy

10-20-2008, 03:11 PM

izzyzoeybear

10-20-2008, 06:08 PM

Our house always look likes a tornado hit it after I pack for us to leave....But this time I am not worried cause DH will be here and he can clean up after we have gone and he has no excuse since there are no children behind him to mess things up again....That is his common excuse on his days off for not cleaning...:rotfl2:

Also we did make some envies for mousekeeping....I posted pics on my PTR...It made a great project for my kiddos and something to get them more involved...:banana: :banana: :banana:

Chelley00

10-21-2008, 09:19 AM

I followed your pre-trip report link from your signature from the 26th party thread. Your park plans are similar to ours, so we'll probably cross paths quite a lot next week!

Congrats on the engagement!

AshleyMWC

10-21-2008, 11:18 AM

Oh My,
How on earth are you so organized????
Will you come to our house when our time to visit the world gets near?

You are going to have a fantastic time, you have some wonderful things set up to do and I really, really, really wanna come with you.
I can pack myself in a suitcase and just interlope if that is ok with you and Sam? You wouldnt have any extra packing???

Thanks for s'plain the green Mickey tag....Alien Green, must remember....Alien Green. I gather I will be looking for big paint chips then yes?

Mandy

Sure youc an come, just throw yourself in a suitcase and we'll pick you up at the Magical Express gate :lmao:

I think I haev my mother to thank for the organization. She is super organized and always was when i was little, so I guess I got it too. I have to admit, I do love being organized...it's a sickness I guess:rotfl:

Our house always look likes a tornado hit it after I pack for us to leave....But this time I am not worried cause DH will be here and he can clean up after we have gone and he has no excuse since there are no children behind him to mess things up again....That is his common excuse on his days off for not cleaning...:rotfl2:

Also we did make some envies for mousekeeping....I posted pics on my PTR...It made a great project for my kiddos and something to get them more involved...:banana: :banana: :banana:

Yes, our guet room is looking like virtual tornado right now, but by tomorrow night it should be a-ok again.

I followed your pre-trip report link from your signature from the 26th party thread. Your park plans are similar to ours, so we'll probably cross paths quite a lot next week!

Congrats on the engagement!

Wow, we do have a lot of the same plans, including our MNSSHP night! I will be sporting my LGMH on my park bag, so be on the lookout! :thumbsup2

AshleyMWC

10-21-2008, 01:09 PM

Well, we are currently 2 days and 5 hours away from takeoff, and I have to say, everything packing and preparign wise is pretty under control. The only errands I have left are to pick up dog food and dry cleaning, so that shouldn't take long at all. I was able to get everything laid out on the guest bed last night for packing, so it can be transported to the suitcases tomorrow night. Oh, actually Sam does still need to get a raincoat with a hood. It looks like we may have a monsoon on our hands Friday, but other than that the weather looks awesome. Weather for MNSSHP Sunday is looking awesome, so I hope that forecast sticks! :woohoo: I do wish I had more exciting news to report, but I really don't. I have a hair appointment tonight after work, and a nail appointment tomorrow, and then I am totally set to go :cool1: Tomorrow night I am going to drop Noel off at my mom's house....11 nights withuot my baby :sad: Ok, I will try not to think about that too much, because I really will miss her TONS!!

Well, I am going to go try and get a few last minute things done here at work so that I can peace out of the office by 12:30 on Thursday! :banana: :banana:

Camster0307

10-21-2008, 01:28 PM

Ashley - In case I don't get back on here before Thurs., I hope you and Sam have a magical time! Here's some pixiedust to help keep any nasty weather away - :pixiedust:

izzyzoeybear

10-21-2008, 06:34 PM

The last few days before we leave is a love hate relationship for me at work....i am so happy to be leaving...but the rush to get everything done and then the piles that will be waiting for me when we get back....and it didn't help that last night I got hit with a wicked case of stomach flu.:sick: ..so no work for me today....I am hoping that will be able to go back tomorrow...At least it hit me this week and not next...That would have made one horriable plane ride....:eek:

julezdisney

10-21-2008, 06:42 PM

Oh no! Well, push your fluids and get some rest! Better to be on the mend in Disney World then any other place, right?!

MousekaMaddi

10-21-2008, 07:09 PM

have fun, take lots of pix!

