~How TWO trips became...who knows? ~ It's a TRIP! and an upgrade.... 4/22

[tinytreasures]

Sunshine Seasons - another DIS meet with a former wish family! :woohoo:

I can't wait to see you again :lovestruc

[maroo]

:laughing: You wouldn't be a true DISer if you didn't have second thoughts! But, remember... work your ADRs into your schedule, don't work your schedule around your ADRs! :thumbsup2

Nice job!


Kathy

thanks! :goodvibes This is true...we just sorta go with what we know will work for us. I just hope it works! :laughing:


Hi. I just came over (from your response to my pre-trip report). I read you report with Lauren. I enjoyed it.

Wow! Three trips in two years!! You are so lucky. I haven't read through yet, but will after I post. I can't wait to read about your trips.

Awesome! :welcome: Glad you could join us!!

I do feel very, very fortunate! I get to introduce a few people to WDW, too, which will be so much fun!!!

Excellent ressies!

I have to say lunch and dinner at the Brown Derby are quite similar, if not virtually the same menu, so as far as value goes, I don't think it'll really make a difference for you. :thumbsup2

Thanks! :goodvibes

And I am so glad to know that lunch and dinner are similar. It is free...so there is certainly value in THAT, right! :rotfl:

Sunshine Seasons - another DIS meet with a former wish family! :woohoo:

I can't wait to see you again :lovestruc

He he!

So, am I making our DISmeet "public knowledge"?? :rotfl2: I was not sure.

I can't wait to meet up with you guys again! :goodvibes

[kdzbear]

You did great with your reservations! I love Boma, but I have never tried it for breakfast. I think the Chef Mickey's reservations is the best! ;)

[maroo]

You did great with your reservations! I love Boma, but I have never tried it for breakfast. I think the Chef Mickey's reservations is the best! ;)


Ha! I figured you would like that CM ressie! :rolleyes1

I :love: Boma!! All I have ever had was breakfast and it was wonderful. My friend told me, before I left, that she would actually crave Boma breakfast food after she gets home...and I totally know what she means! What I would not give for some of that food right now. Yum!

[maroo]

Shifting Gears...

Ok...think MARATHON weekend! January 2010! Marathon discussion is all in PURPLE! Because I am afraid I will be PURPLE when I get done. :faint:


So...I need to start thinking about the Marathon Weekend trip, because I have LOTS of decisions that need to be made for that weekend. :yay:

Option 1: Team in Training
Charity: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Amt to be raised: This is in the thousands - but I am not exactly sure how much
Dates: Thursday, Jan 7 - Monday, Jan 11 (with the option to extend the trip dates at our own cost)
Training: This is done as a group - they give us a schedule and we have times that we meet as a group to do long runs, etc. We are assigned a trainer that helps us get ready for the race!

I like this option because it provides real-life trainers and I should be able to make a friend that I could possibly room with for the trip, which would be nice! I would be able to do this in a group setting and have accountability as I train.



Option 2: DISboards Team
Charity: Give Kids the World
Amount to be Raised: Undetermined, but less than TnT!
Dates: TBA
Training: On my own!

I LOVE this charity! You guys probably know that already! But I am not even sure that this will end up being an option and the training on my own has me a little nervous.



So...that is where I am on the Marathon Weekend. I have not really introduced that trip yet...so I figured I would fill you guys in on where I am on that.

What do you guys think? :scratchin Should I go for Option ONE or Option TWO?

[If U Had Wings]

Both sound like great options. I guess the biggest decision would be how much money you feel you can comfortably raise. The trainers and support would be a great help with option #1.

[maroo]

Both sound like great options. I guess the biggest decision would be how much money you feel you can comfortably raise. The trainers and support would be a great help with option #1.

I am not exactly sure what the requirements are yet...I had heard $4000. But some of that I have already raised, for whichever option I chose. I think I have about $400 so far from babysitting? :confused3

I work at a cancer clinic, so I think raising the money would not be terribly hard and they also help us, too.

I have posted a message on the DISUnplugged board to see if Option 2 is even still available! They may leave me only one option.

[TarzansKat]

Oh, gosh, I don't even know. They're both very worthy causes. And if you're worried about training on your own, perhaps you could buddy up with someone on the DIS and compare notes, you know? Heck, I'd buddy up with you if it would get me in shape. I won't necessarily run a marathon, but it's actually been my dream to do so at some point. :goodvibes

[KathyRN137]

Having that Option #1 support is a real plus... esp since its your 1st marathon...


Kathy

[maroo]

Oh, gosh, I don't even know. They're both very worthy causes. And if you're worried about training on your own, perhaps you could buddy up with someone on the DIS and compare notes, you know? Heck, I'd buddy up with you if it would get me in shape. I won't necessarily run a marathon, but it's actually been my dream to do so at some point. :goodvibes

Aw man!!! That would be so cool. This is just a half marathon (13.1 miles) and I would love to have someone on the DIS to virtually train with! :thumbsup2

And at some point...you would totally get a kick out of doing the half marathon at DISNEY! You get to walk/run down main street...and through the castle...

Having that Option #1 support is a real plus... esp since its your 1st marathon...


Kathy

Hmm... :scratchin Now, I know that you guys have actually DONE this...So this carries a LOT of weight in my book.

Maybe I could virtually train and get a local trainer? :confused3

I have sort of started...in April I was able to go 4 miles in the under 16 min/mile pace (which is basically speed walking)...but I really need to kick it in gear. My goal was do 5 miles at that pace in May and 6 miles in June...so I am behind already.

And the DISboards are still not sure if they will even have a team yet...so I am sorta in holding? :confused3

[maroo]

I am so excited about my new toy!

I got a new camera about a month ago and have been waiting for a great time to really use it! First...a picture of the camera! :rotfl:

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/swimming%20pics%20june%2009/cameracanonD10.jpg


I have to admit, it caught my eye because it is my favorite color. But this camera is SO COOL! It is waterproof to 10 meters down. It also is ok to use on the beach - sand won't hurt it. And it is ok to use in salt water!

I can't wait to use it at the beach this year, too!!




Yesterday I went swimming with Lauren, William and Lisa. We had a blast! And I used the opportunity to test out the underwater part of the camera!


First William...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/swimming%20pics%20june%2009/61009009.jpg

I was quite impressed with the quality of the underwater pics!


Most of you guys know Lauren. She is severely disabled and can not sit or stand on her own, but in the pool she has a lot more freedom and is able to sorta walk a few steps (if her legs behave) and she "swims" by going under and kicking her legs and then we grab her after we count to 7.

She loves it! She also likes to flip (but I am usually flipping her, so I didn't get any pics of that...maybe next time) and occasionally lets me throw her in the water. :eek:

Anyway...here is Lauren swimming...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/swimming%20pics%20june%2009/61009018.jpg



But this is my very favorite pic!





http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/swimming%20pics%20june%2009/61009011-1.jpg


She looks like she is RUNNING! She isn't. But she looks like she is!



Lauren is photogenic, even underwater! :yay:



And of course...it will be GREAT for Disney! I plan to actually ride some WET rides and get cool pics....like going over Splash Mountain! Wouldn't that be cool!??!

[jessica52877]

That camera looks great! I have been wanting an underwater camera. I didn't realize they had such nice ones! I might look into this one! Those pictures are crystal clear!

What beautiful pictures of Lauren! I bet she'll really enjoy them. I love that she is all stretched out on her own having fun!

[TarzansKat]

Aw man!!! That would be so cool. This is just a half marathon (13.1 miles) and I would love to have someone on the DIS to virtually train with! :thumbsup2

You know what, I'd love to virtually train with you regardless of which option you pick. Let me know when you're ready to get started, I could really use an accountability buddy, that's for sure.


And at some point...you would totally get a kick out of doing the half marathon at DISNEY! You get to walk/run down main street...and through the castle...

That would be awesome!

And, wow, I LOVE your new camera! What amazing pictures of the family! I say family, because they really are like family to you. :goodvibes Lauren look so happy underwater. Like it's freeing for her. :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

The pics are beautiful!

[KathyRN137]

Fantastic pictures underwater!! The kids must've had such fun posing!!
That camera will be perfect at the pool and on the wet rides!! :thumbsup2


Kathy

[maroo]

That camera looks great! I have been wanting an underwater camera. I didn't realize they had such nice ones! I might look into this one! Those pictures are crystal clear!

What beautiful pictures of Lauren! I bet she'll really enjoy them. I love that she is all stretched out on her own having fun!

I was so surprised at the quality of the pictures. And the pool...it is sorta "dark"...it has a dark blue bottom...so I don't know if that made the pictures stand out more? :confused3 Or if it would be even clearer in a white bottom pool?

Lauren loves to swim! :love:

You know what, I'd love to virtually train with you regardless of which option you pick. Let me know when you're ready to get started, I could really use an accountability buddy, that's for sure.


I will PM you on this!!!! :thumbsup2

That would be awesome!

And, wow, I LOVE your new camera! What amazing pictures of the family! I say family, because they really are like family to you. :goodvibes Lauren look so happy underwater. Like it's freeing for her. :goodvibes

They are family! :love:

She looks so happy ALL the time! I wish I could have an attitude like that!


The pics are beautiful!

aw...thank you!! :)

Fantastic pictures underwater!! The kids must've had such fun posing!!
That camera will be perfect at the pool and on the wet rides!! :thumbsup2


Kathy

They did have fun! William, bless his heart, wanted to be in every pic!!

[maroo]

Well folks...

You can write it down. June 12, 2009. The day the whole thing changed.

I will have to fill you in on the changes later...because I am not exactly sure how this will work out in the end...

But so far it has involved adding a night to one of the ressies...taking off 4 nights on another one...and adding a completely new ressie...for 4 more nights. Are you confused yet? **Notice...I got an EXTRA night for doing this! How do I always manage to do that!?! :lmao:

I promise to clear it up...but not today. I have to get to work and have a crazy night planned! Hopefully I will know for sure what I am doing by tomorrow and will try to figure out a way to tell you about it all without confusing you guys AGAIN!

[tiggerbell]

And I can't help but add - I KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING!!!!-kinda.... It really is a "work in progress", isn't it? :thumbsup2

:lmao:

[maroo]

And I can't help but add - I KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING!!!!-kinda.... It really is a "work in progress", isn't it? :thumbsup2

:lmao:

yeah...I SOOOOO pulled a tiggerbell!

No one does this better than you, my friend!

[tiggerbell]

yeah...I SOOOOO pulled a tiggerbell!

No one does this better than you, my friend!

I learned it from nebo - "I think, therefore, I tink." as in tinker... with itineraries... although, I think even nebo will admit I've turned it into an art form... :rotfl:

[maroo]

I learned it from nebo - "I think, therefore, I tink." as in tinker... with itineraries... although, I think even nebo will admit I've turned it into an art form... :rotfl:

We might need to change your user name to another "bell" I know...:rolleyes1

I am in the process of situating the various DIS meets and fridge swaps and other things I had tied to these trips... :faint: and then hopefully I can fill everyone else in...

But something REALLY cool could come out of all of this...

[TarzansKat]

Um, hon.

I can't keep up with you. :lmao:

Some clarification please?

[KathyRN137]

popcorn::

This oughtta be good....


Kathy

[maroo]

This isn't the "real" update yet...it will be forthcoming shortly, though. This has nothing to do with Disney...so feel free to skip it. :rolleyes:

This is the LIFE update....the parts that have nothing to do with the trip...well, sorta...

I want to go to Disney - NOW! And not come back. So there is the Disney part.

I could give you a laundry list...but my air conditioner leaked water all over in one of my rooms. It has involved ripping up carpet and may involve removing some dry wall. Anyway...

I saw Lauren's grandmother for the first time tonight since her spinal cord injury. I can't really explain this fully, but they are like family to me. I have no family in MS. I call her "Grandmother" as if she were my own. They invite me over for holidays, etc.

I walked into that rehab hospital room right behind Lauren and seeing Grandmother in that wheelchair and unable to get up and walk out of it was...horrible. She has always helped Lauren and her family...both physically by taking care of Lauren...and also emotionally...just always there for them. And now she is struggling so much. They are doing major PT...hours every day...but she can't stand yet and who knows what she will get back.

Just the fact that TWO members of their small family are sitting in wheelchairs is just too much for me. Lauren and Grandmother. Two peas in a pod now. Someday we will tell jokes about this. But not today.

Anyway...sorry for the late update, but I normally get today "off" and I had Grandmothers shift and took Lauren to wheelchair soccer practice and to the hospital and am just getting back home. Anyway...I am sure tomorrow will be a better day.

Now for the update you guys are really looking for!!

[maroo]

This is the DISNEY update you guys are looking for! And it will be DISNEY peppy...ya know what I am saying! Because I get to go to Disney World, which makes me one very lucky person. :woohoo:


Let's do this in stages...maybe lessen the confusion some?

Think SEPTEMBER trip! Remember that one? Free Dining...9 nights at the POP...my friend Sharon is coming with me.

Well....

My nine nights was cut to 5 nights.

I have to be back early for a meeting at work. The meeting is worth it. Really.


So now it is Friday, Sept 4 and checking out on Wednesday, Sept 9th. And I will be driving. Which works out well, because Sharon will be able to hitch a ride with me for the Florida part of my drive! That will be fun! :thumbsup2

The credit for the Southwest flights is going to be moved to another trip...more on that later.


This means I am losing my ability to go to the Night of Joy concerts. And now that I can't go...I will tell you what the big secret about all of that was GOING to be...

Wait...did I even tell you guys there was a SECRET...that I was holding back on you guys? Hmm... maybe it slipped my mind. :rotfl:


You see, I have friends in high places in the Night of Joy organizational committee. The singer/songwriter that is in charge of the whole thing...I got to meet him. ::yes:: It was super cool. Al Denson... the singer? You may not know him. Contemporary Christian artist. Excellent piano player! :thumbsup2

I used to do backstage stuff for a band when I was in college. The band manager knows Al Denson and knew I would be in Disney for Night of Joy and he vouched for me to Mr. Denson.

Anyway. I was getting free tickets. Backstage tickets. Think green room. I WAS going to be able to entertain some of his sponsors while they were in Orlando. He even mentioned being "in charge of a stage"... :faint: :sad2: At least that is what was being worked out. The details were sketchy and I was not quite sure what all that was going to look like.

Maybe next year.

:sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad:


So, now our trip is going to look more like just a trip to Disney with my friend Sharon. Which I am very excited about! Did I mention we have FREE Dining and I am only paying for a room at the POP?!? Cool, eh! And we will still have plenty of time to hit the parks and do so in a relaxed manner!


But now I need to think through my ADR's.

I KNOW we are keeping - Crystal Palace and California Grill. But I can't decide about the rest of them. (These take 3 of my 5 credits.)

The Boma breakfast was on one of the last days of the trip and I have eaten there before, so I am dropping that ressie.

But this leaves me Teppan Edo, Boma (dinner) and Brown Derby - but only 2 credits left.

I guess the one to drop that makes the most sense is Brown Derby, since it is two credits...but I was really looking forward to that one.

Is it worth paying out of pocket? I am going to have to pay out of pocket for a meal at some point, because we really will be eating for 5 days and I am keeping the California Grill ressie.

So...what do you guys think? We will need a meal when we are at DHS. We will pay for it out of pocket... where should we go? Still to the Brown Derby?

Thank you so, so much for sticking with me through all of this!

And if you are still reading, please say hello! :wave2:

[tiggerbell]

Hello! :wave:

[maroo]

Hello! :wave:

You crack me up.

Hello!!

:wave2:

[hematite153]

Yes. (I think it is worth paying out of pocket for a lunch at HBD if you use your credits for 2 meals at Teppan Edo and Boma. In fact, I suspect you'll find that the Boma dinner costs about the same as a HBD lunch, so, it's not really a good use of credits--especially if you're going to pay out of pocket for a meal somewhere anyway.)

I'm glad you're still going despite the need to get home earlier than originally planned.

[Sandy321]

go to allears.net and check prices - for us, it was cheaper to pay out of pocket for our California Grill meal!! (we ate the cheaper menu item - chicken, which was the BEST chicken meal EVER! and if I had the DDP I would've eaten a "more expensive" item - STEAK... :rolleyes1 so check that out! I've read mixed reviews on HD - but that's par for the DIS :rotfl2: I do know the grapefruit cake was a "must do" but now they admit they changed the recipe and its a "not so much"!!

AL DENSON:scared1: and you kept it a secret?! :scared1:

well, ok, if you "say" so (about it being ok that you have to be at work for a meeting - I'm sure it has to do with the real life, and paying bills... :hug:)

[TarzansKat]

First of all, I am so sorry to hear about Grandmother. I hope she has a speedy recovery. :hug:

Second, I feel a little :sad1: that you want to drop the Brown Derby. Am I allowed to throw a hissy fit on someone else's ptr? Picture this :yay: but with this face :mad:. :lmao:

Okay, here's the deal. Typically, Mom and Nana go to the Brown Derby for lunch. I don't know how that fits in your plans, but this is what they do. They order the Cobb Salad (which is a main course at lunch), and split it, with a couple of glasses of champagne. It's a nice, light lunch, and fairly inexpensive since they're splitting a meal. If you want to do the Brown Derby OOP, it is totally doable.

Now, when my husband and I went last year, we did eat there for lunch and pay OOP. We both had the shrimp appetizer, I had a Citron Limeade (alcoholic), he had a Coke. For our main course, I don't remember what he had, but I had the Cobb Salad, and we both got dessert. With tip, that meal rain us just under $100 for 2 people. So if that helps to know what it costs when you go all out. Now, I normally don't eat like that. At. All. But I love the Brown Derby.

This year, I'm leaning towards it as well, but we'll go for dinner. Now, for dinner the Cobb Salad is only listed as an appetizer, and it's meant to be split between two or more people. This works for me, because I'll usually split with Mom and Nana and not be too full, and I can still order a main course and dessert.

Anyway, I don't know if my long and convoluted explanation helps, but the more I think about it the more I realize how much I love the Brown Derby, and I just want to share it with other people! :goodvibes There's a lot of talk on the boards about whether or not it's "worth" two table service credits, and financially, maybe it's not, depending on what you order.

But to my mind, during free dining, you're not paying for your meals. They're free. So what's "worth" it is whatever you're going to enjoy the most and whatever experience you want to have. The food will always be good or bad and people will always like it our not.

What's your gut instinct?

[that's nice]

Well folks...

You can write it down. June 12, 2009. The day the whole thing changed.

I will have to fill you in on the changes later...because I am not exactly sure how this will work out in the end...

But so far it has involved adding a night to one of the ressies...taking off 4 nights on another one...and adding a completely new ressie...for 4 more nights. Are you confused yet? **Notice...I got an EXTRA night for doing this! How do I always manage to do that!?! :lmao:

I promise to clear it up...but not today. I have to get to work and have a crazy night planned! Hopefully I will know for sure what I am doing by tomorrow and will try to figure out a way to tell you about it all without confusing you guys AGAIN!