Congrats too!!!!!!!:thumbsup2

Chelley00

10-21-2008, 07:24 PM

Oh no. Hope you recover quickly! At least you have another day to get better!

kathleen27

10-21-2008, 07:58 PM

Yay!!! For TWO days!!!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

Have a great trip!!!
Enjoy MNSSHP on Sunday!!!
I'll be wishing I were there.

AshleyMWC

10-22-2008, 09:44 AM

Ashley - In case I don't get back on here before Thurs., I hope you and Sam have a magical time! Here's some pixiedust to help keep any nasty weather away - :pixiedust:

Thanks, I just know that we will have a magical time despite any rain. The rain is currently looking like it will move on out of Orlando by early Saturday, and then NO rain in the forecast for the rest of the trip, woohoo!! :cool1: Now THAT is a forecast that I can live with. Temps 78-82 and sun :cool2:

The last few days before we leave is a love hate relationship for me at work....i am so happy to be leaving...but the rush to get everything done and then the piles that will be waiting for me when we get back....and it didn't help that last night I got hit with a wicked case of stomach flu.:sick: ..so no work for me today....I am hoping that will be able to go back tomorrow...At least it hit me this week and not next...That would have made one horriable plane ride....:eek:

Oh no, I hope you are feeling better today! Maybe it was just something you ate that didn't agree with you- fingers crossed for you ;) But you are right, at least it is this week and not next week. A week is plenty of recovery time I would say. And I totally understand about work! I am pumped for vacation, but I am all the while envisioning the mountain that will await me when I return. I mean heaven forbid someone do some of it while I am gone :sad2:

have fun, take lots of pix!

Congrats too!!!!!!!:thumbsup2

Oh we plan on having tons of fun and taking tons of pictures. We have 3 cameras between the 2 of us- 2 "nice ones" and one little one for character pics and such.

Oh no! Well, push your fluids and get some rest! Better to be on the mend in Disney World then any other place, right?!

Oh no. Hope you recover quickly! At least you have another day to get better!

Just to clear up any confusion that might be going around, I am, knock on wood, illness free, it is izzyzoeybear that has come down with a case of the nasties. But please do send well wishes her way- she is one week away from seeing the Mouse :thumbsup2

Yay!!! For TWO days!!!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

Have a great trip!!!
Enjoy MNSSHP on Sunday!!!
I'll be wishing I were there.

Thanks, I can't wait for the Halloween party on Sunday. It is going to be a little chilly I think, but that will definitely add to the Halloween feel I think. I will be sure to take lots of pics that night too :goodvibes

AshleyMWC

10-22-2008, 10:09 AM

Well everyone, we are down to ONE DAY!! I put my last sticker on the countdown this morning- Jiminy Cricket!! Sam gets to put the one on for tomorrow, and then we are off! Well, technically we have to work for a few hours first, but whatever, I can suffer through 4 hours of work I suppose ;)

So, last night we didn't do much packing and preparing-wise, but we did manage to finish up a few errands. We got Sam a belt, made a couple returns, and made sure the dogs were loaded up on treats and food to head off to their respective grandparents' houses. Tonight looks to be a frenzy, however for me! I still have some last minute packing to do- just little things- plus I need to clean the bathroom and the kitchen floor, ugh! Oh, and since the weather is forecasted to be in the high 50's the night of MNSSHP, Sam has just informed me that he cannot wear shorts. Soooooo, i need to go out to Target or soemwhere and try to locate some black workout-type pants for him. Oy, like I don't have enough to do. Plus, I have to drive down to my mom's tonight and drop Noel off. Oy, there's another 2 hours of my night. Oh well, what would the night before vacation be if we weren't up late?!?! All in all though, I do feel very organized- and I think I honestly have the packing list to thank for that. I urge everyone to make one- a detailed one. I never thought I needed one before, but one slow day at work I made one just for fun, and :idea: , that's all I need to say

Ok, so here is my checklist for today/tonight:

- Nail appt @ 4PM- a MUST do of course before any trip :lmao:
- Get Sam black pants and a long sleeve white shirt (in case he needs to wear it under his t-shirt) for MNSSHP
- Pick up dry cleaning
- Deliver Noel to my mom :guilty:
- Clean bathroom
- Swiffer kitchen floor
- Put everything in suitcases
- Oh, and we shold probably squeeze in dinner somewhere- we are having pizza from our favorite local place tonight, yumm :goodvibes

Ok, it doens't seem that bad when I write it out. It's really just taking Noel to my mom's that takes a good amount of time. But that's ok, I want to see my mom before we leave anyway. Plus, her neighbor hasn't seen my ring yet, and I am always up for any excuse to show it to someone new :laughing:

Ok, I will update again tomorrow sometime with my progress. HAve a good day everyone!

kaysmommie

10-22-2008, 12:29 PM

That list doesn't look bad at all :goodvibes . I hope you and your DF have a wondeful trip!! I can't wait to read about it when you get back. Say hello to Poly for my DD and I, we miss it there :laughing: .

izzyzoeybear

10-22-2008, 04:16 PM

Down to counting hours and not days......Yahoo!!!