Wow. This is just nutz!!!!!! I love how you do this!! I know if we lived closer and were in driving distance we'd probably be doing changes like this all the time!! LOL

I've been checking in but haven't posted lately. 1 1/2 more weeks of me working like a nut..... But the last 2 months enable me to make the $ to go to Disney (and pay my bills! LOL)... so it's all worth it!:)

[maroo]

Yes. (I think it is worth paying out of pocket for a lunch at HBD if you use your credits for 2 meals at Teppan Edo and Boma. In fact, I suspect you'll find that the Boma dinner costs about the same as a HBD lunch, so, it's not really a good use of credits--especially if you're going to pay out of pocket for a meal somewhere anyway.)

I'm glad you're still going despite the need to get home earlier than originally planned.

This is a very good point! And I am very happy to be going, too!! This is going to work out well!

go to allears.net and check prices - for us, it was cheaper to pay out of pocket for our California Grill meal!! (we ate the cheaper menu item - chicken, which was the BEST chicken meal EVER! and if I had the DDP I would've eaten a "more expensive" item - STEAK... :rolleyes1 so check that out! I've read mixed reviews on HD - but that's par for the DIS :rotfl2: I do know the grapefruit cake was a "must do" but now they admit they changed the recipe and its a "not so much"!!

AL DENSON:scared1: and you kept it a secret?! :scared1:

well, ok, if you "say" so (about it being ok that you have to be at work for a meeting - I'm sure it has to do with the real life, and paying bills... :hug:)

checking allears.net is a great idea! I KNOW I am getting the filet at California Grill....so I am guessing it would be cheaper to buy the meal at Brown Derby. But I need to do the math!

Yeah. I met Al Denson at a concert and had a good conversation with him. He is a very nice guy. (Some of those artists are fairly aloof) but he was very friendly! :goodvibes He will probably be doing it again next year and I do have a trip already planned for Sept 2010, so maybe it will work out next year.

The meeting is actually sort of an extra thing for work...doesn't really have to do with my real job responsibilities. It is actually an advisory group I am a part of. We only meet 3 times a year and we have a cool opportunity to affect the rules at our local Medicare office, which is important for what I do at work and for people in general, so I don't want to miss it!

First of all, I am so sorry to hear about Grandmother. I hope she has a speedy recovery. :hug:

Second, I feel a little :sad1: that you want to drop the Brown Derby. Am I allowed to throw a hissy fit on someone else's ptr? Picture this :yay: but with this face :mad:. :lmao:

Okay, here's the deal. Typically, Mom and Nana go to the Brown Derby for lunch. I don't know how that fits in your plans, but this is what they do. They order the Cobb Salad (which is a main course at lunch), and split it, with a couple of glasses of champagne. It's a nice, light lunch, and fairly inexpensive since they're splitting a meal. If you want to do the Brown Derby OOP, it is totally doable.

Now, when my husband and I went last year, we did eat there for lunch and pay OOP. We both had the shrimp appetizer, I had a Citron Limeade (alcoholic), he had a Coke. For our main course, I don't remember what he had, but I had the Cobb Salad, and we both got dessert. With tip, that meal rain us just under $100 for 2 people. So if that helps to know what it costs when you go all out. Now, I normally don't eat like that. At. All. But I love the Brown Derby.

This year, I'm leaning towards it as well, but we'll go for dinner. Now, for dinner the Cobb Salad is only listed as an appetizer, and it's meant to be split between two or more people. This works for me, because I'll usually split with Mom and Nana and not be too full, and I can still order a main course and dessert.

Anyway, I don't know if my long and convoluted explanation helps, but the more I think about it the more I realize how much I love the Brown Derby, and I just want to share it with other people! :goodvibes There's a lot of talk on the boards about whether or not it's "worth" two table service credits, and financially, maybe it's not, depending on what you order.

But to my mind, during free dining, you're not paying for your meals. They're free. So what's "worth" it is whatever you're going to enjoy the most and whatever experience you want to have. The food will always be good or bad and people will always like it our not.

What's your gut instinct?

So...Brown Derby has a menu to order from at lunch...and I definitely think the cheapest way to spend the credits would be to eat at each of the places planned using the dining plan and just pay out of pocket for the Brown Derby meal!

And that way, I don't have to change the schedule around. I will be do plenty of that on my other trips. :lmao:

Wow. This is just nutz!!!!!! I love how you do this!! I know if we lived closer and were in driving distance we'd probably be doing changes like this all the time!! LOL

I've been checking in but haven't posted lately. 1 1/2 more weeks of me working like a nut..... But the last 2 months enable me to make the $ to go to Disney (and pay my bills! LOL)... so it's all worth it!:)

Did you see the "real" update...not just the one you had on your post?

I hope you are able to get done with work soon, deposit that money, send it to Disney and get back on the DIS! That is the way it works, right?!?

[All7OfUs]

Alert...! Keep the Brown Derby! I think you should save Teppan Edo and Boma's for "a different trip"! HA!

But we can talk more about THAT on Saturday! ;):cool1:

[maroo]

Ya think so?!?! :) I might have to eat there twice! :)


So...people...My trip report...which I have not update but have actually written the next chapter...was sent to the completed section?!?!

:sad1:

I guess it is over? :confused3

[tiggerbell]

Ya think so?!?! :) I might have to eat there twice! :)


So...people...My trip report...which I have not update but have actually written the next chapter...was sent to the completed section?!?!

:sad1:

I guess it is over? :confused3

Just send OhMari a PM telling her you have the next chapter ready, can she move it back... it happens occasionally where something gets moved and it needs to come back!

[that's nice]

Did you see the "real" update...not just the one you had on your post?

I hope you are able to get done with work soon, deposit that money, send it to Disney and get back on the DIS! That is the way it works, right?!?

Yea I saw the 'real' update! I actually have today off after 16 straight days of work! YEA!!!!!! Then it's 7 more days of work. Till I'm off next Thursday... work next Friday & Saturday, then I have 5 days off!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So once I get my check in July, my trip will be paid off!! Then I have to decide if I'm getting AP's or 10day NE tix???? Hummmmm. What to do?

[maroo]

Yea I saw the 'real' update! I actually have today off after 16 straight days of work! YEA!!!!!! Then it's 7 more days of work. Till I'm off next Thursday... work next Friday & Saturday, then I have 5 days off!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So once I get my check in July, my trip will be paid off!! Then I have to decide if I'm getting AP's or 10day NE tix???? Hummmmm. What to do?

AP... at least ONE AP for one member of your family.

Because then you an use it to get any discounts, parking (if you ever stay offsite), get a Tables in Wonderland card...and a bunch of other things I have not discovered yet. I have used mine a lot more than I thought I would to get discounts.

Then it may be just as cheap to get the 10 day ones for the rest of your family...

That is just my 10 cents. :goodvibes

[maroo]

Ok...

I am going to get voted off the DIS island.

I am changing this all up... I will give you guys an updated cheat sheet shortly and then give you some details, too, as they come around!

popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn::

There ya go... enough to go around. If we need some more in a few minutes, let me know. :goodvibes

[maroo]

The new and improved Maroo Cheat Sheet!

August 2009 Dates: August 6-9, 2009
Cast: Maroo, joined by jenb1023 ** And a special, small, guest - Muffin!
How Long: 4 days
Where: Camp Hill, PA
Travel: By Air
Special Events: Meet famous podcasters! Learn more Disney trivia!
Bonus Event: Hershey Park for half a day!
Touring Plan: FUN, FUN, FUN!



September 2009 Dates: Sept 4 - 9, 2009
Cast: Maroo and Sharon (teacher, friend from FL)
How Long: 6 Days
Where: POP Century - Upgraded to SSR!!!!
Travel: Flying!
Special Events: Free DINING! made LOTS of ADR's!
Touring Plan: Relaxed



December 2009 Dates: December 14 - 20, 2009
Cast: Maroo - I am going as mostly a friend, but also a assistant to Rachel (age 21, uses a power chair) and her Mom, best friend and extended family
How Long: 6 days
Where: Animal Kingdom Lodge (Savannah View) :woohoo:
Travel: By car
Purpose: MPS Conference
Special Activity: Candlelight Processional, Osbourne Lights, MVMCP
Touring Plan: Relaxed!

January 2010 Dates: Jan 7-10, 2010
Cast: Maroo
How long: 4 days
Where: POP!
Travel: By plane
Purpose: Marathon Weekend MEETS and Solo Trip!
Special Activity: LOTS of meets!
Touring Plan: Commando and Relaxed!



March 2010 Dates: March 7-10, 2010

Cast: Maroo and Lisa
How Long: 4 days
Where: POLY?? Or All Star Sports - Interesting, huh!
Travel: By plane
Purpose: Princess Half Marathon!
Special Activity: Lots of special ADR's and maybe a Poly stay!
Touring Plan: Relaxed



September 2010 Dates: TBD ** See Link in Siggie! Separate Pre-Trippie for this trip!!! **
Cast: Maroo, All7OfUs (Leisa) and Lee Ann (not on the boards yet)
How Long: 10 Days, probably
Where: ??
Travel: By car
Purpose: Tour the parks, Dining
Special Activity: TBD
Touring Plan: Commando AM, Very relaxed PM

[maroo]

You very astute readers will notice a few things that I will go ahead and address...

First of all...the January Marathon trip is completely canceled. I AM going to do the Half Marathon in January, just not in Disney. Plans are still on for me to train and walk the half - just in Jackson instead of Disney. My friends from work are all doing it in Jackson, Lisa can do it Jackson and I don't have enough days off in 2010 for all of the trips I have planned that I am not even going to tell you about yet. Cruel. I know.


Second...The Sept trip has been reduced to 5 nights. This has been addressed in an earlier update, but this is working out for the best for all of us, really. So, it is all good!

Third...December. Yeah. December. December is very complicated. I will sorta have 3 trips in one. Are you guys familiar with the DAP? The DIS-a-palooza? If not...details will be forthcoming to explain this concept. It is basically a weekend where the DISboards is planning several activities where we can meet other DISers. And to make this MORE fun...I have some more friends that I may get to meet, too. So I will be juggling a LOT of DIS meets and meets with other Disney fans that are not necessarily on the DISboards. :goodvibes

Everyone...really, everyone...is free to come on down that weekend! It is the second weekend in December. There will be lots to do!!!!

And then I have the same trip with Rachel and her family that we have already talked about. And I have some more info coming about that, too. It has changed some, as well. :goodvibes

[KathyRN137]

Maroo,

Any idea why David Bowie's song, Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes is going on in the back of my mind right now?? :lmao:

The double MVMCP's sound like fun, as does all the DAP stuff. DIS-meets are awesome!!

Wish I could go but I'm planning a little surprise of my own.... :ssst:


Kathy

Thoughts and prayers go out to Grandma...

:angel:

[All7OfUs]

I'm gettin' my own! popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

Yours comes with too much confusion, and mine comes with anti-suspensing agent. :rotfl2:

[maroo]

Maroo,

Any idea why David Bowie's song, Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes is going on in the back of my mind right now?? :lmao:

The double MVMCP's sound like fun, as does all the DAP stuff. DIS-meets are awesome!!

Wish I could go but I'm planning a little surprise of my own.... :ssst:


Kathy

Thoughts and prayers go out to Grandma...

:angel:

Thank you so much for continuing to pray for Grandmother. She is having a tough time. She is "walking" a little more in therapy this week (not on her own, with very much assistance - they actually move her legs). She is able to move a little bit sitting down, but her legs feel numb and tingly (which is MUCH better than feeling nothing at all). But she is battling the blues that comes with such a major loss, too. As is her family.

As far as all of the changes...they will work out, hopefully and turn out to be a really good move for me!

I'm gettin' my own! popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

Yours comes with too much confusion, and mine comes with anti-suspensing agent. :rotfl2:


I guess...since you are sporting the anti-suspense agent...that maybe I will fill you in...WHEN I SEE YOU!!! I get to see you in real life 3D in TWO DAYS!! :) Woo Hoo!! A DISmeet!! :woohoo:

[maroo]

Bonus Update!


A Bonus Update for you guys actually reading this! :goodvibes

This weekend Lauren and I are going to Nashville to meet - in person - All7ofUs! We will be planning our Sept 2010 trip (see link in my siggie)...but we will also be doing some major DIS meeting!!

I have at least 3 separate DIS meets planned. We plan on getting LOTS of pictures and I should have some DIS stories to tell when we get back! :thumbsup2

If you are reading this and you live in the Nashville area...PM me! We would love to have you join us for a quick meet and DISer photo! :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

I have a headache. :headache:

All this changing makes me so, so confused. I really need to read your updates on my non work days. :lmao:

In all seriousness, I think I'm on track here. So we currently have two trips we know about. :thumbsup2

[maroo]

I have a headache. :headache:

All this changing makes me so, so confused. I really need to read your updates on my non work days. :lmao:

In all seriousness, I think I'm on track here. So we currently have two trips we know about. :thumbsup2

Uh...yes.

We will just go one year at a time...how about that!

For 2009...

September. Then December.

And that is it. ::yes::

I am afraid I should abandon pre-trip writing.

[TarzansKat]

Uh...yes.

We will just go one year at a time...how about that!

For 2009...

September. Then December.

And that is it. ::yes::

Okay. My feeble brain can handle one year at a time.


I am afraid I should abandon pre-trip writing.

Um, no. :eek:

You keep writing. Your confusing me is all part of the fun my dear. All part of the fun. :lmao:

[maroo]

Um, no. :eek:

You keep writing. Your confusing me is all part of the fun my dear. All part of the fun. :lmao:

I am still here!! :goodvibes

And feeling much better today about the pre-trip writing tasks!

[maroo]

A DISmeet!!!

I am ashamed...:sad2:

We had a casualty this weekend.

My camera. The new one. Well.... I apparently left the battery charger in Chicago...because I can't find it ANYWHERE.

Which means...I went to Nashville to meet up with All7ofUS (Liesa) and some fellow DISers and have nothing to show for it...yet.

I know there are pictures on some other threads and Liesa has some pics, too.

I had a BLAST meeting Liesa. We met her for lunch, went shopping and shopped till it was time for supper! After some sad goodbye's, Lauren and I got in the van and Lauren said, "I feel like I have known her forever. I feel like is she a long lost best friend!"

Lauren is exactly right!!!!

We had so much fun. And Liesa does have pictures. But she will be heading back over the big pond tomorrow (a 36 hour trip), so I am sure it will be later before she can update and get pics to me...so we will have to hold on for that...

Hopefully you guys are still out there!! :)

[If U Had Wings]

Glad to hear that you had such a wonderful time at your dismeet!

[TarzansKat]

I totally forgot to post this elsewhere, but I'm sorry to hear about the camera! Hopefully you can get the battery replaced soon. :goodvibes

[eyor44]

Okay, I have read about 4-5 pages just to get caught up.

I'm sorry to hear about Grandmother. I hope she doesn't give up and will be praying for her. And for all of you. I am sure it is very hard on her, when she is so use to giving help.

Sorry to hear about the camera. hope you are able to get a new charger soon. It sounds awesome. I am going to go back and look at your pics tonight. Can't see them at work. Firewall you know.

Ahhhhhh, you aren't doing the 1/2. :sad1: Well, we'll just have to meet another time. But I remember how bummed your were that Lisa was going to miss it. She must be doing better if she is planning to do the one in Jackson. Didn't she hurt one of her legs?

Gosh, you have been busy rearranging all of your trips. Thanks for the cheat sheets. They help a lot.

[KathyRN137]

We had so much fun. And Liesa does have pictures. But she will be heading back over the big pond tomorrow (a 36 hour trip), so I am sure it will be later before she can update and get pics to me...so we will have to hold on for that...



Sorry about the camera...

I did see a nice group pic posted by MeMom on mrsksomeday's thread....


Kathy

[eyor44]

WOW! Great under water pics! :worship: I wanna be able to do that.
But......I don't go swimming very often. :upsidedow

[maroo]

Glad to hear that you had such a wonderful time at your dismeet!

Thank you! We had a blast!!!! :thumbsup2

I totally forgot to post this elsewhere, but I'm sorry to hear about the camera! Hopefully you can get the battery replaced soon.

I am actually ordering a replacement charger and extra battery today! :goodvibes


I'm sorry to hear about Grandmother. I hope she doesn't give up and will be praying for her. And for all of you. I am sure it is very hard on her, when she is so used to giving help.


This has been excruciating. On so many levels. Just to think that one Saturday afternoon her back hurt and within 2 weeks they are talking about having to move in to Lauren's house because they don't have an accessible house... So, she is basically losing her ability to walk, some independence and her home - her whole life has been turned upside down.

And this poor family...one thing after another... it is just too much.

Lisa is having a hard time, too...so much to do in her regular life to keep her family going, house clean, everyone's needs met. And add getting the house ready to add more people and she is about at her ropes end.


Sorry to hear about the camera. hope you are able to get a new charger soon. It sounds awesome. I am going to go back and look at your pics tonight. Can't see them at work. Firewall you know.


It should be here in the next few days! I ordered 2 chargers and an extra battery, too! :rotfl:


Ahhhhhh, you aren't doing the 1/2. :sad1: Well, we'll just have to meet another time. But I remember how bummed your were that Lisa was going to miss it. She must be doing better if she is planning to do the one in Jackson. Didn't she hurt one of her legs?

Gosh, you have been busy rearranging all of your trips. Thanks for the cheat sheets. They help a lot.

Lisa did have a fracture in her leg. It is much better now! She has been riding her bike and walking some.

I have some other folks that are going to do the half with me from work. But I do hope Lisa does it, too!

I just don't have enough vacation time to do all of the things I would like to do in 2010. I have some exciting stuff up my sleeve! ;)

Sorry about the camera...

I did see a nice group pic posted by MeMom on mrsksomeday's thread....


Kathy

I saw that pic!

I will post it over here as soon as I get the pics for the rest of meet, too!

Liesa's Dad burned me a CD of all of the pictures and has already put it in the mail...so I should have it in the next couple of days. :goodvibes I can't wait to update you guys!! I will do a full mini-TR over here and she will do one on her thread, too!! :)

WOW! Great under water pics! :worship: I wanna be able to do that.
But......I don't go swimming very often. :upsidedow

It was so much fun getting those pics!

I can't believe you live in this Mississippi heat and don't go swimming often?! :confused3

[maroo]

Ok...

Think Christmas! December! Hence the green writing...


I am BOOKED!!!!

On a Southwest flight (used some of my credit! :cool1:) that will land at the Orlando airport late on Thursday, December 10th!

:dance3: :cheer2: :rockband: party: :jumping1:


Beyond that... Well...I don't know. My schedule is completely up in the air (no pun intended) and will be until around the first part of July...

So...

Stay tuned!

:happytv:

[TarzansKat]

Congratulations! Booking airfare is always exciting! :thumbsup2

[If U Had Wings]

Ok...

Think Christmas! December! Hence the green writing...