I am hoping to have everything done and ready to go on Sunday since we are driving to my parents house Tuesday afternoon.....And once I get there of course I have to run out to get the new Tinkerbell movie for DD.....Maybe that will help calm the excitement...:happytv: I cannot wait to hear about your trip when you return....eventhough we will be returning about the same time....

and here is giving you good wishes of health and wellness for your trip...hoping that will ward off "murpheys law"...:hippie:

wdwgirl03

10-22-2008, 04:18 PM

Woo hoo, only one more day! I hope you have a great time!

llurgy

10-22-2008, 05:24 PM

Wishing you and Sam a wonderful Disney vacation filled with pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: galore.
I hope the journey down there is uneventful but fun and that you get the room you have been requesting for the past coupla weeks.
I hope the time whilst you are away doesnt fly by too quickly and that it isnt too cold on MNSSHP.
I also hope the rain stays away....lol

Have a great time
Mandy

Camster0307

10-22-2008, 05:48 PM

Ok - I made it back one more time to wish you a GREAT TRIP!!!!!

I can't believe you'll be in WDW tomorrow; I'm so jealous! 17 days still seems so far away!!!!!:hyper:

AshleyMWC

10-23-2008, 07:49 AM

Thanks to everyone for all the well-wishes!! We will be on our way to the airport in approximately 8 hours now!!!! Last night I got most everything done, other than cleaning bathrooms. I should have a few minutes to wipe them down when I leave work today though. Noel has been delivered to my mom, and I didn't even cry when I dropped her off. Ok, I did cry on the way there :sad1: ...I might be just a little attached to that dog ;) And now the only things I have left to pack are my phone (using today), straightening iron (still too hot this morning), makeup (definitely needed that this morning), and my ID and such (probably shouldn't be driving without that!). So, hopefully the afternoon will be a pseudo-relaxing one for me. I DO have to stop by Target, as my sunglasses decided to break! Ugh!!! OHh well- if that's the only thing I have left to get, then we are sitting pretty in my book. Oh, and I need to print out my boarding passes since we checked in for the flight last night :cool1:

Thanks again to everyone for reading along, and I promise to take lots of pictures for my TR when I return. For those of you that will be down there this coming week, I hope to see you and wish you a safe journey down there. Well, I guess that's all for now. I may post one last goodbye at the airport since we get free WiFi there, but if not, I bid you all a fond farewell until Nov 2. :cloud9:

JaxJags08

10-23-2008, 08:49 AM

Have a great time! I can't wait to read all about it!

kathleen27

10-23-2008, 09:52 AM

Have a wonderful magical trip!!!!

heatherlizz602

10-23-2008, 10:30 AM

Have a safe, magical, trip. I will patiently be waiting for your TR.:thumbsup2

bawsmom

10-23-2008, 11:15 AM

you are so lucky!! :cool1: i want to be leaving for WDW :sad1: have a great time and be safe!! can't wait to hear all about it and see all the pictures when you return :wave:

Chelley00

10-23-2008, 11:46 AM

We're leaving in an hour and a half :banana: Have a safe trip, and if you see the Pirate Mickey family, say hi to us!

izzyzoeybear

10-23-2008, 04:45 PM

We have just a few days left.....so hopefully we might see ya down there.....Have a great trip and can't wait to hear all about it....:goodvibes

julezdisney

10-23-2008, 08:37 PM

Awww! She's gone! I've been so sick today I missed you! Have fun- I can't wait to hear about it!

llurgy

10-23-2008, 08:49 PM

Have lots of fun and a magical time
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
Mandy

julezdisney

10-31-2008, 01:34 PM

Happy Halloween! Keep safe & have fun!

AshleyMWC

11-01-2008, 05:39 PM

We are currently sitting in the Orlando airport awaiting our flight- one more hour in Orlando. We had a WONDERFUL trip and were sad to leave as usual. The weather was great, the food was awesome, the Poly was perfect, and we can't wait to be back in Disney in 346 days for our Honeymoon!!! I will start a TR as soon as I can settle back into regular life again, but I will try and upload a few sneak preview photos in the next day or two. Thanks for following along everyone!! :thumbsup2

llurgy

11-01-2008, 06:17 PM

Welcome back!!!!:cool1:

On the same hand sad to see you back as that means your Dis Vacation is over:sad1:

Stoked that you had such a great time and everything was so good for you and cant wait to hear about it all in your trip report after you have gotten settled into normalcy again

Mandy

ndziob

11-03-2008, 08:45 PM

where did you get the fantasia and cinderella shirts?

izzyzoeybear

11-04-2008, 07:21 PM

Welcome Back!!! I know what ya mean about getting back in the swing of things. I am hoping by next week to start my TR....but right now I am still up to my waist in laundry....:laundy:

kaysmommie

11-05-2008, 07:51 AM

Welcome back, glad you had a great time in Disney! looking forward to your trippie when you get settled in.

kathleen27

11-05-2008, 09:12 AM

Welcome Back!!!
Sounds like a great trip!!!

Figment's Friend

11-05-2008, 04:58 PM

I'm so glad you had an awesome time and I can't wait to read (and see) all about it! :thumbsup2

Chelley00

11-06-2008, 10:49 AM

Welcome home!

Camster0307

11-06-2008, 02:24 PM

Welcome back! I hope you guys had a magical time!

I look forward to reading your TR when we get back -- we leave on Saturday!!!!:dance3:

heatherlizz602

11-06-2008, 09:44 PM

WELCOME BACK!!!

Cant wait for the TR. Take your time and get adjusted to the "real world". Hope you had a magical time..:goodvibes

JaxJags08

12-08-2008, 07:27 AM

Hi! Have you started your TR? Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing it!

llurgy

01-09-2009, 07:55 AM

Hi! Have you started your TR? Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing it!

I am still eating my way through popcorn:: popcorn:: too :)
Waiting.............

Mandy

AshleyMWC

01-09-2009, 10:37 AM

Well everyone, I know that we have been back for over 2 months now, and I can’t believe I haven’t started a report yet! Between the holidays, totally gutting and remodeling our 2 bathrooms, and planning the wedding, the Dis has sadly fallen by the wayside a little bit. I know, SHOCK, HORROR!!! But now I am back in the game and determined to start, AND FINISH this TR!!! This first installment will have few to no pictures, because well, it was just a crazy day/night, and there were simply no good times for picture taking. I will try and sneak in a few teaser pictures though, in hopes of snagging at least a couple of readers. And in all honesty, as you read about our “travel day,” you probably wouldn’t want to see many pictures of me anyway- I can’t imagine that I was looking too pretty that day.

So, I guess it’s finally time to begin!! For anyone just climbing aboard or who needs a refresher (which is probably everyone since I have been MIA forever!!), I shall begin with our small, yet fabulous cast.

First, there is me, Ashley!
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/n555175231_1370463_9966.jpg
I am 28 (ok, I was 27 on the trip) and I love Disney! I have loved Disney since the first time my parents took me back in elementary school. I have probably been to the World close to 10 times, and luckily I have a DF who loves the place just as much as I do. We go every year, despite people telling us to “go somewhere else for once.” We just look at them like they have 10 heads. Some of my favs include the Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, Soarin’, World Showcase, the AK trails, the Grand Floridian, Boardwalk, and Donald!! Ok, I have a wide variety of favs, and the list could truly go on and on and on and on. I am a planner by nature, but DF isn’t so much, so I try to strike a balance somewhere in the middle of planned and spontaneous. I think we really achieved that balance this trip, as it was one of our best ever!

Next, we have my DF, Sam, age 29.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/AshleyMWC/IMG_0182.jpg
We got engaged about 3 weeks before this trip, and he is already pumped about our 2 week Disneymoon!! How did I get so lucky to find this guy?!?!? Sam is a banker by day, and a musician and Disney by night. Sam’s first trip to the World was with his high school band back in the day, but he didn’t FULLY experience it until he went with my family in 2003- my college graduation present. From that trip on, he was totally hooked- I mean totally! Some of his favs around the World include Tower of Terror (his #1 fav), Carousel of Progress, Everest, BTMRR, Soarin’, Boardwalk, the monorail, and Goofy. He is clearly more of a thrill seeker than myself.