I am BOOKED!!!!

On a Southwest flight (used some of my credit! :cool1:) that will land at the Orlando airport late on Thursday, December 10th!

:dance3: :cheer2: :rockband: party: :jumping1:


Beyond that... Well...I don't know. My schedule is completely up in the air (no pun intended) and will be until around the first part of July...

So...

Stay tuned!

:happytv:

Congrats on booking your flight! That always makes the trip so permanent for me!

It's too bad our trips don't overlap a bit more. I'll be leaving on the 12th. :mad:

[eyor44]

Yeah on December flights!:woohoo:

[that's nice]

When are you gonna plan your January February and March trips?:lmao:

We will be there March 6-14th. LOLOL:rotfl:

[maroo]

Congratulations! Booking airfare is always exciting! :thumbsup2

Thank you!! I am very excited!! :goodvibes

Congrats on booking your flight! That always makes the trip so permanent for me!

It's too bad our trips don't overlap a bit more. I'll be leaving on the 12th. :mad:

We have to try to meet up! I have no idea what my schedule looks like on that day... but it would be so cool to meet up!

Yeah on December flights!:woohoo:

I was so excited to see that Southwest was booking! And to get the flight taken care of was great, too. I am going!! :)

When are you gonna plan your January February and March trips?:lmao:

We will be there March 6-14th. LOLOL:rotfl:

There will be no Jan, Feb or March trips!

Although, I have to admit I TRIED to get Lauren and family to go stay in an offsite condo for Spring Break...but they said they don't want to do Disney again for a while...they would rather go to the mountains or something?

:sad:

I will be going with Lauren on her choir trip again, going to Disney in September with All7ofUs (my stranger trip!) and..... well, you never know what I have cooked up. But nothing in Jan, Feb or March. ::yes::

[If U Had Wings]

We have to try to meet up! I have no idea what my schedule looks like on that day... but it would be so cool to meet up!



I'll have a bunch of free time over my last few days as my plan is right now so we should be able to work something out. The 10th is actually my off day, possibly with MVMCP at night, and the 11th is just a go whereever we want type of day, and I'll have some free time my last morning too. We should definitley be able to work something out in December. :thumbsup2

[that's nice]

But nothing in Jan, Feb or March. ::yes::

I wish there was a place in the User CP where you can store quotes. I'd like to break this one out someday in the near future! LOLOLOL:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

[maroo]

I wish there was a place in the User CP where you can store quotes. I'd like to break this one out someday in the near future! LOLOLOL:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

:rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:

Did I say no trips in Jan, Feb or March?!?! I said that?

Oh yeah...I remember now....:rolleyes:

Hmm....

I suppose you never know. You might want to keep that quote. :hippie:

[Sandy321]

:sad: NO :sad:

*sigh, I know its not all about me!! :sad:

But I truly was looking forward to meeting you in Jan '10 - I even made DD read all your trip reports so she would know you too!! *sinff

DD and I just came back from a Mission Trip in Michigan - so overwhelming - great experience! Lots of "God Moments" - -

coming back to real life has been really really sad!

I know what you mean about the overwhelming time Lisa has - its overwhelming reading about it! But I do read about all the love that is surrounding y'all! :grouphug: and prayers and :wizard:

Sorry about your camera battery charger - that is such a cool camera, the pictures you posted were AWESOME!! (I've lost my camera charger so many times I bought a back up at Walgreens!)

Guess I"m going to have to figure out how to do a solo trip for a F&W visit in '2010 - maybe they will do a Free DIning then??

[maroo]

I'll have a bunch of free time over my last few days as my plan is right now so we should be able to work something out. The 10th is actually my off day, possibly with MVMCP at night, and the 11th is just a go whereever we want type of day, and I'll have some free time my last morning too. We should definitley be able to work something out in December. :thumbsup2

I am so sorry!!

I totally missed answering your post earlier!!

I have NO idea what my schedule is going to be yet for the 11th. I also think I will end up at MVMCP that night...possibly. But I am not sure yet.

But we can definitely check that out closer, too!



:sad: NO :sad:

*sigh, I know its not all about me!! :sad:

But I truly was looking forward to meeting you in Jan '10 - I even made DD read all your trip reports so she would know you too!! *sinff

DD and I just came back from a Mission Trip in Michigan - so overwhelming - great experience! Lots of "God Moments" - -

coming back to real life has been really really sad!

I know what you mean about the overwhelming time Lisa has - its overwhelming reading about it! But I do read about all the love that is surrounding y'all! :grouphug: and prayers and :wizard:

Sorry about your camera battery charger - that is such a cool camera, the pictures you posted were AWESOME!! (I've lost my camera charger so many times I bought a back up at Walgreens!)

Guess I"m going to have to figure out how to do a solo trip for a F&W visit in '2010 - maybe they will do a Free DIning then??

:sad:

I am so sorry!!!! I am looking forward to meeting you, too!

But I will be at the Marathon in 2011!! So you better be there, too!!

Poor Lisa... I am at their house right now and there are 4 kids here :scared1: to add to the amazing amount of stress.

If you go in Sept - try for Labor Day weekend and the week after...because we will be there then... but I am talking about 2010...which is against the rules on this TR... so you will have to PM me for that info. :goodvibes

[maroo]

I am typing through tears....:sad1:




HAPPY tears!!!




Grandmother WALKED today!!! With her walker, but on her own!!!!

party: :dance3: :yay: :cheer2: :dancer:





We are so, so excited. This opens a whole new world for us - since she has gotten back that much movement, it looks GREAT for her to continue to improve!



And that...to me...was worth an update... off topic or not!

We will CELEBRATE party: next time we are in DISNEY! (so there...back on topic. :lmao:)

[TarzansKat]

GRANDMOTHER WALKED TODAY!!!!!!!!!

I want to do a big ole happy dance for you all! I'm so happy, she must be so pleased!!!

:dance3::dance3::dance3::yay::yay::yay::cheer2::ch eer2::cheer2::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

[MeMom]

Your grandmother's progress is definitely something to celebrate!


I thought I had already shared this picture with you, but I guess not. Here's the Hippo Meet picture that was taken with Jill's camera.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/Summer%202009/IMG_1640.jpg

I hope you let us know whenever you come through Nashville again.

[If U Had Wings]

That's so wonderful!! So glad to hear some good news.

[eyor44]

:woohoo::woohoo:Grandmother is walking!!!!!:woohoo::woohoo:

[maroo]

GRANDMOTHER WALKED TODAY!!!!!!!!!

I want to do a big ole happy dance for you all! I'm so happy, she must be so pleased!!!

:dance3::dance3::dance3::yay::yay::yay::cheer2::ch eer2::cheer2::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

Feel free to do a happy dance for us!!! We are so excited.

Your grandmother's progress is definitely something to celebrate!


I thought I had already shared this picture with you, but I guess not. Here's the Hippo Meet picture that was taken with Jill's camera.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/Summer%202009/IMG_1640.jpg

I hope you let us know whenever you come through Nashville again.

Thank you so much for sharing this pic!! I just got the pics Liesa sent me today...so I am going to do a mini TR to share with you guys and post it on the "Strangers" TR...but I will post a link here, too! :goodvibes

It was SOOOO cool to meet you guys!

That's so wonderful!! So glad to hear some good news.

Thank you for posting.

We are really excited!

:woohoo::woohoo:Grandmother is walking!!!!!:woohoo::woohoo:


:banana::banana::banana:



I just got home from the rehab hospital where they still have Grandmother and she seems to be in good spirits.

She will go to live with Lauren and her family this Wednesday and continue with her therapy and such there. Thankfully their house was built with an extra guest suite in anticipating of someone helping Lauren in the future (give someone not in the family a place to sleep), so they have a place to stay that should be comfortable for them and sort of separate from the rest of the house if they want some peace and quiet.

Anyway... that is the update on all of that.

Thanks for hanging in there with us and following Lauren and her family. :hug:

[TarzansKat]

I'm so happy to hear about this wonderful progress, Maroo. Thank god! :goodvibes

[twinmum]

I'm so happy to hear that Grandmother is walking, and that she'll be able to stay with Lisa and family as she continues her recovery!

Alison

[KathyRN137]

I'm so thrilled to hear about Grandmother walking!! :cool1:

She'll be so happy to get out of the rehab facility and back with family, I'm sure!! It will be so good for her, mentally!

Kathy

[maroo]

I'm so happy to hear about this wonderful progress, Maroo. Thank god! :goodvibes

We are thanking God every single day for all of her progress!! :worship:

I'm so happy to hear that Grandmother is walking, and that she'll be able to stay with Lisa and family as she continues her recovery!

Alison

We are hoping that the move will be good for everyone... Grandmother will be able to help at Lisa's house and do things that she would not be able to normally do before her spinal cord injury. We are very thankful!

I am also very thankful Noah is doing so well!!

I'm so thrilled to hear about Grandmother walking!! :cool1:

She'll be so happy to get out of the rehab facility and back with family, I'm sure!! It will be so good for her, mentally!

Kathy

You are so right! It will be a great boost for everyone! :goodvibes

[maroo]

And the confusion continues...

Did you like my title change? Did any of you guys laugh at me? Or did you all just shake your head?

Let me tell ya what happened....

I listen to Disney podcasts...several. DIS Unplugged (from this site), All About the Mouse and WDW Today mostly. And some others. And I have listened to these guys and gals so much that they definitely feel like celebrities to me. Radio personalities, if you will. If I met any of these people I would be a little nervous...do you know what I mean?

So, last night there was a "live show" for the podcast WDW Today. They open "real" phone lines and allow folks to call in and ask questions about Disney. And they open a chat window so that people can listen to the brave people who actually call in and ask questions...and we just chat with each other while the show is being taped. Occasionally the guys that run the podcast (Matt Hochberg, Mike Newell, Mike Scopa, Len Testa, and Annette) will actually refer to the chat room and talk to us.

Anyway...I was in the chat room for the first time and talking to some people that I actually know from the DIS - which was really cool. Everyone is very nice over there.

On the live show they did an auction. They were auctioning off a lot of stuff - mainly tickets to something they are calling Magic Meets. Magic Meets is an annual event where Disney fans from online communities gather to share their interest in all things Disney. And they were doing it for a good cause - Breast Cancer research.

My mom is a breast cancer survivor and I work at a cancer clinic. So I started bidding. At first I just wanted to bid so that the people bidding would have to donate a little more. (Is that mean?) It was all for the research, people! :lmao:

Can you see where this is going?!?

Yeah...I won the auction. :laughing: Which is great - because I get a lot of cool stuff and I am now planning ANOTHER trip that is Disney related...but not to Disney.

So...does it count...as part of my TR...if I am going to a Disney meet in PENNSYLVANIA? :confused3

And I have to tell you that getting an email. In my inbox. From Deb Wills and Mike Scopa... has been a little surreal. These people are famous. Len Testa wrote the book that I used to research Disney, people. Unofficial Guide? Anyone? Deb and Mike...Allears.net. Yeah. Famous people.

Mike Newell and Matt Hochberg. They wrote on my FACEBOOK wall tonight. :yay:

So...do you even want to hear about the planning for this trip? Am I allowed to do a mini-TR when I come back? It is not "DISboards" related...at all...just Disney fans hanging out.

What do you guys think? Does it count? Or did you all just hit unsubscribe? :eek:

[Sandy321]

:dance3::yay::dance3: :worship:Grandma!!

Totally do a Trip Report!!

BTW..

CONGRATULATIONS!! ITA about "meeting" the celebrities!!

[TarzansKat]

I didn't shake my head.

I didn't laugh.

I thought...did she change the title? Wait...is that the same title or is it different? Am I losing my mind? Wait, it says update 6/29...that's today, right?

Forgive me, tie dye paint fumes must have gone to my head. Little project I'm working on tonight.

Sure, I figure if it's Disney related even if it's not to Disney, you can talk about it! Heck, this PTR has changed so many times, WHY NOT??? :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2: :grouphug:

[tiggerbell]

ABSOLUTELY tell us about MagicMeets!!! I have never been able to swing a trip to it. That's so cool that you won. :yay:

And I know what you mean about the podcasters... I made John Magi laugh. More than once. That made my year! ::yes::

[TarzansKat]

ABSOLUTELY tell us about MagicMeets!!! I have never been able to swing a trip to it. That's so cool that you won. :yay:

And I know what you mean about the podcasters... I made John Magi laugh. More than once. That made my year! ::yes::

Maroo, I'm sorry to interrupt here.

Tiggerbell, I LOVE your avatar! All the dressed up Jack Sparrows are a hoot!!!! :goodvibes

[tiggerbell]

Maroo, I'm sorry to interrupt here.

Tiggerbell, I LOVE your avatar! All the dressed up Jack Sparrows are a hoot!!!! :goodvibes


Maroo, forgive me for a moment.

TarzansKat, Thank you! Those were their Halloween costumes for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2 years ago. And the one on the right is named Stan. :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

Maroo, forgive me for a moment.

TarzansKat, Thank you! Those were their Halloween costumes for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2 years ago. And the one on the right is named Stan. :goodvibes

I love, love, love it! What a great idea. :rotfl2:

[maroo]

TK and tiggerbell...

If you guys have not "met" you should... you would be friends on the DIS.

You both write great TR's! :)

carry on. :)

I am going to bed. lol


More about Magic Meets tomorrow.

I can't believe Matt Hodgeberg and Mike Newell wrote on my FB page?!?

[TarzansKat]

TK and tiggerbell...

If you guys have not "met" you should... you would be friends on the DIS.

You both write great TR's! :)

carry on. :)

I am going to bed. lol


More about Magic Meets tomorrow.

I can't believe Matt Hodgeberg and Mike Newell wrote on my FB page?!?

Have a good night, hon! Thanks for the shout out. I'll have to scurry on over to her TR.

And woot on FB!!!

[If U Had Wings]

We definitely need a trip report!

[maroo]

We definitely need a trip report!

Ok! :) I am sure I can handle that! :)

I thought...did she change the title? Wait...is that the same title or is it different? Am I losing my mind? Wait, it says update 6/29...that's today, right?

Forgive me, tie dye paint fumes must have gone to my head. Little project I'm working on tonight.


:lmao:

and you have to share with us your little project... I bet it involved tie dye Mickey heads! :)



Sure, I figure if it's Disney related even if it's not to Disney, you can talk about it! Heck, this PTR has changed so many times, WHY NOT??? :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2: :grouphug:

:rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:

It would be even funnier if it was not so TRUE!


ABSOLUTELY tell us about MagicMeets!!! I have never been able to swing a trip to it. That's so cool that you won. :yay:

And I know what you mean about the podcasters... I made John Magi laugh. More than once. That made my year! ::yes::

Awesome! :)

You made the genius laugh, huh! Pretty cool, tiggerbell, pretty cool!

Now...go back to finding some better zebra heads for me, will ya? :rotfl:

[All7OfUs]

That is such awesome, rock on news about Grandma!! What a huge sigh of relief and collective happy dance everyone at Lisa's they must be doing!

Wow! Another trip!? They must think you are over-the-top nuts at work, eh?

[eyor44]

congrats on the new trip and MagicMeet. :cool1:

[KathyRN137]

I'd love to hear about your Magic Meet!! :goodvibes

Who knows? You may pick up some valuable intel for your upcoming trips!!


Kathy

[TarzansKat]

:lmao:

and you have to share with us your little project... I bet it involved tie dye Mickey heads! :)

How right you are my dear! ;)


:rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:

It would be even funnier if it was not so TRUE!

:lmao: Maroo, you can always make me laugh.

[jenb1023]

I miss a few weeks on the DIS and look at everything I miss!

:cool1::cool1::cool1:To Grandma walking and improving.

I think I am following the changes/updates etc. We will continue to need cheat sheets as things change though (cause I know you will have something up your sleeve).

Of course, I think you should talk about Magic Meets!

[maroo]

That is such awesome, rock on news about Grandma!! What a huge sigh of relief and collective happy dance everyone at Lisa's they must be doing!

Wow! Another trip!? They must think you are over-the-top nuts at work, eh?

Yeah. They definitely think I am over the top for Disney at work. :rotfl:

congrats on the new trip and MagicMeet. :cool1:

Thanks!! :)

I'd love to hear about your Magic Meet!! :goodvibes

Who knows? You may pick up some valuable intel for your upcoming trips!!


Kathy

That is what I am thinking! :teacher: I will take notes from the experts!

:lmao: Maroo, you can always make me laugh.

I am so glad I make you laugh! :) I crack myself up, too, sometimes. :rotfl2:

I miss a few weeks on the DIS and look at everything I miss!

:cool1::cool1::cool1:To Grandma walking and improving.

I think I am following the changes/updates etc. We will continue to need cheat sheets as things change though (cause I know you will have something up your sleeve).

Of course, I think you should talk about Magic Meets!

:wave2: Hello, Magic Meet friend!!

Everyone, do you guys know Jen? This is Jen!

And she is going to be my Magic Meet buddy. She lives only 1 mile away from Magic Meets and is, of course, signed up! So she will be there.

And we are busy planning a fun day on that Sunday, too!

More details to come on all of that.

[maroo]

I hope you guys have taken note of my ticker...

In case you catch this update after I have fixed my ticker, it said:

*** This ticker is under construction. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.
- The Management.

And it is under construction. I am hoping...in the hours of down time that await me at my parents house...that I will be able to update my ticker and do a decent update on the Magic Meets plans.


But, in the meantime, I just have to tell you that it is CHRISTMAS at Maroo's! :cheer2:

:santa:

Almost like The Big Give for a wish family! I have gotten so much cool stuff from winning this auction. I am so excited! :yay: :dance3: :woohoo:

I got a personal note from Deb Wills...which was so sweet and probably the coolest thing in the big box. I got a shirt, a hat, a pin, a Passporter BOOK (awesome, awesome, awesome!), notebooks, a breast cancer awareness beanie baby, a cooler, stickers, the list goes on. I will take a picture of my loot as soon as I can get to a camera that works.

And the guys at WDW Today have sent me a shirt (and I bought a hat, too!) AND a 3 month subscription to LIVE 365. Which I plan to activate today before my drive to Little Rock.

I also got a travel voucher and of course the tickets to Magic Meets.

Anyway...I just had to share all of this with my DIS family!

I will update more this weekend! Wish me luck traveling today. :upsidedow

[jenb1023]

:wave2: Hello, Magic Meet friend!!

Everyone, do you guys know Jen? This is Jen!

And she is going to be my Magic Meet buddy. She lives only 1 mile away from Magic Meets and is, of course, signed up! So she will be there.

And we are busy planning a fun day on that Sunday, too!

More details to come on all of that.

Thanks for the shout-out! I am so excited for Magic Meets and the whole weekend and of course to meet Mary in person.