So, that’s who we are, and that’s our whole travel party. Our travel dates were Oct 23-Nov 1. We spent the first night at Pop, and then transferred to the Poly for the next 8 nights (thank you Mr. 40% off discount code!!!)- it was like a little slice of heaven- or how I imagine heaven to be, at least.

So, that’s enough background info I think- now onto the report!!

So, we begin on October 23- Travel Day. We had originally planned on flying out early the morning of the 24th, but thanks to AirTran and all their stupid cutbacks, they cancelled that flight about 3 months prior. They put us on a flight that got into Orlando at 3:30 the afternoon of the 24th instead. To that I said, no way Jose. That would mean basically cutting out a whole vacation day by the time we got to the resort. So, we switched to an evening flight on the 23rd, and a stay at Pop for the one night. In hindsight we would have gladly paid the extra $$$ to spend that first night at the Poly- but we’ll get to that later. So, back to the 23rd- sorry for the ramblings thus far! Since our flight didn’t leave until almost 7 that night, Sam and I both worked that day. I worked until noon I think, and Sam called it a day around 1. It was actually not as painful as I thought to go to work that morning, and it was worth it to get a few last minute things done and off my mind. Sam’s parents had driven into town that day to pick up our dog, Disney, to watch while we were away. So, after we both left work, we met up with them for lunch. It was the first time we had seen them since Sam popped the question, so it was nice. We chatted and lunched for a bit, and then parted all different ways to finish packing and pick up last minute items and such. And that’s when it started to hit me- the dreaded sore throat and cold symptoms! Noooo, this couldn’t be happening now! I actually cried in the car driving to Target! It wasn’t bad, but I could only imagine how bad it could be hopping on a plane all stuffed up and such. So, I did what any good Diser would do- I loaded up on about a million Halls Defense cough drops, and had some hot tea. Now armed with cough drops, cold drugs, and tea, I headed back home to watch TV and kill time before we left (I was of course totally packed, unlike some other people who shall remain nameless). I think I may have briefly dozed off on the couch, but I soon woke up to realize that our ride to the airport was here!! Yay, it’s go time. So, we grabbed our bags, and headed out the door. Unfortunately, so did the dogs- Disney and Sam’s parents’ dog!!!! We don’t have a fenced yard, so they took off running, and FAST!! So, here we were running, literally full speed, down the street trying to catch the dogs. We finally wrangled Disney in the neighbor’s backyard, but Zoe was still on the loose, and definitely not stopping. You see I know they would come back, but the problem is, would they get hit by a car first?!!! They are miniature schnauzers and crazy fast runners. Plus, they’re not like big dogs you can catch and grab around the neck- no, they are small and you literally have to dive to catch them. So, I am now the only one running and screaming around the neighborhood trying to catch Zoe. All the while I literally feel like my throat is closing up from all this. Finally that stupid dog stopped to pee, and I grabbed her- yes, mid-stream and all. Bad girl Zoe! Ugh!!!!!!! Here is the Disney, one of the culprits.
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What a banner start to the evening- Iooking back, this was definitely a sign of things to come! So, dogs returned to the house, we climbed in our buddy’s truck and headed to the airport. It literally took me half the trip there to recover from the dog chase. You know when you are running full steam and it’s cold out, and the pain that subsequently settles in your chest? Well, that was me. It felt like an elephant was doing the polka on my chest!