Almost like The Big Give for a wish family! I have gotten so much cool stuff from winning this auction. I am so excited! :yay: :dance3: :woohoo:

I got a personal note from Deb Wills...which was so sweet and probably the coolest thing in the big box. I got a shirt, a hat, a pin, a Passporter BOOK (awesome, awesome, awesome!), notebooks, a breast cancer awareness beanie baby, a cooler, stickers, the list goes on. I will take a picture of my loot as soon as I can get to a camera that works.

And the guys at WDW Today have sent me a shirt (and I bought a hat, too!) AND a 3 month subscription to LIVE 365. Which I plan to activate today before my drive to Little Rock.

I also got a travel voucher and of course the tickets to Magic Meets.

Anyway...I just had to share all of this with my DIS family!

I will update more this weekend! Wish me luck traveling today. :upsidedow


What cool stuff! I can't wait to see a picture! I think you may be a celebrity yourself at Magic Meets from winning the auction - maybe we (because I get to be your one-woman entourage) will get to meet all of these people we read about in person and not just be one of the masses. How cool is that! Have I told you how glad I am that you bid during the auction and won?

[TarzansKat]

Ooo, I love a good box of loot, especially for a good cause! Can't wait to see pics. :goodvibes

[maroo]

As promised, I have pictures!

You would not believe my Dad's camera also has no battery left now. Go figure.

But I was able to get a few pictures of the loot before it died. :)

This was just "extra" stuff they sent me for winning the auction. I love all of the stuff....

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/magic%20meet%20all%20ears%20pics%20and%20big%20giv e/christmasatmarooandbiggive001.jpg

As you can see, there is a nice shirt, hat, cooler bag (lots of pockets, I like it!) and a Passporter's book! Which I am pumped about because I don't have one of those yet.

I also like the Adventures by Disney notebook. Perfect size for Disney notes to be able to put in my bagallini.

I also got the cute beany baby for breast cancer research. And a Minnie Pin.


Here is a closer pic...
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/magic%20meet%20all%20ears%20pics%20and%20big%20giv e/christmasatmarooandbiggive003.jpg


And these may look like random postcards... they are! :lmao: But I am super excited because I figure I can get them signed and hopefully send them to some unsuspecting Wish Kids. I can think of one that would LOVE the Tower of Terror postcard.

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/magic%20meet%20all%20ears%20pics%20and%20big%20giv e/christmasatmarooandbiggive002.jpg


And I just love the note...From Deb Wills. It was very sincere and very kind. She is going to put my Mom's name on her honor name list. :hug:

I also listened to the tape of the live broadcast tonight and had fun reliving the whole thing.


Thank you Deb and Mike and the rest of the guys and gals at Allears.net. They were so sweet to add to the stack of stuff I got.

[eyor44]

wow oh wow! what cool stuff! :cool1:

[All7OfUs]

Okay, that is one really cool set of "stuff"! I am so excited for you!

I know you're going to have a great time in Little Rock. Have a wonderful time with your parents.

I came about 2 mm close to buying a Passporter, but ended up not doing it. I looked through it, and figured all the notesheets and spreadsheets and pockets and everything I could do here on my own computer. I like to make those anyway, so I didn't know if it would end up being useful or not.

Tell me, is there stuff in there that just isn't duplicat-able at home??

[maroo]

Okay, that is one really cool set of "stuff"! I am so excited for you!

I know you're going to have a great time in Little Rock. Have a wonderful time with your parents.

I came about 2 mm close to buying a Passporter, but ended up not doing it. I looked through it, and figured all the notesheets and spreadsheets and pockets and everything I could do here on my own computer. I like to make those anyway, so I didn't know if it would end up being useful or not.

Tell me, is there stuff in there that just isn't duplicat-able at home??


First of all...we posted on each others TR at the same time! That would not be quite as strange if we were not 11 time zones apart?!?!?!?!

Check that out. 10:32 PM CST time. I won't put your time, because that may give away your location. But how cool is that?!?!?! We posted at the same time. Check your TR...you will see it. :eek:


Now...to answer your question. I have not even looked at the book yet. Too excited about taking pictures to show you guys my loot. Now the pirate needs to go check out her treasure. lol

wow oh wow! what cool stuff! :cool1:

Thanks!!! :) I love it!

I also like the license plate thing. I might actually put that on my car. How did they know AK is my favorite park? :confused3

[MKBekka]

Hey maroo! One quick question...there is something red white and blue between the passproters and the black adventures note book. I can't figure out what it is...just me I guess. Iv'e lived over seas too long. :)

[maroo]

Hey maroo! One quick question...there is something red white and blue between the passproters and the black adventures note book. I can't figure out what it is...just me I guess. Iv'e lived over seas too long. :)


Hello Bekka!!! :) :wave2: Just a wave across the big pond.


I totally forgot to ask everyone...

I have NO idea what that is either??


http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/magic%20meet%20all%20ears%20pics%20and%20big%20giv e/christmasatmarooandbiggive003-1.jpg

Any clue anyone?

This is not a great pic...and there is no battery left in any camera in this house. It looks like a top...but with one "foot" at the bottom??

[All7OfUs]

First of all...we posted on each others TR at the same time! That would not be quite as strange if we were not 11 time zones apart?!?!?!?!



WOW! That IS cool! Even cooler that you were still up and I could actually call you and talk to you!

[TarzansKat]

Oh, that is some good loot! Love it! :goodvibes

[jenb1023]

Wow - what great loot! Thanks for the pics!

Liesa - I love the Passporter! I like the planning parts and the pockets to hold things. On the back of each pocket I write my notes from that day for scrapbooking later (or tr's). I also love that it has details about each park and restaurants and nice maps all in one spot.

[that's nice]

You call it loot... I call it swag! LOLOL

Looks like you got a lot of neat stuff!!!!!:thumbsup2

[maroo]

WOW! That IS cool! Even cooler that you were still up and I could actually call you and talk to you!

This is true! It was great to talk to you last night! Small world, isn't it!

Oh, that is some good loot! Love it! :goodvibes

I love it, too!! :)

Wow - what great loot! Thanks for the pics!

Liesa - I love the Passporter! I like the planning parts and the pockets to hold things. On the back of each pocket I write my notes from that day for scrapbooking later (or tr's). I also love that it has details about each park and restaurants and nice maps all in one spot.

I would give this book the same review!

There really was not much in there that I had not heard before (spending hours on the DIS will do that to ya), but they do have great color maps and the pockets to hold things are really cool, too. I would think it would be a great place to make notes for a TR.

And Jen - I think I failed to answer a post from earlier? I will have to go look. Because you said something about my being a celebrity and that made me laugh. Maroo a celebrity. No no. BUT, I have been able to "talk" to Annette Owens for almost an hour on the phone and I certainly hope to be able to introduce you to anyone that I meet in the podcasting world.

You call it loot... I call it swag! LOLOL

Looks like you got a lot of neat stuff!!!!!:thumbsup2

That is what they called it, too...

So, zucchini teacher :teacher:, what is swag? :confused3 :laughing:

[maroo]

The newER and improved Maroo Cheat Sheet! Figured I should update it! For the record - this is the THIRD version! ::yess::

August 2009 Dates: August 6-9, 2009
Cast: Maroo, joined by jenb1038
How Long: 3 days
Where: Camp Hill, PA
Travel: By Air
Special Events: Meet famous podcasters! Learn more Disney trivia!
Bonus Event: Hershey Park for half a day!
Touring Plan: FUN, FUN, FUN!



September 2009 Dates: Sept 4 - 9, 2009
Cast: Maroo and Sharon (teacher, friend from FL)
How Long: 6 Days
Where: POP Century
Travel: By CAR!!
Special Events: Free DINING! made LOTS of ADR's!
Touring Plan: Relaxed



December 2009 Dates: December 10 - 20, 2009
Cast: Maroo - I am going as mostly a friend, but also a assistant to Rachel (soon to be 21, uses a power chair) and her Mom, best friend and extended family
How Long: 11 days
Where: POP and Animal Kingdom Lodge (Savannah View)
Travel: By plane and car
Purpose: DAP, GKTW meet and MPS Conference
Special Activity: Candlelight Processional, Osbourne Lights, MVMCP (twice?!)
Touring Plan: Very, very Busy! and then relaxed!
BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!: How about all of these days with FREE DINING?!?!?!?!?!


September 2010 Dates: TBD ** See Link in Siggie! Separate Pre-Trippie for this trip!!! **
Cast: Maroo, All7OfUs (Leisa) and Lee Ann (not on the boards yet)
How Long: 10 Days, probably
Where: ??
Travel: By car
Purpose: Tour the parks, Dining
Special Activity: TBD
Touring Plan: Commando AM, Very relaxed PM

[maroo]

I am doing the FOURTH of JULY happy dance people!!!!

Why, you ask...

I got a PIN!!!

party::yay: :jumping1: :dance3: :dancer::woohoo:

Free DINING baby!!!


** THINK DECEMBER TRIP! That's right! Free Dining in DECEMBER!

I am still trying to figure my savings...

But I get to apply it to the 5 days that I am there solo in December...

PLUS (drum roll please)...

The 5 days that all SEVEN of us are there! That is 6 adults and 1 child with FREE DINING for our stay!!!


I am so excited! (can you tell?) :rotfl:

Now...I need to get some ADR's planned. :surfweb:

[TarzansKat]

I am doing the FOURTH of JULY happy dance people!!!!

Why, you ask...

I got a PIN!!!

party::yay: :jumping1: :dance3: :dancer::woohoo:

Free DINING baby!!!


** THINK DECEMBER TRIP! That's right! Free Dining in DECEMBER!

I am still trying to figure my savings...

But I get to apply it to the 5 days that I am there solo in December...

PLUS (drum roll please)...

The 5 days that all SEVEN of us are there! That is 6 adults and 1 child with FREE DINING for our stay!!!


I am so excited! (can you tell?) :rotfl:

Now...I need to get some ADR's planned. :surfweb:

MAROO!!!!

I am SO happy for you!!! OMG OMG OMG!!!!

That's some serious pixie dust right there. :thumbsup2

:banana::banana::banana::yay::yay::yay::woohoo: :woohoo::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

[All7OfUs]

NO FREAKING WAY! I can't believe it!

Now, I wonder if it's possible, even just a little bit, possible, if you would get another one for a trip, say in Sept, 2010?!

Oh man, I am so hopin' so! I am prepared to pay OOP for all of my trip, but wouldn't it just be some serious extra cool if we could get one too??

[eyor44]

Hey maroo! One quick question...there is something red white and blue between the passproters and the black adventures note book. I can't figure out what it is...just me I guess. Iv'e lived over seas too long. :)

Hello Bekka!!! :) :wave2:
I totally forgot to ask everyone...

I have NO idea what that is either??


http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/magic%20meet%20all%20ears%20pics%20and%20big%20giv e/christmasatmarooandbiggive003-1.jpg

Any clue anyone?


I'll bet it is a car antenna topper.


and.....WOW!!!!! free dining pin also?!?! how totally great!

[KathyRN137]

Great loot, Maroo! And wowzers on the PIN code!! :cool1::woohoo::yay:

Sooo happy for you, hon. You deserve it!


Kathy

ETA: I think that's an antenna topper, too. Goofy hat and Goofy ears on a patriotic head!!!
*
*

[maroo]

MAROO!!!!

I am SO happy for you!!! OMG OMG OMG!!!!

That's some serious pixie dust right there. :thumbsup2

:banana::banana::banana::yay::yay::yay::woohoo: :woohoo::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

:) I am so excited, too!!!!! And Rachel and her family were THRILLED!

NO FREAKING WAY! I can't believe it!

Now, I wonder if it's possible, even just a little bit, possible, if you would get another one for a trip, say in Sept, 2010?!

Oh man, I am so hopin' so! I am prepared to pay OOP for all of my trip, but wouldn't it just be some serious extra cool if we could get one too??


We will definitely get some kind of deal... now what kind of deal...who knows? :confused3

I'll bet it is a car antenna topper.


and.....WOW!!!!! free dining pin also?!?! how totally great!

Good show, good show! I believe you are right!! And thanks! I am pumped about the PIN!

Great loot, Maroo! And wowzers on the PIN code!! :cool1::woohoo::yay:

Sooo happy for you, hon. You deserve it!


Kathy

ETA: I think that's an antenna topper, too. Goofy hat and Goofy ears on a patriotic head!!!
*
*

I am so, so excited!!! :) Thanks, you are so sweet. I don't think I deserve anything. But it is interesting I pretty much saved almost exactly what I donated last week. Funny how that works out. ;)

[hematite153]

Now, I wonder if it's possible, even just a little bit, possible, if you would get another one for a trip, say in Sept, 2010?!


For the last couple of years, guests on the Sept. free dining plan have been able to book a bounceback free dining trip for the following year. So, make sure Maroo is ready to book for Sept 2010 when she's there in 2009 and you might just get lucky.

[MeMom]

Why, you ask...

I got a PIN!!!

party::yay: :jumping1: :dance3: :dancer::woohoo:

Free DINING baby!!!


** THINK DECEMBER TRIP! That's right! Free Dining in DECEMBER!


PLUS (drum roll please)...

The 5 days that all SEVEN of us are there! That is 6 adults and 1 child with FREE DINING for our stay!!!


I am so excited! (can you tell?) :rotfl:





Yes, I can tell, and that is very exciting! :yay:
Congratulations on that!

[jenb1023]

A free dining pin for December!!!! That is awesome - congrats! This just proves that good things do happen to good people! I would love to get a free dining pin for the winter - we took advantage of free dining in November and loved it! However, DH says no more Disney for awhile - we burnt him out with three trips in 20 months.

Liesa - I would think free dining would be offered next Sept since they have been offering it every Sept for a few years (though you never know with Disney) and maybe Mary will get offered the bounceback promotion during her trip like hematite153 mentioned so you can lock it in this year.

Mary - thanks for the new trip cheat sheet and for including out Magic Meets jaunt! I am so excited!!! Though you better make sure you know my DIS user name before you make shirts for us :rotfl: (go back and check your cheat sheet).

[maroo]

For the last couple of years, guests on the Sept. free dining plan have been able to book a bounceback free dining trip for the following year. So, make sure Maroo is ready to book for Sept 2010 when she's there in 2009 and you might just get lucky.

Oh yes!! The soldiers...generals (what is our rank again?!?!) have this in our strategy for booking for Sept 2010!! :) Among some other tricks we have up our sleeves! ;)

Yes, I can tell, and that is very exciting! :yay:
Congratulations on that!

Thank you so much!! I am completely excited!!! :)

[maroo]

A free dining pin for December!!!! That is awesome - congrats! This just proves that good things do happen to good people! I would love to get a free dining pin for the winter - we took advantage of free dining in November and loved it! However, DH says no more Disney for awhile - we burnt him out with three trips in 20 months.

Liesa - I would think free dining would be offered next Sept since they have been offering it every Sept for a few years (though you never know with Disney) and maybe Mary will get offered the bounceback promotion during her trip like hematite153 mentioned so you can lock it in this year.

Mary - thanks for the new trip cheat sheet and for including out Magic Meets jaunt! I am so excited!!! Though you better make sure you know my DIS user name before you make shirts for us :rotfl: (go back and check your cheat sheet).

Uh oh!! Did I mess up your user name?!?! :eek: *runs to look*

[maroo]

A free dining pin for December!!!! That is awesome - congrats! This just proves that good things do happen to good people! I would love to get a free dining pin for the winter - we took advantage of free dining in November and loved it! However, DH says no more Disney for awhile - we burnt him out with three trips in 20 months.

Liesa - I would think free dining would be offered next Sept since they have been offering it every Sept for a few years (though you never know with Disney) and maybe Mary will get offered the bounceback promotion during her trip like hematite153 mentioned so you can lock it in this year.

Mary - thanks for the new trip cheat sheet and for including out Magic Meets jaunt! I am so excited!!! Though you better make sure you know my DIS user name before you make shirts for us :rotfl: (go back and check your cheat sheet).

Yeah...between you (jenb1023) and Lori (Matt1026) I am totally confused!!!

lol

But it is fixed. And I added that we will probably be having a special guest join us... BUT... I am going to have to keep that one a secret a little while longer. I am sure I can come up with some creative way to share our special guest with my DISer friends! :goodvibes So, you can't tell. :rotfl:


And mums the word on any shirt making, too! What shirts?!? :lmao:

[jenb1023]

Yeah...between you (jenb1023) and Lori (Matt1026) I am totally confused!!!

lol

But it is fixed. And I added that we will probably be having a special guest join us... BUT... I am going to have to keep that one a secret a little while longer. I am sure I can come up with some creative way to share our special guest with my DISer friends! :goodvibes So, you can't tell. :rotfl:


And mums the word on any shirt making, too! What shirts?!? :lmao:

No worries on the user name! (Though I just checked and it was still wrong - the boards were giving me a hard time last night so your edit might not have worked.)

And I know nothing about secret guests or anything else! :rolleyes1

[All7OfUs]

For the last couple of years, guests on the Sept. free dining plan have been able to book a bounceback free dining trip for the following year. So, make sure Maroo is ready to book for Sept 2010 when she's there in 2009 and you might just get lucky.

Ready and willing, baby! But, I think we're hoping for a tad more than that. Let's see what comes of it. At the very least, we'll go free dining for sure.



Liesa - I would think free dining would be offered next Sept since they have been offering it every Sept for a few years (though you never know with Disney) and maybe Mary will get offered the bounceback promotion during her trip like hematite153 mentioned so you can lock it in this year.



That's certainly what we're hoping for! keep your fingers crossed :wizard:


And mums the word on any shirt making, too! What shirts?!? :lmao:

Let's just all have a shirt making fest/ swap, okay?

[If U Had Wings]

Nice loot and even nicer code! Congratulations!!!

[maroo]

No worries on the user name! (Though I just checked and it was still wrong - the boards were giving me a hard time last night so your edit might not have worked.)

And I know nothing about secret guests or anything else! :rolleyes1

It is fixed! I have NO idea what happened!

Ready and willing, baby! But, I think we're hoping for a tad more than that. Let's see what comes of it. At the very least, we'll go free dining for sure.


Woo Hoo!! :) Definitely!

Nice loot and even nicer code! Congratulations!!!

Thanks! :) I am super excited! :)

[maroo]

dup

[maroo]

I am not going to count this as a "real" update...

Just a bonus for those of you guys that are still reading this crazy pre-trippie!!!


On July 4th, I was invited to a party at my cousin's house. She is a DISer, by the way! So say Hi to Kay! (Although I doubt she actually reads this? If so...I triple dog dare you to actually post! - she is a lurker!) Anyway, Hi Kay! :wave2:


Have you guys ever played the "game" where you put Mentos in a Diet Coke bottle?!? :eek:


Here are the kids BEFORE they put Mentos in the Diet Coke bottle. Unsuspecting kids. Bless them. They had a handful of Mentos and know that the object is putting as many as you can as fast as you can in the Diet Coke bottle!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/july%204%20at%20kays/july4muffincratemuffinnewdoo012.jpg



And very, very soon AFTER they put Mentos in the Diet Coke bottle. :lmao: They looked like THIS...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/july%204%20at%20kays/july4muffincratemuffinnewdoo016-1.jpg


And even this one is just priceless!! :rotfl2:

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/july%204%20at%20kays/july4muffincratemuffinnewdoo017.jpg



That is just your bonus Maroo update for the day!

And a "real" update should be coming up shortly. ;)

[that's nice]

Congrats on the pin!!!!!!!

Disney sent me 2 separate emails with this pin on 2 of my email addresses. One for my DW and one for me! YEAH! I must be on some mailing list now!!!!:banana::yay:

T-shirts that aren't supposed to be and surprise guests........ maybe you will be letting us, the readers, know something soon?:rolleyes1

[jenb1023]

Love the 4th of July photos!!! We will have to try that trick!

[maroo]

Congrats on the pin!!!!!!!

Disney sent me 2 separate emails with this pin on 2 of my email addresses. One for my DW and one for me! YEAH! I must be on some mailing list now!!!!:banana::yay:

T-shirts that aren't supposed to be and surprise guests........ maybe you will be letting us, the readers, know something soon?:rolleyes1

Truly sorry for the delay. I thought I was doing it right then...but something happened at my condo and I had to go check it out. Involved an ambulance and one of my neighbors. So I am done for the night, probably. I am hot and have to go get another shower.

Hopefully will do a good update tomorrow, I promise!!!!


Love the 4th of July photos!!! We will have to try that trick!

Yes, it was FUN to watch! and the kids LOVED it!

[eyor44]

That was so funny about the mentos. I didn't know it would really work. I'm gonna have to keep a couple of my coupons and buy some.

[maroo]

That was so funny about the mentos. I didn't know it would really work. I'm gonna have to keep a couple of my coupons and buy some.

I had no idea either! Evidently the kids have all seen it before. But I was totally shocked!

[maroo]

Back to the Magic Meets trip!

We have a surprise guest. An addition. A fluffy addition!

This is Muffin!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/muffin%20nad%20mufin%20travel%20bag/july4muffincratemuffinnewdoo046-1.jpg

My dog, Muffin. She is sorta like my child. You see, I am single with no kids. So it is just Muffin and me! So, when I go out of town, she usually stays with my friend Cindy or at Lauren's house.

But during Magic Meets, Cindy is out of town...and with Lauren's grandparents staying at their house and a BUNCH of people going in and out of their house all the time...Plus the addition of a new cat to their household...we decided that it would be best if I made other arrangements for Muffin.

Now, I am a nice person. But I am also a snob. :snooty: Especially when it comes to Muffin. :flower3:

She has stayed in a kennel before. Several times. But she always comes back with fleas. And tends to bark for no reason for a few days after she gets back. I like for Muffin to bark - but only when there is a good reason!
So she has not spent the night away from me at all for the past couple of years - unless she was at Cindy's or Lauren's.

After some checking around, I decided - She is coming with me! :woohoo: :yay: :cheer2:



Now all of you guys are thinking I am totally crazy, right?!? :rotfl: Well, maybe I am. But I have thought this through.

First - the hotel allows pets. I noticed that when I was booking the hotel.
Second - the airline allows pets, too. In the cabin. At my feet. :thumbsup2
Third - For this trip, I will mainly be at the hotel. All of the meetings are either in the hotel or right next door, so I will be able to check on her often, so she won't be afraid I left her in a strange place. Fourth - Even Hershey Park - which is on the agenda possibly for Sunday - has a kennel service. Muffin would be fine there for the few hours that I am enjoying Hershey Park. :dance3:

But the most important thing....was if Jen would be ok with that. You see Jen (jenb1023 - did I get that right?!?!) is my Mouse Meets buddy. She is a DISboutiquer. This means she makes Disney clothes. And we have plans to hang out and she will be giving me a ride to Hershey Park and back to the airport. So it was a no-go if Jen sounded uncomfortable with that. But Jen was actually excited that I am bringing Muffin!

Jen is awesome, by the way! She has been very helpful to me as I try to make plans for this weekend! It has worked out very well. Jen helps with The Big Give, which is something we do for Make a Wish families. We make the kids and siblings and parents custom clothes and send pixie dust to make their Wish Trip just that more magical!

So I figure if all of that worked out, that it was certainly going to be fun to have Muffin tag along!

Who can say no to this face??

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/muffin%20nad%20mufin%20travel%20bag/muffin005.jpg

Muffin is a great dog, good travel buddy! She won't have any trouble with the traveling and will LOVE to meet all of the people she will see along the way.


Now, since I am a snob - Muffin has to travel in style! So check this out...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/muffin%20nad%20mufin%20travel%20bag/july4muffincratemuffinnewdoo034-1.jpg


It even has a sun roof!

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/muffin%20nad%20mufin%20travel%20bag/july4muffincratemuffinnewdoo049.jpg

And it was made especially for airline traveling!


So Muffin is going on a road trip! No...and AIR Trip! How cool is THAT?!?!

[MeMom]

First of all, "Hi, Kay!" :wave2:

I have a really good longtime friend named Kay, too. We met each other working at McDonald's as teenagers and have been friends for about a hundred years now. She and some of her kids have even been on Disney trips with us several times.

Anyway, that has nothing to do with you, right?
It's just that her name is Kay, too, so I thought you might know her. :laughing:


Please stick around. Not everyone around here is as strange as I am. :upsidedow

On to the Mentos.
If you do that in a third-grade classroom, it is called a Science experiment. The kids love it, and they get a grade for just writing down their predictions and observations.
It's a :thumbsup2 for teacher and students.

Thanks for sharing your Fourth of July fun!


Okay, so I had to come back and add, since we were typing over each other, your baby is precious!

[maroo]

First of all, "Hi, Kay!" :wave2:

I have a really good longtime friend named Kay, too. We met each other working at McDonald's as teenagers and have been friends for about a hundred years now. She and some of her kids have even been on Disney trips with us several times.

Anyway, that has nothing to do with you, right?
It's just that her name is Kay, too, so I thought you might know her. :laughing:


Please stick around. Not everyone around here is as strange as I am. :upsidedow

On to the Mentos.
If you do that in a third-grade classroom, it is called a Science experiment. The kids love it, and they get a grade for just writing down their predictions and observations.
It's a :thumbsup2 for teacher and students.

Thanks for sharing your Fourth of July fun!


Awesome!!! Are you a teacher? That is an awesome idea!!! :)

Is their prediction that it will blow up? :lmao:

I hope you saw the update. We posted at the same time!

[MeMom]

Awesome!!! Are you a teacher? That is an awesome idea!!! :)

Is their prediction that it will blow up? :lmao:

I hope you saw the update. We posted at the same time!

Go back and see. Look at the end. :)

[maroo]

Go back and see. Look at the end. :)

aw!!! Thank you!! :) I love her to pieces! :)

[TarzansKat]

Aw, Muffin. So. Stinkin'. Cute. I couldn't say no to that face, that's for dang sure. :lovestruc

[jenb1023]

I am so glad everyone knows about our special guest! The adorable Muffin! I saw a picture of her before but these are just too darling - and I love her carrying case. That is great that she can fly in the cabin with you! Mary is so nice she asked me first but of course I don't mind Muffin joining us Magic Meets weekend.

Since I guess I am officially a part of this PTR now (yes jenb1023 is right BTW - lol!), I am going to hijack for a few moments and add my comments to your update. Hope you don't mind!

Here is a photo of two playmates that can't wait to play with Muffin.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e294/jenb1023/jordan%20misc/IMG_0683.jpg
Jordan is my almost 6-year-old DD and Mickey is our 1 1/2 year old Goldendoodle who is the nicest and most patient dog on the planet (as you can see he tolerates DD dressing him up).

Mary introduced me as a DisBoutiquer and a member of the Big Give team. I do make Disney iron-on t-shirts and sweatshirts and have scrapbooked some autograph books for the Big Give's wish kids. I just made my first two dresses over the weekend so I don't think I qualify as a Disboutiquer yet (those guys are so talented!) more of a Boutiquer lurker/follower but thanks for the compliments. Just in case I haven't hijacked enough. . .here are pics of my autograph books and my first dress (which I am very proud of!).

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e294/jenb1023/disimages/IMG_0684.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e294/jenb1023/disimages/IMG_0685.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e294/jenb1023/disimages/IMG_0776-1.jpg

I am so looking forward to Magic Meets and having someone to share my Disney obsession with and to meeting Mary and Muffin!

[maroo]

Aw, Muffin. So. Stinkin'. Cute. I couldn't say no to that face, that's for dang sure. :lovestruc

Thanks!! :)

And...uh...your lobbying skills are being requested on my other pre-trippie, by the way! :lmao:


I am so glad everyone knows about our special guest! The adorable Muffin! I saw a picture of her before but these are just too darling - and I love her carrying case. That is great that she can fly in the cabin with you! Mary is so nice she asked me first but of course I don't mind Muffin joining us Magic Meets weekend.

Since I guess I am officially a part of this PTR now (yes jenb1023 is right BTW - lol!), I am going to hijack for a few moments and add my comments to your update. Hope you don't mind!



I certainly don't mind!! Anytime! You are officially part of this trip report and feel free to update or put in any pictures, thoughts, whatever you would like! :)



Here is a photo of two playmates that can't wait to play with Muffin.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e294/jenb1023/jordan%20misc/IMG_0683.jpg
Jordan is my almost 6-year-old DD and Mickey is our 1 1/2 year old Goldendoodle who is the nicest and most patient dog on the planet (as you can see he tolerates DD dressing him up).


Oh my gosh! Jordan is precious! princess: And Mickey - Now what a GREAT DISer you are! You named your dog Mickey! :thumbsup2 - Mickey seems very sweet! Looks like he is wearing a custom! :lmao:


Mary introduced me as a DisBoutiquer and a member of the Big Give team. I do make Disney iron-on t-shirts and sweatshirts and have scrapbooked some autograph books for the Big Give's wish kids. I just made my first two dresses over the weekend so I don't think I qualify as a Disboutiquer yet (those guys are so talented!) more of a Boutiquer lurker/follower but thanks for the compliments. Just in case I haven't hijacked enough. . .here are pics of my autograph books and my first dress (which I am very proud of!).

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e294/jenb1023/disimages/IMG_0684.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e294/jenb1023/disimages/IMG_0685.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e294/jenb1023/disimages/IMG_0776-1.jpg

I am so looking forward to Magic Meets and having someone to share my Disney obsession with and to meeting Mary and Muffin!
[/SIZE][/COLOR]

You most certainly qualify as a DISboutiquer! Now, neither of us have reached a level of some of those very talented folks...but you are making clothes and sending them to sweet children and parents...so you are, officially, a DISboutiquer!

I love the autograph books AND the dress is awesome! Is it for Mya?? (It would be too big for Mya, though, I guess? :rotfl:) Which is why I only IRON stuff for the kids. ;)

I can absolutely not wait to meet you guys!!!!! It is going to be a great weekend. :)

[MKBekka]

WOW, Muffin is SO cute. Cool that you are taking her with you, but aren't you going just a little overboard? Not that I think that's a bad thing, accually a dog like Muffin deserves it! :)

I have always wanted to do that with the diet coke, but my DD will not let us. Do you know how many Mentos they got in before the bottle rejected them? :rotfl2:

[jenb1023]

Mickey is wearing a Jordan custom! She is a boutiquer already! The dress is for Jordan. So many talented ladies made outfits for Mya so I just sent the autograph book. I sent the same type of book to the Belfontis (Maddie and Olivia) and they really liked them and got a good response on them at the parks so I am thinking that will be my Big Give thing from now on. I have not been happy with my last few iron-ons and I am not nearly ready to sew for anyone else yet.

[maroo]

Mickey is wearing a Jordan custom! She is a boutiquer already! The dress is for Jordan. So many talented ladies made outfits for Mya so I just sent the autograph book. I sent the same type of book to the Belfontis (Maddie and Olivia) and they really liked them and got a good response on them at the parks so I am thinking that will be my Big Give thing from now on. I have not been happy with my last few iron-ons and I am not nearly ready to sew for anyone else yet.

You know...I was not thrilled with my last iron ons either...but I think it was something I did wrong and am hoping to fix it with my next batch. They didn't look bad...just some water spots that I didn't like on there. No one else will probably even see them? :confused3 They were for Mya. Hope she isn't reading this! :laughing:

WOW, Muffin is SO cute. Cool that you are taking her with you, but aren't you going just a little overboard? Not that I think that's a bad thing, accually a dog like Muffin deserves it! :)

I have always wanted to do that with the diet coke, but my DD will not let us. Do you know how many Mentos they got in before the bottle rejected them? :rotfl2:

HA HA HA! Overboard? :upsidedow With Muffin? Never. :snooty:

I know that the kids had 8 Mentos in their hands. And they were told to put them in the coke bottle really fast. It was over in less than a second, I believe.

My camera can take action shots (where it takes more than one shot at once) and that is how I captured it.

Now, there you go, one of my photography secrets. :thumbsup2

[maroo]

First... Think DECEMBER! (I am trying to give you guys some clues before you read these crazy posts...) Even with the color GREEN - for Christmas!

Overview of trip (so you don't have to check the cheat sheet):
Dates: December 10-20
Cast: Maroo only Dec 10-15; Rachel and family joining Dec 15-20
Resorts: POP and AKL - and I have resortitis!
Purpose: DAP (DIS-A-Palooza) and Rachel's conference


I need some serious help. I have spent the past 2 hours (at WORK, which means I am going to have to stay late today to actually finish what I am working on right now) trying to think through this trip.

I am honestly not sure how to even explain my problem...:confused3

Tickets: I am an AP holder (which I am almost regretting?) and now have THREE reservations for Free Dining. Which means I am going to get 3 ONE Day MYW tickets when I check in each time. I inquired today to make sure I can actually turn all three tickets in toward my AP for next year (which would be around a $225 value) and found out that I can NOT do that. I have to use only one ticket toward my AP. Which is going to leave me 2 $75 tickets just hanging out and not being used toward anything?


Part 1 of the TRIP - The DAP:
To fully understand the issue I am having, you will need to be updated about the first half of my trip...so here is the update.

The purpose of the first half of the trip is to meet other DISers, podcasters and online friends in the Disney Community. This will actually include more than just DISers. Here is the tenative plan so far...I can ASSURE you this WILL CHANGE.

Thursday: Fly to Disney, get there VERY late, check into POP. Do I rent a car? Take ME? All questions to be answered later.

Friday: Disney Institute (I have no details on this - it is sponsored by the DISboards, includes seminars about Disney - may be a half day or all day event?) AND MVMCP (#1 - maybe). I have a MVMCP meet scheduled for this night with a different group of friends from another website. Heresy, I know.

Saturday: Possibly up VERY early to volunteer with some DISers at GKTW - I assume this will involve meeting somewhere to carpool together and help with breakfast...so this will be a seriously early morning. Followed by a Kim Possible "meet" in Epcot with more podcasters (not DISers). Then there is a party that evening - no details yet - but it will be a BIG party sometime on Saturday evening/night. Then I have another "meet" at Jellyrolls at 9:30 or so.

Are you tired yet?

Sunday: The DIS podcast team is having a LIVE taping of the show and have invited us to attend. No idea when this will take place. Sunday evening: MVMCP (#2 - maybe) Another group is meeting at MVMCP. I also have the option of going to GKTW that Sunday evening to help/volunteer/meet some Wish Families at the "Candyland Party" which is a fun party on a very cool life size version of the Candyland game. But I can't do both this and MVMCP.


Monday: sleep in. Ya think? :confused3 No other plans yet for today.


Tuesday: Check out of POP. Check into AKL. Rachel and half of the family will arrive today. Late lunch at Le Cellier followed by Candlelight Processional.


Rest of the schedule to follow....


So...what is the question? You are probably asking the question, "Is she crazy?!" And that answer is a resounding YES!!

I am just wondering...do I even go for Free Dining for the first part of my trip? I don't plan many ADR's - if any? Most of my meals will be counter service? And it will cost me an extra $75 of a ticket I may never use?

Then I am toying with really wanting to RELAX on Monday. And really wondering if it would be worth it to add a day to the AKL ressie and check in on Monday. This has its advantages, in that I could get my stuff moved and settled and make sure the room has the special things Rachel will require. This will make Tuesday a little less stressful and I could spend a good bit of Monday and Tuesday AM really relaxing, sitting on the balcony, completely chilling...

But...if I do that, I have the cost of the AKL room (which is considerable) AND...the bigger drawback...is that I would "start over" my ressie a day earlier and then have almost NO HOPE of getting that Le Cellier ressie that I really want for Tuesday. It would mean waiting an extra 4 days before calling for that ADR.

Are you still there? Are you still reading this?

:eek:

Help!!!!!!!

I think I need a spreadsheet.

[that's nice]

OK here is my idea.

I say go for the $75 and get the free dining.

Once your AP room rate is known that $75 might turn out to be $200 or more, in which case i'd skip FD and pay OOP for your meals. I think when getting FD you can ask for the QS plan. Or i think you can might even be able to use a TS as a CS. Don't quote me on this part, I may be wrong.

You are staying at Pop for 5 nights. That would be 10 meals and 5 snacks. So 10 meals X $10 each average is $100 plus your 5 snacks. So for $75 you are getting a 1 day pass and $115 worth of food. Is the 1 day tix transferrable? Can you sell it to someone you know? Maybe you can donate it (tax deduction). Or save it to you next AP renewal.

I say stay at POP and get your Le Cellier ressie! If you try to book it and you aren't able to get it then move to AKL a day early!!!!!!!!

[jenb1023]

I am no help on all of that ticket stuff. But, couldn't you make your Le Cellier ADR and then switch to an extra AKL night after that? ADRs are tied to your phone number so you would not lose it by switching ressie numbers.

[TarzansKat]

Just a quick question. Who told you that you couldn't put more than one ticket in your name towards the annual pass? It doesn't sound right to me. I'm almost positive Mom and Nana have done multiple tickets towards their passes. New policy, perhaps?

I would look at it like this. Take advantage of the ticket and get the free dining. You're paying $75 to have all your meals covered. Those tickets don't expire. So every time you need to renew an annual pass, even if they won't let you do more than one ticket, you can use that ticket at some point, right?

[that's nice]

Taken from Cheshire Figment

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1452684

Upgrading Tickets to Annual Passes
An upgrade to an Annual Pass or Premium Annual Pass follows basically the same rules as any other upgrade of MYW tickets.

Note that any upgrade requires a cash (or cash equivalent) payment and can only be done on a one to one basis. You cannot combine the value of more than one ticket. In other words, if you had a six day base ticket and a one day base, you could not add the value of both to end up with an AP, even with additional payment. If, however, you have three tickets and are paying to upgrade each of them, this can be done on one transaction.


That was one thing I did know. LOL

[that's nice]

I am no help on all of that ticket stuff. But, couldn't you make your Le Cellier ADR and then switch to an extra AKL night after that? ADRs are tied to your phone number so you would not lose it by switching ressie numbers.