Anyway, I got over it, and we arrived at the airport safe and sound. I had already checked us in online, so all we had to do was throw our bags at the clerk (not literally, although looking back, I wish I had). So, bags thrown, we headed off to security. It was painless and pretty quick, and we now have about 1.5 hours or so before we could board. We decided to get some dinner at the oh so classy airport Applebees. It was actually pretty good in all honesty. We both had the chicken fingers basket, and a Corona. Corona is our “vacation drink.” I mean we drink them at home too, but they always remind us of vacation- more specifically Misner’s Lounge at the GF where we have consumed many a Corona. We paid our bill and headed to our gate to hang out for the little while we had before boarding. Ok, now this was funny, and I don’t have a picture (which probably makes it less funny to you guys). But we sit down, and sitting across from us this girl who I kid you not was an exact clone of this girl from Breakfast Club. I mean they literally could have been twins! And it make it all the better, she was all fidgety and kind of squirrely like the girl in the movie. She was from then on known to us as Breakfast Club. We tried to get a picture, but we couldn’t think of a way to do it that didn’t make us seem like freaks taking a picture of a stranger. So, a few minutes later, we were still sitting. There was no plane at the gate to speak of. We were shortly informed that the plane was “on the way” and that we would have to board at warp speed once it arrived. So, arrive it finally did, and board at warp speed we did. That was the fastest loading and taxi I have ever seen. Now let it be known that I do not love to fly by any means- and I certainly do not love to fly while we are heading into horrendous storms! Well, let’s just say I didn’t like this flight at all. Take off was fine, the flight was ok, albeit super bumpy. The descent, however, darn near did me in. I think the captain was about to miss Atlanta and did a nose dive straight down. At that moment I thought I was going to be sick- like for real sick. By the grace of God I was able to not embarrass myself on that plane, but I was definitely not feeling great- and we still had another leg of the flight to go. We slowly made our way off the plane and headed to our next gate- a mere 4 gates down, per the nice flight attendant who announced all 145,987 connections during our descent. Our connection was already tight before our delay in RIC, but now it was down to about 20 minutes. So, we slowly stroll over to the gate, only to find that no no, they had moved our flight! They had not only moved it to another gate, but another terminal all together. Now anyone who has ever flown through Atlanta knows that that place is no picnic to navigate- much less if you have to do it quickly. So, we literally took off running up the super super super long escalator, and along the people mover things, and finally arrived 3 terminals later! We ran onto the plane (no, we seriously did run) and found our seats. We were dripping in sweat and of course the air was not working on the plane! People were fanning themselves and taking off anything appropriate they could. Great- so now I was still feeling sick, and I was crazy hot. The only thing that improved my mood was when Breakfast Club ran in and sat in the seat next to Sam. We both looked at each other and tried not to laugh- it was just too funny!! What are the odds?!? Anyway, about 30 seconds later the plane pushed away from the gate and we were on our way. I was ok the second leg, sickness-wise, but my throat was just plain raw by this point and I just wanted to go to sleep!

So, we get the heck off that plane and head to the luggage carousel. We were using Magical Express, but since it was so late and we were transferring hotels the next morning, we just wanted to move our own bags on the ME. So, back to the luggage carousel. The bags started coming out pretty quickly, and Sam’s was one of the first ones out. Then came my big bag. Yay!!! We only had one more bag to go. You see we booked our tickets back when you got 2 free pieces of checked baggage, so we checked a semi-empty one to bring back any souvenirs and such. That semi-empty bag, however, contained my makeup, raincoat, umbrella, and crocs. So, luggage came and went, but my little orange suitcase never came and went!! And then it was just us and no more bags. Oh you have GOT to be kidding me!! By this time is it close to midnight and I am headed to the lost luggage office- home of the least friendly people in the universe (sorry if anyone works in these offices- I assume you are the exception to the rule). So I walked in- the only one mid you- and inform this woman that my bag is missing. She asks my name and says “OHHHH, we got a call about your bag!” Um, what?!?! It was a tiny little suitcase with nothing weird or dangerous in it, why would you have gotten a call about it???? She so kindly informs me that it is my fault that my bag is lost because I missed flight out of ROCHESTER! Um, ma’am, I am coming from Richmond, nowhere near Rochester. She says, “Yes, you’re not coming from Rochester now obviously, because you missed THAT flight.” What is heaven’s name was this woman talking about?!?! Thankfully a nicer guy appears and takes over and takes pity on me and my bag. He figures out that my bag was routed to Rochester from Richmond on “accident.” Accident my bootie- that mean man from the AirTran counter probably did it! He was NOT friendly as I previously mentioned, and I still blame him!! Anyway, Juan tells me that my bag will be on a plane leaving Rochester tomorrow morning and that it should be at my hotel around 2PM. Ok, no biggie- no makeup for a day. It won’t be pretty but whatever. So, we FINALLY board the ME and have an uneventful ride to Pop. Check-in was uneventful and we eventually found our room and crashed while watching the Golden Girls. Oh and did I mention that it was pouring rain that night- and of course AirTran was holding my rain gear hostage! Wow, what a day- but I promise the vacation gets better after this day!!!

Sorry for the lack of pictures this day, but again, you wouldn’t have wanted to see them anyway- trust me, I saw myself in the flesh, it wasn’t good! Up next, checking into the Poly, and we hit the first park!! I will try and ramble less, I promise!!
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