Great idea! :thumbsup2

[All7OfUs]

Can I just admit right here and now, in front of everyone here, that I'm soooooooo confuuused!

Maybe I just need to read this several more times, and then I'd get it??

Let me just say, I am so glad that you're going to be the number cruncher for our trip next year; I know I'd totally botch it!!!

One question.... I heard tix are going up this August. Should we buy our tix now or wait. If we get free dining then don't we have to buy the one tix anyway?

Hijack over, sorry about that!

Onto your stuff.... My vote (ha, like this is some sort of democracy thing) is to go with the live Candyland game. That sounds like a blast.

[maroo]

OK here is my idea.

I say go for the $75 and get the free dining.

Once your AP room rate is known that $75 might turn out to be $200 or more, in which case i'd skip FD and pay OOP for your meals. I think when getting FD you can ask for the QS plan. Or i think you can might even be able to use a TS as a CS. Don't quote me on this part, I may be wrong.

You are staying at Pop for 5 nights. That would be 10 meals and 5 snacks. So 10 meals X $10 each average is $100 plus your 5 snacks. So for $75 you are getting a 1 day pass and $115 worth of food. Is the 1 day tix transferrable? Can you sell it to someone you know? Maybe you can donate it (tax deduction). Or save it to you next AP renewal.

I say stay at POP and get your Le Cellier ressie! If you try to book it and you aren't able to get it then move to AKL a day early!!!!!!!!

This is true. I may be shooting myself in the foot to pay for my meals just so that I don't have a useless ticket left over after the trip. I may end up spending more on food than the $75 ticket. Another thing I need to put in my spreadsheet. I need to figure out where I am going to eat and how much it may cost. :thumbsup2

I am no help on all of that ticket stuff. But, couldn't you make your Le Cellier ADR and then switch to an extra AKL night after that? ADRs are tied to your phone number so you would not lose it by switching ressie numbers.

Wow. Now that is something I have never thought about doing. :ssst: Actually...it may work out that way anyway...because I just may not have enough information to make a decision before I actually call for my ADR's.

Just a quick question. Who told you that you couldn't put more than one ticket in your name towards the annual pass? It doesn't sound right to me. I'm almost positive Mom and Nana have done multiple tickets towards their passes. New policy, perhaps?


Well, I decided to call yesterday and see if I could get a consistent answer from Disney. I did not get a consistent answer on the DISboards, who usually know.

I talked to no less than 6 CM's who all told me different things....YES, No, Never, Yes, but only for FD tickets, No, and Yes - on occasion - depending on who you are talking to. Now that was a great answer.

The real answer came from the Ticketing CM, who told me that exceptions are made for those tickets that are required to be purchased with a FD package, but it depends on who is at the desk at the time they are presented.

So my plan, regardless of how many tickets I end up with (it looks like I will have 3) is to present them at the booth like I am just sure they will apply all three to my AP (when I get a new one in Sept) and then just try to talk my way into getting them to do it if they say no. If they do say no, then I will just hang on to them. They never expire if they are not used...so I can use them for years to come.

I would look at it like this. Take advantage of the ticket and get the free dining. You're paying $75 to have all your meals covered. Those tickets don't expire. So every time you need to renew an annual pass, even if they won't let you do more than one ticket, you can use that ticket at some point, right?

This is very true! Now I just need to see if I will even eat $75 worth of food...depends on how many days I stay at the POP and what I am doing during those days, I think.

Taken from Cheshire Figment

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1452684

Upgrading Tickets to Annual Passes
An upgrade to an Annual Pass or Premium Annual Pass follows basically the same rules as any other upgrade of MYW tickets.

Note that any upgrade requires a cash (or cash equivalent) payment and can only be done on a one to one basis. You cannot combine the value of more than one ticket. In other words, if you had a six day base ticket and a one day base, you could not add the value of both to end up with an AP, even with additional payment. If, however, you have three tickets and are paying to upgrade each of them, this can be done on one transaction.


That was one thing I did know. LOL

This is awesome. I spent some time reading and re-reading those FAQ yesterday before I called Disney. I love the DIS!

Can I just admit right here and now, in front of everyone here, that I'm soooooooo confuuused!

Maybe I just need to read this several more times, and then I'd get it??

Let me just say, I am so glad that you're going to be the number cruncher for our trip next year; I know I'd totally botch it!!!

One question.... I heard tix are going up this August. Should we buy our tix now or wait. If we get free dining then don't we have to buy the one tix anyway?

Hijack over, sorry about that!

Onto your stuff.... My vote (ha, like this is some sort of democracy thing) is to go with the live Candyland game. That sounds like a blast.

The tickets are only going up about 5%, from what I understand. And you are right...I think we will hopefully enjoy some FD next year and will be forced to buy (for me yet another) $75ish ticket.

So I think we should hold off on getting you guys any tickets. We may also run into a 4/3 deal and that would come with tickets...:thumbsup2

Unfortunately, I just don't know WHAT to do...I am totally trying to work a puzzle without all of the pieces!

I think I am going to have to...wait. :rolleyes: Don't these people know I am a planner!??! I can't plan without details, people, details! :)

[maroo]

So, I think I have come to the conclusion that I can't make all of my decisions for my DECEMBER trip until I have more details about what will be going on that weekend...

Which brings me to a CONTEST...That you guys get to participate in!!

I would like to see if we can crack this code...

Here's the deal. The DIS Unplugged Podcast crew is going to throw a party on Saturday, December 12th. They are also going to have 2 other activites during the weekend...but the big thing, I think, is going to be the party. (Which any DISer is invited to attend, by the way...if you are interested in joining this group of DISers...PM me and I can give you details on how you can also be a part of the fun! It will be fun! They had a party at Toy Story last year that was awesome, from what I understand!)

Here is what we know about it, from listening to the recent podcasts...

- It will cost about $25 to attend.
- There will be a "reception" with food.
- We will be "escorted" to the location by someone at Disney.
- They have designed the party to host 1500 people.

And I think that is all we know for sure.

Here is the logo:

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j24/jeanigor/DAPLogo.jpg

Designed by Corey Martin - Isn't it GREAT!

So...here is my question...and as soon as we know what it really means, I will give a prize to the person that comes the closest in guessing what it all means.

So...guess what it means? Does it have clues to where this party may take place? What do you guys think? :)

I have my thoughts, but I will reserve those for later. And...if you already know my thoughts from another thread...please don't give my thoughts away to others on this one. Please. :flower3:

So...guess away...while I go find a prize.

[jenb1023]

Okay. . .so I want to play but I don't see a question in your post. It may be there and I may just be totally confused.

BTW - glad you liked my thoughts on the Le Cellier ADR. That is what I would do. And for what it is worth I would add an extra night at AKL. We loved it there (although we really liked Pop too).

[maroo]

Okay. . .so I want to play but I don't see a question in your post. It may be there and I may just be totally confused.

BTW - glad you liked my thoughts on the Le Cellier ADR. That is what I would do. And for what it is worth I would add an extra night at AKL. We loved it there (although we really liked Pop too).

:)

I added the question...that would help, huh!

And I am seriously considering trading the last POP night for AKL...I just can't seem to decide until I know what the weekend will hold. :confused3 It is just money, right? :rotfl2:

[jenb1023]

Okay - one more post before I get back to work!

I do think the logo holds clues to the event. The logo made me think Epcot as soon as I saw it. My first thought was Test Track - I am not sure why - maybe the oval shape reminded me of the race track and the gray area below is track? But I am not sure where you would put 1500 people. Is the GM private area that large? After further study, I thought maybe the Land - the logo kinda of reminds me of Soarin and a sunrise or sunset which could be indicative of the land in general or Sunshine Seasons. My last really out there thought was Cirque Du Soleil at DTD.

Shoot - was that three guesses? I think I just disqualified myself from the contest! :rotfl: Let us know when you find out!

[KathyRN137]

See if you can follow my train of thought!

I think the bottom of the logo looks like Space Mountain...

TomorrowLand corresponds to the Contemporary Resort...

I'm guessing the party will be held at the convention center at the Contemporary Resort. :thumbsup2

Kathy

[that's nice]

See if you can follow my train of thought!

I think the bottom of the logo looks like Space Mountain...

TomorrowLand corresponds to the Contemporary Resort...

I'm guessing the party will be held at the convention center at the Contemporary Resort. :thumbsup2

Kathy

When I saw the logo I thought of Space Mountain too!

But I don't know where you would put 1500 people in SM!!!!!! :rotfl: :rotfl2: :lmao:

[maroo]

Okay - one more post before I get back to work!

I do think the logo holds clues to the event. The logo made me think Epcot as soon as I saw it. My first thought was Test Track - I am not sure why - maybe the oval shape reminded me of the race track and the gray area below is track? But I am not sure where you would put 1500 people. Is the GM private area that large? After further study, I thought maybe the Land - the logo kinda of reminds me of Soarin and a sunrise or sunset which could be indicative of the land in general or Sunshine Seasons. My last really out there thought was Cirque Du Soleil at DTD.

Shoot - was that three guesses? I think I just disqualified myself from the contest! :rotfl: Let us know when you find out!

I don't think the GM Lounge is large enough for 1500...probably a group, but not that big. Our Wish Kids have been in there and from what I have heard...probably not.

The Land...I think is likely...

Cirque Du Soleil won't work because they are only charging $25 per person...I bet they won't be able to get us in there for that little?

See if you can follow my train of thought!

I think the bottom of the logo looks like Space Mountain...

TomorrowLand corresponds to the Contemporary Resort...

I'm guessing the party will be held at the convention center at the Contemporary Resort. :thumbsup2

Kathy

Hmm...this is very true!! It does look like Space Mountain!

And the Contemporary would be very nice!! :)

When I saw the logo I thought of Space Mountain too!

But I don't know where you would put 1500 people in SM!!!!!! :rotfl: :rotfl2: :lmao:

Lol...I bet they would not actually do it in Space Mountain...although I definitely think that it will be a very coveted attraction come December!


I still have no answer for this...:confused3

[kimmylaj]

i love games, but i dont have a clue. i did think epcot and i dont know how or why but soarin came to mind.

[All7OfUs]

Could it be in that little theater NEAR Space in TomL.? I don't know what the name of is, but that might hold the 1500 people??

[maroo]

i love games, but i dont have a clue. i did think epcot and i dont know how or why but soarin came to mind.

Could it be in that little theater NEAR Space in TomL.? I don't know what the name of is, but that might hold the 1500 people??


Corey...the guy that designed it... said that there is no 'hidden' message...

But I am convinced they made it special for this year and can't wait to hear what the plans are!!


I think...

They are renting out The Land - (logo has Soarin and Sunshine Seasons slants). It is big enough and it would close with Future world before too late...so a perfect place to host a party.

It is one of my favorite attractions (Soarin) and would have lots for folks to do, lots of space to have 1500 people...

They say you don't need park entry to get in...so it would make sense after park closing.

But that is just my idea of what they are planning...Time will tell!!!!

[maroo]

Back to Magic Meets Discussion...

I have something to show you guys.

It is my very first try at art. Maroo art.

The first thing that will be evident is that Maroo is NOT an artist!! (TK - don't laugh out loud when you see this!)

But I did buy a copy of Photoshop, a decent printer, some good TShirt transfers and this was the first thing I made on my own....

For Muffin.

Yes, my dog is going to have her own shirt.

If she is going to travel with me to a Disney conference, she is going to have to have her own diggs!


http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/2010/maroo%20art/swimmingandmuffinshirt080.jpg


You can't tell the colors on this picture...but it is a lime green shirt with a pink logo.

It says, "My Mommy Loves ME more than The MOUSE" :love:

Do you guys like it?? Should I give up trying to make clothes?? :lmao:

I have more on the way...if this one doesn't just make you all run away in terror!

[jenb1023]

Love Muffin's shirt!!!! My Mickey will think she is beautiful! Definitely don't stop dissigning.

Your theory for December sounds good - let us know when they finally tell you something.

[TarzansKat]

Maroo, I'm not laughing, I LOVE IT!

I think Muffin needs a tie dye shirt, too. ;)

[maroo]

Love Muffin's shirt!!!! My Mickey will think she is beautiful! Definitely don't stop dissigning.

Your theory for December sounds good - let us know when they finally tell you something.

I am so glad u like the shirt! Muffin can't wait to meet your Mickey. Muffin is ready to get out of the house. I was ready to go this morning and she "asked" to go outside again. And walked to my car and just stood there. :sad2:

So we are going to Rachel's to play with her dogs today and plan ADRs for Christmas!!

[maroo]

Maroo, I'm not laughing, I LOVE IT!

I think Muffin needs a tie dye shirt, too. ;)

Yes!!!!! But this trip for her is Aug 6th.... U think we could "find" one that fast?

[TarzansKat]

Yes!!!!! But this trip for her is Aug 6th.... U think we could "find" one that fast?

I know I could do it if you tell me where you got the shirt. Are they easy to find? It doesn't really take that long to tie dye persay, it's more where would I find a shirt the right size.

By the by, I was talking about Muffin, and my DS overheard me, so he wanted to see her. So I showed him the picture of her cute little face, and he said, Mama, I want that dog. I explained to him that's Muffin and she belongs to Maroo. He then wanted to know where Minnie and Daisy were so we could sing the muffin song. He means on one of his CDs with the fab five, they sing the Muffin Man song. :lmao: I love kids.

[maroo]

I know I could do it if you tell me where you got the shirt. Are they easy to find? It doesn't really take that long to tie dye persay, it's more where would I find a shirt the right size.

By the by, I was talking about Muffin, and my DS overheard me, so he wanted to see her. So I showed him the picture of her cute little face, and he said, Mama, I want that dog. I explained to him that's Muffin and she belongs to Maroo. He then wanted to know where Minnie and Daisy were so we could sing the muffin song. He means on one of his CDs with the fab five, they sing the Muffin Man song. :lmao: I love kids.

Aww!!! He wanted Muffin! How completely adorable!!

Muffin probably would have gone with him today. She is mad at me because she was stuck at home most of the day while I was out planning DISNEY with Rachel's family. :goodvibes

More on that later, of course.

The Muffin Man, The Muffin Man.... I can't remember the words??? Help me out on that??

As far as her "size"...well, I got that shirt at a special dog store. (Can we say SPOILED ROTTEN? :lmao:) But I am sure you can find something like it at any pet store?

Muffin wears a medium. :rotfl: Seriously - she weighs about 6 pounds, but like her Mom, usually likes to wear her clothes big - and wears clothes for a 12" to 14" dog, 13 pounds. At least that is what this shirt was. :rotfl2:

I paid more for Muffin's shirt than I did for Jen's and my shirt. Put together. (Once I finish those, there will be pictures!)

So feel free to surcharge me for the searching for the shirt and the extremely high price of the crazy thing.

Of course...I really don't have to have a Mickey Tie Dye for Muffin. I bet it would be hard with a shirt that small, anyway. And it has the arms in a funny place, too.

But your son singing the Muffin Man song for Muffin is priceless!! Just priceless! :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

Do you know the Muffin Man,
the Muffin Man, the Muffin Man,
Do you know the Muffin Man,
who lives on Drury Lane?

Yes, I know the Muffin,
the Muffin Man...you get the idea... ;)

I'll have to see if in my travels I could find a shirt for Muffin. :goodvibes

[jenb1023]

Can't wait to see our shirts! TarzansKat - your son sounds too cute! The things kids say crack me up!

[TarzansKat]

TarzansKat - your son sounds too cute! The things kids say crack me up!

Thank you! I know, they come out with some of the greatest stuff. I loved when he was a baby, but I'm amazed at the "thinks he can think" as Dr. Suess would say. :lmao:

[maroo]

Can't wait to see our shirts! TarzansKat - your son sounds too cute! The things kids say crack me up!

I have designed the shirts on the computer...but still have to get the shirts...so it is going to be a few days.

[jenb1023]

Looking forward to seeing the dissigns or shirts! I am sure they will be great! I plan to e-mail you later about a few magic meets things.

[maroo]

Part of Magic Meets include a little photo contest.

And I would like to enter.

I have picked three photos that I really like...and I suppose you guys have seen a lot of photos from my TR's.

Help me pick one of these to send in.

Here are the rules...it has to be from a Disney-related trip, not a photopass pic, and can't be somewhere where you weren't supposed to use a flash...

Here are the three pictures I am picking from to send in...but I can't decide which one represents the best Magical Moment...

This first one I think may be too dark. It may not be clear where he is...

A. Captivated by It's a Small World
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3363-1.jpg

B. Dancing the Night Away at MNSSHP
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3400.jpg

C. Rainbow on the Runway to Disney - a Make a Wish Trip
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/maw%20party%20plane%20ride/179-1.jpg


If it is C...please help me come up with a better title!

Make a Wish sends Lauren to Disney?

Rainbow Send Off to the Most Magical Place on Earth


Something...

Thoughts, ideas?

[TarzansKat]

Okay, definitely C.

Our Pot of Gold: Disney at the End of the Rainbow

Somewhere Over the Rainbow: A Make A Wish Disney Vacation

I'm not sure if those fit, but just some ideas for you.

[maroo]

Ok...TK...since you are the only one out there right now...

What if I can't do C...

Technically the picture belongs to me, but I did not take it with my camera...so I don't think I can use it for this.

It feels like mine...but is technically not mine...does that make sense??

So...either A or B...

Or maybe add some more to this mix...

D.
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3396-1.jpg



E.
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3391-1.jpg

[TarzansKat]

I really like D because it's such a haphazard moment.

E would be better if we could see more of Lauren's face, you know? Do you have another one?

[maroo]

I really like D because it's such a haphazard moment.

E would be better if we could see more of Lauren's face, you know? Do you have another one?

I was thinking the same thing...

what about this one...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3388-1.jpg

[maroo]

I really like him holding her hand.

But you can't see her face...I totally agree.

Decisions...Decisions...

[TarzansKat]

I was thinking the same thing...

what about this one...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3388-1.jpg

I love this one. This one and William, those are my two favorites. :goodvibes

[maroo]

I love this one. This one and William, those are my two favorites. :goodvibes

which one of William? :)

[TarzansKat]

D. Where Dale looks like he's nonchalantly wrestling him. :lmao:

[maroo]

Ok! :)

Thank you for your help, TK!! :thumbsup2

I definitely agree with you!!! :):thumbsup2

Now...where is everyone else?

I know you are out there because 8,000 people have viewed this thread...and I am sure no more than 200 of those were me. TK probably counts for 100. So.....where are the rest of you guys?!? :rotfl:

[TarzansKat]

Ok! :)

Thank you for your help, TK!! :thumbsup2

I definitely agree with you!!! :):thumbsup2

No problem, my dear!


Now...where is everyone else?

I know you are out there because 8,000 people have viewed this thread...and I am sure no more than 200 of those were me. TK probably counts for 100. So.....where are the rest of you guys?!? :rotfl:

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

Isn't it amazing? Where are all the lurky-loos? Hello? ;)

Well, dear, I'm off to bed. I have to work tomorrow, so I need my...ha ha...beauty sleep. :lmao:

[If U Had Wings]

I like D or the last one with Lauren. Both are great!

[jenb1023]

Hey now! Once in awhile I do have things to do besides DIS (unfortunately)!

You count for way more than 200 views - TK and I are probably 200 each - you have to be at least 500.

I vote for Lauren and Dale!

I may have to post photos of my own for a vote - I have 2500 pictures from three trips and probably have 15-20 really great moments. Such decisions!

[maroo]

Feel free to post them here!!

On my iPhone, so I can't type forever.... But 500 views?? Ya think?

[jenb1023]

Feel free to post them here!!

On my iPhone, so I can't type forever.... But 500 views?? Ya think?

Well, every time you click on the TR to read someone's comments it is a view so if you check every time someone comments that adds up fast. Plus all of your own comments I would think counts as a view. It would be interesting if the DIS could count how many clicks were from different users and how many were repeat users.

I know I have the DIS open a lot and when there are some new posts I go and read them. So when threads are chatty I may click on it a few times in one day myself to read everything.

[All7OfUs]

I'd say my first choice would be choice C with a title: A WISH-full Send Off

If you can't do that one, I'd do the one from post 427- "A Great First Meeting"

[maroo]

I am going with this one...(I think)...

Help me think of a title?

I was thinking -

First Time at Disney: Dancing the Night Away

First Time at Disney: Dancing with Dale

First Time at Disney: Our Very Own Tinkerbell Dances at MNSSHP

Or...

A Great First Meeting: Dancing with Dale

or some combo of the above??

I think it should definitely say something about being her first time and dancing!


http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3388.jpg

[If U Had Wings]

I like the 3rd one, Tinkerbelle dancing with Dale. :)

[maroo]

Someone on the podcast board said......

Chip Who? Tink and D'Artagnan Dale "Boo"gie the Night Away during MNSSHP


I like this...but I don't know what D'Artangnan is?!?

So...maybe...

Chip Who? Tink and Dale "BOO"gie the Night Away during MNSSHP

[jenb1023]

D'Artagnan is the young man that joins the three musketeers.

I agree with that photo choice!

What about -

Peter who? Tink and Dale "Boo"gie the night away at MNSSHP

(BTW - what a clever person that came up with the original line!)

[maroo]

D'Artagnan is the young man that joins the three musketeers.

I agree with that photo choice!

What about -

Peter who? Tink and Dale "Boo"gie the night away at MNSSHP

(BTW - what a clever person that came up with the original line!)

BriarRosie on the Podcast Board came up with that!!!! :)

And they have another good one over there, too...

"Walt Disney World - Where Every Princess Gets to Dance with a Prince"...
:sad1:

[jenb1023]

BriarRosie on the Podcast Board came up with that!!!! :)

And they have another good one over there, too...

"Walt Disney World - Where Every Princess Gets to Dance with a Prince"...
:sad1:

I like that title too! Can't wait to get started on my photos now!

[jenb1023]

Hi guys!

As most of you know I am attending Magic Meets with Maroo/Mary so I am also entering the photo contest. If you have a moment, please click on the link below to go to my thread of photos and help me choose.

Thanks!
Jen

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32744523#post32744523

[maroo]

Hi guys!

As most of you know I am attending Magic Meets with Maroo/Mary so I am also entering the photo contest. If you have a moment, please click on the link below to go to my thread of photos and help me choose.

Thanks!
Jen

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32744523#post32744523

Hey guys!!! Please help Jen by voting on this poll!! :)

And thank you for all of your help!

I am planning to enter Lauren's picture in the contest tonight and will let you know what title I end up deciding on! :)

[that's nice]

Ok! :)

Thank you for your help, TK!! :thumbsup2

I definitely agree with you!!! :):thumbsup2

Now...where is everyone else?

I know you are out there because 8,000 people have viewed this thread...and I am sure no more than 200 of those were me. TK probably counts for 100. So.....where are the rest of you guys?!? :rotfl:

I couldn't vote.... I was on vaca and for some reason when I checked in to the DIS, I didn't check your thread! (I should be reprimanded for this at once!!!):lmao:

Good luck with the contest. All your pics show kids being kids and not letting daily life hold them down. Great pics by the way.... so what title did you come up with?

[maroo]

I couldn't vote.... I was on vaca and for some reason when I checked in to the DIS, I didn't check your thread! (I should be reprimanded for this at once!!!):lmao:

Good luck with the contest. All your pics show kids being kids and not letting daily life hold them down. Great pics by the way.... so what title did you come up with?

Yeah, Yeah...I see how it is!!!

Gee...I mean, how many threads do you have to check? :surfweb: And you forgot mine? :lmao:

Seriously, don't worry about. My thread count has me checking even the ones I really want to check very often not nearly as often as I would like!

:thumbsup2

[maroo]

More about Magic Meets!!!

I guess I should let you guys know what picture and title I settled on...

I turned in this one...

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/mblaine/mnsshp/IMG_3388-1.jpg

WALT DISNEY WORLD - WHERE EVERY PRINCESS GETS TO DANCE WITH A PRINCE

To see Lauren's picture and how it is presented in the contest CLICK HERE (http://themagicinpixels.com/photos/photo.php?photo=7313&exhibition=192&ee_lang=eng&u=924675,27).


And CLICK HERE (http://themagicinpixels.com/photos/photo.php?photo=7321&exhibition=192&ee_lang=eng&u=924675,35) to see the one that Jen (jenb1023) sent in! It is so good!!!!!

There were several very cool, unique and precious pictures entered in the contest!

**** Hey guys... You can go here and make comments on all of the photos. Some of them are really cute!! Feel free to make comments! Not just on mine or Jen's, please...on any of them that you want! :)

Click here to see ALL of the PICTURES in the CONTEST (http://themagicinpixels.com/photos/list.php?exhibition=192&ee_lang=eng)

[maroo]

September Transportation!

The plan...until recently...was for me to drive and have Sharon ride with me about half of the trip.

But when I started thinking about what time I would have to leave and what time we would get to Orlando and the fact that we would practically completely lose our last half day there...I changed my mind.

So, I have booked a SW flight both ways for my September trip.

I don't land until around 11:00 PM on Friday night, but that is much better than the 2AM I was looking forward to if we drove. Plus, I think I will be more rested if I don't have that long drive. And I do have to work the next day when I get back.

So...

I am flying!! :yay: :yay: :yay:


And I will change the MASTER PLAN (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32316938&postcount=289)....

[All7OfUs]

Oh!, I'm so, so glad you decided to fly!! REally, I am! It just makes so much more sense to arrive more rested and you gain that extra half a day. I think you would have really regretted it come that last day, and would have been kicking yourself all the way home.

I hope you got a great fare. But I'll bet if you add up the numbers you won't have spent too much more on flying ;)

[jenb1023]

Sorry I've been MIA on the thread! Thanks for the shout out to my poll and the photo contest site!

I am so glad you decided to fly in September! You will definitely be more rested and any extra time at WDW is a bonus!

[maroo]

Oh!, I'm so, so glad you decided to fly!! REally, I am! It just makes so much more sense to arrive more rested and you gain that extra half a day. I think you would have really regretted it come that last day, and would have been kicking yourself all the way home.

I hope you got a great fare. But I'll bet if you add up the numbers you won't have spent too much more on flying ;)

Actually... It sort of cost me -0-... not really. I just had a credit with SW that I used. So I didn't have to fork out any MORE money. And now that I am probably not going back until Sept 2010, it was a good deal for me to use it...I would have lost it. Actually I would have donated it to Make a Wish. Just an idea for anyone that has unused credits out there...


Sorry I've been MIA on the thread! Thanks for the shout out to my poll and the photo contest site!

I am so glad you decided to fly in September! You will definitely be more rested and any extra time at WDW is a bonus!

I am glad I did that, too!!! :) We would have been rushed on Wednesday morning.

So now I just need to figure out how I want to get back to the airport...

Magical Express? Except I will be coming from MK?

Take a cab?? How expensive is that?

Get a towncar to come get me? Is that even possible from the MK?

More decisions. ;)

[TarzansKat]

Congrats on booking airfare!

[All7OfUs]

I'll be very interested in knowing what you price out for taxis and towncars. It would be nice to know whether either option is affordable!

[TarzansKat]

Maroo, we have a towncar service that we use. Actually at this point, he's a family friend. :goodvibes I don't want to post his information here. It's a little pricey, but when Tink and I were looking at your standard towncar service that she'd used for her last trip, the prices were very, very similar. I think mine might have been a little bit more and to my mind, definitely worth it. If you want his info, PM me. :thumbsup2

[that's nice]

:yay: Flying is the best!!!!

Glad you made this decision!!!! Plus since it cost you nothing A.K.A. NADA... was there really a decision actually made here???????LOLOL

[maroo]

Congrats on booking airfare!

Thanks!!! :)

I'll be very interested in knowing what you price out for taxis and towncars. It would be nice to know whether either option is affordable!

I will have to do some research on this and let you know! :goodvibes

Maroo, we have a towncar service that we use. Actually at this point, he's a family friend. :goodvibes I don't want to post his information here. It's a little pricey, but when Tink and I were looking at your standard towncar service that she'd used for her last trip, the prices were very, very similar. I think mine might have been a little bit more and to my mind, definitely worth it. If you want his info, PM me. :thumbsup2

Now...don't ya just love the DIS!!!!! :)

Consider yourself PM'd.... send me the goods!!! :) Or at least the price. ;)

:yay: Flying is the best!!!!

Glad you made this decision!!!! Plus since it cost you nothing A.K.A. NADA... was there really a decision actually made here???????LOLOL


You are right...it was a no brainer...I am not actually completely sure why I had not planned it that way the whole time? :confused3

I was looking back over my plans and was quite confused with myself! :laughing:

[jenb1023]

So now I just need to figure out how I want to get back to the airport...

Magical Express? Except I will be coming from MK?

Take a cab?? How expensive is that?

Get a towncar to come get me? Is that even possible from the MK?

More decisions. ;)

I'll be very interested in knowing what you price out for taxis and towncars. It would be nice to know whether either option is affordable!

We used a towncar service on our last trip. We actually needed a van because there were five of us plus all of the luggage. A towncar would be cheaper. We paid $115 roundtrip plus tip.

If you want to use ME, I wonder if you could pick it up at the Contemporary since you will be at the MK or if you can only get it at your resort?

[All7OfUs]

Did everyone catch that??? Maroo was confused with herself! Imagine that!!! :confused3

Seeing that price I think I'll just plan on sticking with ME if I need to go back and forth. It's free, and like that'snice says, "Is there really a decision here?"

[maroo]

(Think Christmas Trip)


You guys are going to freak out....



I had a bad day yesterday...bunch of stuff...but anyway...


Got up this morning to a storm...and thought, great...another crappy day. :rotfl:


Then I got on my computer...:surfweb: And checked my email and then the DIS...






And I saw it.




I saw IT!



The new AP rates :yay: :woohoo: :yay:...through my December trip. And I nearly dropped my drink. :eek: 42% off for many of my dates...40% off for the rest...:cloud9:

Picked up the phone and called my friends in Disney Reservations. And was shocked when they picked right up! :confused3 I didn't even hold. (now that's some pixie dust)


And I saved...a TON of money on our AKL trip. For some reason they let me apply my AP to both rooms? I took off the dining plan...may add it later...but that made a difference, too. And I don't have to buy a $75 ticket that I don't need anymore. And I saved enough money for us all to eat whatever we want dining plan or not! It really did save us a lot of money. Even more than Free Dining for 6 adults and 1 child. Yeah. Lots of money.



Then I started dreaming...actually yesterday...about what it would be like to stay in a place that was more Christmassy... is that a word...because I am going solo and I want to relax...and I am already going to be staying at the AKL for 5 nights...



So....where else can I stay that would be nice.


I like the woods. I like the beach. I love me some Christmas decorations.

And I love...and mean love...handbells. I was in a handbell choir once. There's some random trivia for ya. :laughing:


I looked at different options...the Poly had a good deal? :confused3 Go figure that. Grand Floridian was outrageous! I actually booked........









Boardwalk Inn.......








What...

You aren't excited for me???








Yeah. That was my feeling, too...after I hung up the phone. :rotfl:




So I called them back and got a room at...




THE WILDERNESS LODGE!!!!!!



Which I understand is just wonderful at Christmas! :) Has the boat to go to MK. Relaxing. Relaxing. I love it! I love it!!! I am going to be at the MK several nights...because I love the MK at night.

And I got Courtyard View...because that is all they had. But I like that!!


Guys...I just can not wait!!!!!!!

I am so excited!

[maroo]

Did everyone catch that??? Maroo was confused with herself! Imagine that!!! :confused3

Seeing that price I think I'll just plan on sticking with ME if I need to go back and forth. It's free, and like that'snice says, "Is there really a decision here?"

:rotfl:

The question, is, my friend...how much is 3 extra hours at the MK worth? ;)
This is how I end up spending so much money.....see that logic? :rotfl2:

[All7OfUs]

I had a feeling that's the one you'd choose! So happy for you! Take loads of photos for us!

[If U Had Wings]

Congrats on the great deal!!! I'm so happy for you! I'm still holding out hope that I may get a good deal on my room. I'd love to see the 4 for 7 deal pop up for December. I'm not wanting to do the dining plan this trip so I'm probably the only person not hoping for free dining. :lmao:

Which nights are you going to be at the WL? I've lost track. :)

[jenb1023]

Did everyone catch that??? Maroo was confused with herself! Imagine that!!! :confused3

Seeing that price I think I'll just plan on sticking with ME if I need to go back and forth. It's free, and like that'snice says, "Is there really a decision here?"

:rotfl:

The question, is, my friend...how much is 3 extra hours at the MK worth? ;)
This is how I end up spending so much money.....see that logic? :rotfl2:

I checked the site for the people we used and it is $65 one-way. Three more hours in the MK. HMMMM! I love ME but we had a quick experience there and a long experience there. Good luck deciding!

(Think Christmas Trip)


You guys are going to freak out....



I had a bad day yesterday...bunch of stuff...but anyway...


Got up this morning to a storm...and thought, great...another crappy day. :rotfl:


Then I got on my computer...:surfweb: And checked my email and then the DIS...






And I saw it.




I saw IT!



The new AP rates :yay: :woohoo: :yay:...through my December trip. And I nearly dropped my drink. :eek: 42% off for many of my dates...40% off for the rest...:cloud9:

Picked up the phone and called my friends in Disney Reservations. And was shocked when they picked right up! :confused3 I didn't even hold. (now that's some pixie dust)


And I saved...a TON of money on our AKL trip. For some reason they let me apply my AP to both rooms? I took off the dining plan...may add it later...but that made a difference, too. And I don't have to buy a $75 ticket that I don't need anymore. And I saved enough money for us all to eat whatever we want dining plan or not! It really did save us a lot of money. Even more than Free Dining for 6 adults and 1 child. Yeah. Lots of money.



Then I started dreaming...actually yesterday...about what it would be like to stay in a place that was more Christmassy... is that a word...because I am going solo and I want to relax...and I am already going to be staying at the AKL for 5 nights...



So....where else can I stay that would be nice.


I like the woods. I like the beach. I love me some Christmas decorations.

And I love...and mean love...handbells. I was in a handbell choir once. There's some random trivia for ya. :laughing:


I looked at different options...the Poly had a good deal? :confused3 Go figure that. Grand Floridian was outrageous! I actually booked........









Boardwalk Inn.......








What...

You aren't excited for me???








Yeah. That was my feeling, too...after I hung up the phone. :rotfl:




So I called them back and got a room at...




THE WILDERNESS LODGE!!!!!!



Which I understand is just wonderful at Christmas! :) Has the boat to go to MK. Relaxing. Relaxing. I love it! I love it!!! I am going to be at the MK several nights...because I love the MK at night.

And I got Courtyard View...because that is all they had. But I like that!!


Guys...I just can not wait!!!!!!!

I am so excited!


:banana::cool1::woohoo::yay:Congrats on the discount!!! That is great news! And woo-hoo for WL. We've stayed at AKL and WL and enjoyed both very much. I have heard WL is beautiful at Christmas.

[kimmylaj]

hip hip hooray for you i have always wanted to stay at WL. so exciting.

[TarzansKat]

I WANT TO GO!!!!!!!!! :lmao:

Okay, seriously, I'm so excited for you. The Wilderness Lodge is supposed to be amazing during the holiday season.

[maroo]

I had a feeling that's the one you'd choose! So happy for you! Take loads of photos for us!

I am so excited!! :)

Congrats on the great deal!!! I'm so happy for you! I'm still holding out hope that I may get a good deal on my room. I'd love to see the 4 for 7 deal pop up for December. I'm not wanting to do the dining plan this trip so I'm probably the only person not hoping for free dining. :lmao:

Which nights are you going to be at the WL? I've lost track. :)

Eeek...I just don't know if 4/3 is coming back for the winter...I bet we would know by now?

Um...right now I am at WL the 10th to the 15th. But...that could totally change once I get my schedule of what I am doing when...

Aren't you going to be there then too??

I checked the site for the people we used and it is $65 one-way. Three more hours in the MK. HMMMM! I love ME but we had a quick experience there and a long experience there. Good luck deciding!


:banana::cool1::woohoo::yay:Congrats on the discount!!! That is great news! And woo-hoo for WL. We've stayed at AKL and WL and enjoyed both very much. I have heard WL is beautiful at Christmas.

Thanks!!!! :) I am really excited! I am hoping to relax some and really take a little time to enjoy the resort.

hip hip hooray for you i have always wanted to stay at WL. so exciting.

Thank you!! I am so excited!! :)

I WANT TO GO!!!!!!!!! :lmao:

Okay, seriously, I'm so excited for you. The Wilderness Lodge is supposed to be amazing during the holiday season.

Shoot! Wont' you have an AP...come on! :) The pictures I have seen have been amazing!! :)

[Sandy321]

dont forget to rub Humphrey's nose - for that extra special magic! :wizard:

(at WL by the gift shop is a totem of bears - its become a DIS tradition to rub humphrey's nose - there is a Dis'er who passed away that was all about WL - and some people have him in their signatures)

:dance3:
Maroo :wizard:

[Sandy321]

:rotfl:

The question, is, my friend...how much is 3 extra hours at the MK worth? ;)
This is how I end up spending so much money.....see that logic? :rotfl2:

Maroo - this is called "Disney Math"
:rotfl2:

[eyor44]

Congrats on the WL. We stayed there last Thanksgiving and the decorations are beautiful. and you are correct. It is a nice quiet, relaxing resort:cloud9:.....most of the time.

A piece of advice you didn't ask for.
You mentioned having a courtyard view. If you end of near the pool or more exact by the pool on the bar side, on I'd say, the first three floors, DO NOT try to take a nap in the afternoon. Or if you do, make sure you wake up before 3:00pm. Now, what happens at 3:00pm you are wondering. That is when the pool party starts. And it starts when a very energetic CM lets everyone know with a BULLHORN!

This was me when I was startled awake by said bullhorn.:scared1:
I walked out the patio, up to wonderfully happy CM and said, "What do you think you are doing!?!" He offered me sidewalk chalk to draw with.:laughing:

You can also see the electric boat parade from the dock each evening.

[maroo]

dont forget to rub Humphrey's nose - for that extra special magic! :wizard:

(at WL by the gift shop is a totem of bears - its become a DIS tradition to rub humphrey's nose - there is a Dis'er who passed away that was all about WL - and some people have him in their signatures)

:dance3:
Maroo :wizard:

Wow!

Uh...I need a picture of this so I don't rub the wrong nose!!! :lmao:

Maroo - this is called "Disney Math"
:rotfl2:

Maroo, PhD - Emphasis - Disney Mathematics - Graduated with Distinction!

Congrats on the WL. We stayed there last Thanksgiving and the decorations are beautiful. and you are correct. It is a nice quiet, relaxing resort:cloud9:.....most of the time.

A piece of advice you didn't ask for.
You mentioned having a courtyard view. If you end of near the pool or more exact by the pool on the bar side, on I'd say, the first three floors, DO NOT try to take a nap in the afternoon. Or if you do, make sure you wake up before 3:00pm. Now, what happens at 3:00pm you are wondering. That is when the pool party starts. And it starts when a very energetic CM lets everyone know with a BULLHORN!

This was me when I was startled awake by said bullhorn.:scared1:
I walked out the patio, up to wonderfully happy CM and said, "What do you think you are doing!?!" He offered me sidewalk chalk to draw with.:laughing:

You can also see the electric boat parade from the dock each evening.

Wow!

I don't think I will be taking any afternoon naps. I am more of a sleep in kind of person...Although, with the schedule that weekend...who knows!

This is very valuable information and PLEASE send any more advice that you know of my way!

I have LOTS to do to read up on WL! I don't really know anything about it!

[Sandy321]

The Legend of Humphrey Bear and his MAGICAL NOSE.

Humphrey is located in the Lobby and is the Mascot (an animal, person, or thing adopted by a group as its representative symbol and supposed to bring good luck) of The Wilderness Lodge and the Wilderness Lodge Vet's Legend is that if you rub Humphreys Nose at the start of or during your visit to WDW you will be favored with PIXIE DUST and you will have a MAGICAL STAY.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON HUMPHREY AND WHY HE IS IN OUR HEARTS:

One our most loved VETS was a sweet gentleman named Roy Car aka FloridaCat he loved Humphrey and always posted to rub his noise so the Magic could begin. We vets also make sure to say "Hi" to Roy our dear friend when we all visit by rubbing Humph's nose.

This Wilderness Lodge FAQ Thread is dedicated to Roy Carr and his Memory because he was very instrumental in making this and the previous 5 WL FAQ threads the great threads they have all been. He posted weather reports for the WDW area every morning as he lived very near the world. He was our Wild Wacky Wonderful WL Weatherman the title was even bestowed to him by the DIS-Tag Fairy.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1710310

[maroo]

Wow...

I have yesterday beat.


You REALLY are not going to believe THIS!


I got an email this morning...which I only checked just now...and I have been upgraded...from the POP for Free Dining...to.....








SSR with Free Dining!












But I need you guys to talk to me...DVCers...I need your help....

I know this sounds stupid. I will probably edit this later for its absurdity. But I am having upgraditis.... Is that a word???

Because when I was on the phone the CM assured me the Studio would still have 2 beds (and let me tell you...I was SOOOOOOO over the top excited about this upgrade!!!!!)....

...but I must not have been clear...I really want "real" beds? And the studio has the one bed and pull out sofa...:rolleyes: I am not as excited about that? As even a POP room with 2 regular beds?

Tell me I am crazy....

Convince me I am going to LOVE the SSR so much that I won't care that I am on a pull out sofa!

Am I complaining about an upgrade?? I have lost my mind. :sad2:



Edit #1:
edited to add....I am grateful...really! I think the Type A planner in me is just a little freaked out that I signed on to a resort that I have never even researched for a second! :eek:

Edit #2:
edited again!!!! Ok...forget what I said above....



SSR Owners! Tell me about your resort...will I want to buy it after I have stayed there? The pictures look very, very nice!! :)

And for those of you that know me well....I am pretty excited...I get a HOT TUB!!!! (should I warn them?)



Edit #3:
Ok...I am totally over my upgraditis! For kicks, I will leave all of the above up so you can all laugh at me now or later! :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:

There are LOTS of people on the Resort board that got this email and called with no availability at the same time I was calling. I really think the CM did me a GREAT favor by back door booking me into this...because she sounded like it was gone...but that I was so excited about it that she "made it work"...

So...thank you DISNEY! I already loved you...now I love you more! :thumbsup2

Ok...that should be all of my edits....

[If U Had Wings]

First off, congratulations!!! That's wonderful. Your having quite the bit of pixie dust for your trips.

I looked into this once before, and I believe that some rooms at SSR have two beds, but not all. Most I think have a bed and a foldout. If I remember correctly, there is a type of room you have to ask for and it's not coming to me right now. I'd head over to the DVC section and see if they have more info.

All the rooms at OKW though have two beds with no sofa in the studio.

[maroo]

First off, congratulations!!! That's wonderful. Your having quite the bit of pixie dust for your trips.

I looked into this once before, and I believe that some rooms at SSR have two beds, but not all. Most I think have a bed and a foldout. If I remember correctly, there is a type of room you have to ask for and it's not coming to me right now. I'd head over to the DVC section and see if they have more info.

All the rooms at OKW though have two beds with no sofa in the studio.

You are so sweet!!!!!!! :love:

Actually...I feel really bad for the poor real owners of the DVC...

I am thinking I will make no requests on this ressie. I just feel like the DVC folks that are owners or even renting points should be able to have their requests.

But...that is a GREAT idea! I need to head over to the DVC board and see if I can get some more info on this resort!! :thumbsup2

[that's nice]

:yay: :woohoo:
Congrats on WL!!!!!!

DW probably wouldn't like it there but I would! LOL

I'm trying to look into the resort upgrade PIN that many ppl got today. I wonder where mine is? LOLOL

[Sandy321]

:yay: Maroo - and I will chuckle!!

Head over to this thread about SSR:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2234137&highlight=SSR
I think there are some good tips (the OP got lost at SSR so dvc owners helped out!!)

We arrived at SSR yesterday. We got a studio in Congress Park in the section closest to DTD. We have a nice view of DTD. No problems at all with the room. I do have a question - are the foldout beds usually made up with linens or do you have to make them yourselves. I thought in the past, when you folded out the bed, it already had linens on it. DD29 slept on it last night and we had to make it up first. No big deal, but I just thought in past visits it was already made up.

Also, she said it was very, very uncomfortable. I know it's a sofa bed so what do you expect, but she has slept on them in the past and didn't remember it being so uncomfortable. Now she does have back problems, so that could be part of it. I told her I'd try it tonight (I can pretty much sleep anywhere).
__________________

and here is the SSR owners and lovers thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1329308&highlight=SSR

Cant wait for more details!! :wizard:

[Sandy321]

looking for more helpful posts:

I requested the Springs section because I wanted to be close to everything. But now I'm hearing that I should have requested Grandstand because it's the first bus stop and the first two buildings are pretty close to Springs anyway. My question - if we stay with our Springs request (I don't know if it will do any good to call MS this close to our arrival), how long of a walk is it to the Grandstand bus stop? And would I be able to request Grandstand at check-in, even though I have a request in for Springs? I'm so confused...
We have stayed at both locations and both have their advantages. Consider if you end up at the Springs that it is the last bus stop so there is less travel when going. I personally don't think it is worth the walk to the Grandstand to be first. When returning via bus, if you are up to a short walk, you can get off at the Paddock section and walk across the bridge to the Springs and save some riding.

and:
Grandstand has a children's splash area and is the first bus stop for almost all routes. It's the second closest (behind Springs) to the main area.

Springs is the closest to the main pool and CS location but is the last bus stop for almost all routes. During busy seasons, the busses will be standing room only by the time they get to this stop.

Congress Park has views of DTD and a quiet pool. It's also got the shortest walk to DTD.

Paddock is one of those areas (along with Carousel) that nobody wants to stay in with children due to the walk to the bus stop, quiet pool, main pool, etc. Since we are a couple with no children, this is the area we have enjoyed the most because it's been so quiet.

The resort is very large but walkable. The paths are wide and well lit. Most people request Grandstand or Springs but we are perfectly happy staying further away and walking.

:wizard::wizard::wizard:

[maroo]

Sandy -

I won't quote all of your helpful posts today....but thanks for the WL info!! I spent some time on that thread today! I am so excited about WL!!!! :)

:yay: :woohoo:
Congrats on WL!!!!!!

DW probably wouldn't like it there but I would! LOL

I'm trying to look into the resort upgrade PIN that many ppl got today. I wonder where mine is? LOLOL

I am going to LOVE WL! I am afraid I am going to love it too much! :rotfl:


I am feeling MUCH better tonight about the SSR resort! I know more about it after some research and talking to a few folks tonight and can't wait to check it out!!! :woohoo:

[JPFamilyMom]

made my way over from your 2010 PTR with Leisa (??spelling, sorry) subbing now, going back to finish reading later... so exciting about all your trips:banana:

[Sandy321]

Sandy -

I won't quote all of your helpful posts today....but thanks for the WL info!! I spent some time on that thread today! I am so excited about WL!!!! :)



I am going to LOVE WL! I am afraid I am going to love it too much! :rotfl:


I am feeling MUCH better tonight about the SSR resort! I know more about it after some research and talking to a few folks tonight and can't wait to check it out!!! :woohoo:

oh really??
:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

I guess I tend to run on at the mouth - or keyboard as the case may be!! Thanks for putting up with me!! :wizard:

You are the Best!! :wizard::wizard:

[that's nice]

I remember passing SSR when we were there last time... Both DW and I commented how it looked so nice. I just checked out some pictures on the website and it looks really nice. I think you will be happy here!!!:)

[TarzansKat]

Wow, congratulations!

I've actually heard that pull out couches at any of the DVC villas are very comfortable.

I mean if they weren't, people wouldn't book them or buy DVC, right? :goodvibes

[JPFamilyMom]

When are you gonna plan your January February and March trips?:lmao:

We will be there March 6-14th. LOLOL:rotfl:

This is when we plan on going? Is someone doing the Princess half?

Maroo-this is how far I am as of right now, going back to finish, just thought it was neat someone will be there the same time as me.:cool2:

***updated-finished reading*** Your dog is so cute, and I am so not a pet person :confused3 sorry, don't kick me off your island for saying that. I do love a yorkie (my grandma's dog) and I'm sure my kids would LOVE your dog, they LOVE dogs.

Girl, you have some serious pixie dust Disney magic working for your. I can't believe all your good luck.:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

popcorn::popcorn::

[If U Had Wings]

I am so excited!! :)

Um...right now I am at WL the 10th to the 15th. But...that could totally change once I get my schedule of what I am doing when...

Aren't you going to be there then too??


I am. I check in there on the 8th and out on the 12th.

[maroo]

made my way over from your 2010 PTR with Leisa (??spelling, sorry) subbing now, going back to finish reading later... so exciting about all your trips:banana:

:welcome: to this crazy pre-trip report! :)

If you like a roller coaster, you will love this! It is always changing and definitely ups and downs! :)

oh really??
:rotfl2::rotfl2:

I guess I tend to run on at the mouth - or keyboard as the case may be!! Thanks for putting up with me!! :wizard:

You are the Best!! :wizard::wizard:

Takes one to know one! ;) You are welcome anytime! :)

I remember passing SSR when we were there last time... Both DW and I commented how it looked so nice. I just checked out some pictures on the website and it looks really nice. I think you will be happy here!!!:)

Woo Hoo!!! Thank you! I can't wait to see it!

Wow, congratulations!

I've actually heard that pull out couches at any of the DVC villas are very comfortable.

I mean if they weren't, people wouldn't book them or buy DVC, right? :goodvibes

This is GREAT to hear!

I have been pretty worried about this. I figure at the very worst...we change resorts. If it is just horrible and we can't sleep...but we should not have any trouble!



This is when we plan on going? Is someone doing the Princess half?

Maroo-this is how far I am as of right now, going back to finish, just thought it was neat someone will be there the same time as me.:cool2:

***updated-finished reading*** Your dog is so cute, and I am so not a pet person :confused3 sorry, don't kick me off your island for saying that. I do love a yorkie (my grandma's dog) and I'm sure my kids would LOVE your dog, they LOVE dogs.

Girl, you have some serious pixie dust Disney magic working for your. I can't believe all your good luck.:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

popcorn::popcorn::

Awesome!! :)

You are so not kidding about the pixie dust!

My "real life friends" think I am totally crazy...but the last two days they have been impressed with the savings "you get from hanging out with those crazy DEESers" :lmao:

I am. I check in there on the 8th and out on the 12th.
:yay: :woohoo::woohoo: :yay:

I will be there really late on the 10th...really late. Not sure at all what my plans look like on the 11th and 12th yet...but we must have a DIS meet!

I never in a million years thought I would be staying at the WL! I am stoked!!!!

[All7OfUs]

I can't believe you get to stay at 3!!!!!!!!! Deluxe resorts in the next 6 months!!! NO WAY!

AKL, SSR AND WL!! How fortunate you are! And I am confident that at least one of those will have a nice BB to suffice all our 2010 needs!:cool1:

WL can't be anything but BEE-U-TEE-FUL at Christmas. Take loads of pix for us!!

SSR- Can I just be really, really honest here? Please no flames, but I'm not sure I'd have switched. Theming is paramount to me, and it just seems like POP has more Disney atmosphere. But, I know your point of going in Sept. is to RELAX, and SSR certainly seems like a nice place to do it.

AKL- What more can be said?? Cool!

[KathyRN137]

THE WILDERNESS LODGE!!!!!!


Which I understand is just wonderful at Christmas! :) Has the boat to go to MK. Relaxing. Relaxing. I love it! I love it!!! I am going to be at the MK several nights...because I love the MK at night.

And I got Courtyard View...because that is all they had. But I like that!!


Guys...I just can not wait!!!!!!!

I am so excited!


You will love the Lodge... we stayed there in '07 and I :lovestruc it!!


Wow!

Uh...I need a picture of this so I don't rub the wrong nose!!! :lmao

I have LOTS to do to read up on WL! I don't really know anything about it!


Here is Humphrey:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/KathyRN137/IMGP1447.jpg




I got an email this morning...which I only checked just now...and I have been upgraded...from the POP for Free Dining...to.....



SSR with Free Dining!


But I need you guys to talk to me...DVCers...I need your help....

I know this sounds stupid. I will probably edit this later for its absurdity. But I am having upgraditis.... Is that a word???

Because when I was on the phone the CM assured me the Studio would still have 2 beds (and let me tell you...I was SOOOOOOO over the top excited about this upgrade!!!!!)....

...but I must not have been clear...I really want "real" beds? And the studio has the one bed and pull out sofa...:rolleyes: I am not as excited about that? As even a POP room with 2 regular beds?

Tell me I am crazy....

Convince me I am going to LOVE the SSR so much that I won't care that I am on a pull out sofa!
[/COLOR]


We own at SSR!

The CM is mistaken; two queen beds are at OKW.

Studio (sleeps up to 4) 355 sq. ft.

Hark back to another era and stay amid the Victorian splendor of this quaint Studio that is an ideal retreat for your family.
Kitchenette with microwave, mini-refrigerator, wet bar and coffee maker
Queen-size bed
Double-size sleeper sofa
TV & DVD Player
Private porch or balcony

Layout:

http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc/languagespecific/eng/resorts/saratogaSprings/floorPlans/studio.jpg


Kathy

[that's nice]

March 6-14.....This is when we plan on going? Is someone doing the Princess half?

We have gone the 1st week of March the last 2 years but DW hasn't done the Princess Half. We just like this time of the year. The parks aren't too busy yet, we get to leave the cold of CT, and my work schedule isn't busy yet.

Last year was definitely busier than March 08 though. I think the 4/3 deal was working for Disney.:goodvibes

[eyor44]

Maroo
I just stayed at SSR in June. Granted we were in a 3 bedroom but one of the older boys slept on the pullout sofa and he never complained. Must have been comfortable as all the kids kept trying to sleep on it. The resort is beautiful and very peaceful. We were in one of the farthest buildings from the main building and the walk was fine. I even walked back from DTD one evening. I wasn't sure I would like SSR, but I really did.

[maroo]

PLEASE...guys...

Please pray for Rachel and her Mom, Joyce.

We are at the hospital. Rachel is the one I am going to Disney with in December. She has several medical issues.

In the last two days, Rachel has gone from talking to us (she is completely normal in her intellect and speaking, etc) to now not being able to speak in complete sentences. She is just saying random words and phrases. It is really horrible.

We are now at the hospital and they are running a bunch of tests.

Please, please pray for them.

[tinytreasures]

prayers sent for them :hug:

I have not been here forever
wow about all your upgrades
there is some pixie dust covering you for all the sweet things you do for us :lovestruc

[JPFamilyMom]

We have gone the 1st week of March the last 2 years but DW hasn't done the Princess Half. We just like this time of the year. The parks aren't too busy yet, we get to leave the cold of CT, and my work schedule isn't busy yet.

Last year was definitely busier than March 08 though. I think the 4/3 deal was working for Disney.:goodvibes
Going to send you a pm with some specific March questions if you don't mind, and making my way over to your PTR
PLEASE...guys...

Please pray for Rachel and her Mom, Joyce.

We are at the hospital. Rachel is the one I am going to Disney with in December. She has several medical issues.

In the last two days, Rachel has gone from talking to us (she is completely normal in her intellect and speaking, etc) to now not being able to speak in complete sentences. She is just saying random words and phrases. It is really horrible.

We are now at the hospital and they are running a bunch of tests.

Please, please pray for them.
Prayers and good thoughts for Rachel

[maroo]

They think she simply has an electrolyte imbalance...which would be an awesome diagnosis...as all she really needs is some salt!

They are admitting her and giving her saline by IV and she is not better yet...but they said it may take some time.

Hopefully this will help her and we will get a fast response and an easy answer!

The other things the dr is considering is a brain infection and medication issues.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers!

[TarzansKat]

Oh, Maroo. I will pray for Rachel and her family. :hug:

[If U Had Wings]

Maroo, my thoughts and prayers are definitely with her!

[jenb1023]

Still sending prayers! Keep us posted!

[eyor44]

Prayers said for Rachel and mom and Maroo. Hope they can get her settled real soon. :hug:

[KathyRN137]

Still praying.... hope she's in her room by now....

She's lucky to have such a good friend!


Kathy