**UPDATE 11/4 p.2 ** Holla Space Mountain! The Vista Girls Reunite Again! Nov. 09

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone!

I think I have finally broken my trip report curse. I have previously started I believe 3 trip reports recounting my various trips to WDW. Now ask me how many of those I finished?

None.

But this past June, I took an Adventures by Disney trip to Ireland and I wrote a pre-trip and full on trip report from start to finish. Okay, so the last day wasn’t the most exciting in terms of writing. But it was finished! 10 whole days worth of a vacation! So I am determined this time to write a little trippie about a vacation coming up in the semi-near future.

First let me introduce myself (pictures will follow – I promise). My name is Shannon. I live in the Treasure Coast of Florida which is just north of Palm Beach. I moved up here just over a year ago from south Florida after finishing grad school and getting a job as a speech-language pathologist in the school system. I work a lot with children with autism plus the usual suspects you would find in speech – stuttering, articulation, language. I am liking it so far, but it is stressful for sure.

Even with going to Ireland in June, my mom, adult cousin and I went to Disney in July for a long weekend. It was sort of a thank you gift for my cousin because she dog-sat my dog, Winston (a goldendoodle) and my mom’s dog, Phoebe (standard poodle). She earned that trip and then some taking care of those doggies, let me tell you. So after that trip I started having back to school trainings and then school started and I was swamped. But then I started feeling a bug coming on. We all know the one. The Disney bug. I’m sure it didn’t help that during every free period in my classroom I was listening to Mouse World Radio, which plays all theme park music. Wish they would have a CD of those songs. But nevertheless the bug hit me. And then it dawned on me that I had a Friday off in November. My mom, who likes to come with me on these trips most of the time, would be away this weekend at a convention for work, but I had taken a solo trip in May 2008 and really enjoyed it. A lot actually. I don’t think I would enjoy it if all my trips were solo but every once in awhile it is really nice to just do what you want to do. Get up early, go to bed early, eat, don’t eat, etc. Being your own tour guide.

So I checked online to see the discounts available for Florida Residents. There seemed to be some really good ones out there. I stewed it over for a couple days – what resort, how much do I really want to spend, Christmas décor might be up so what resort has nice decorations, etc. I finally decided on Port Orleans Riverside, our old standby resort. When we aren’t sure we want to stay but want to stay somewhere that we know we like, our family usually chooses POR. So this afternoon I called and booked a standard room for November 19 – 22. The best part of this trip I think is that I will come home on Sunday, head back to work for 2 more days and then I am off for Thanksgiving for 5 whole days.

So there you go…a solo trip at POR from Nov. 19-22.

Right about the time I started thinking of taking this trip, I posted so on my Facebook page. And a friend of mine who did the college program with me in 2002, said that she might be able to make that weekend. She had originally hoped to make it out in October for Food and Wine, but it ended up being a no go. So she mentioned that she may be able to come during this time frame. I haven’t seen her in 2 years and I miss her a lot so I would love for her to be able to make it, but even if she doesn’t, I’m still just as excited to head to WDW all by myself.

[Wonders10]

Hi there!

Not sure if anyone is actually reading but this is just a small update to say I'm waiting to hear from friend on her vacation time approval. I'm sad to say that I'm torn about it. I miss her and have been wanting her to come for a visit for almost 2 years, but at the same time I was looking forward to reliving the fun I had during my solo weekend last May.

I do hope she hears back soon regardless because I want to start planning!

[Wonders10]

Well I am faced with a dilemma. I have just discovered in looking through my school schedule that parent teacher conferences are going to be held on the evening of the 19th...right around the time I am supposed to be freshening up in my POR room and thinking of what to have for dinner. Not good.

As the "speech lady" parents rarely if at all schedule conferences with me...typically it is only the classroom teacher. But technically I am supposed to go and at least show my face. I am sure that there is a way to get out of it, especially if no one has signed up to speak with me, but as a sort of new employee, all eyes are on me and I am extremely paranoid about making sure that I am doing all the right things...like showing up for conference night. This also puts a bummer in my plan because I was thinking of taking a personal day on Thursday, especially if my friend was able to come (still waiting to hear on that one), but now that is sort of out too because even if I take a personal day, I am still expected to show up for conference night. :confused3
I am sort of leaning towards just going to conference night and heading up to Orlando super early on Friday morning. It will save me a nights hotel and I could still have a lot of fun in 2 full days. But if my friend is able to come then I don't know what I will do. Stupid job...always getting in the way of my Disney time. :laughing:

On a brighter note, I did book the "hotel" for my dog so he is all set and ready to go while I'm away! :thumbsup2

[ILuvJimny]

I enjoyed your pre-trippie so far and hope you will be able to work around the conferences so you can still enjoy a fantastic time at Disney!

[Wonders10]

I enjoyed your pre-trippie so far and hope you will be able to work around the conferences so you can still enjoy a fantastic time at Disney!

Alright! I have one reader...awesome!

I have good news and bad news.

The bad news is that my friend has still not heard from her boss on approval for her time off. They are in different states at the moment, but still, how did she send the notice? Donkey? Don't they fax on the west coast of the US? Hopefully she will hear soon. I want to start planning and if she comes, it will be a completely different trip than if I'm solo.

The good news is I talked to one of my supervisors and she basically said that if no one signs up for conferences with me on conference night, I don't have to go. Our first round of conferences is this week and no one has signed up so I am hopeful that the same happens in November for round 2. Cross your fingers, my one reader! I've also pretty much decided that if my friend is able to make it, I will be taking Thursday off and leaving in the morning as opposed to Thursday after work, 4pm.

Not much of an update...I've wanted to start planning for a solo trip, but I'll be a little bummed if I get excited about doing things and then my friend comes and thing have to change. So I've been holding out on planning at all.

[MickeyisBeast]

Hi! Enjoying your PTR so far! Guess I'm reader number 2!

[Wonders10]

I just heard from my friend. And the verdict is....








Her vacation got approved!!! So she'll be able to make it for the trip, which has you can tell by the title, isn't going to be a solo trip anymore. She is still iffy on when she is going to be arriving - probably late Wednesday/early Thursday so I'm 90% sure I'm going to be taking a personal day on Thursday and leaving that morning after dropping of my pooch, Winston. I am so excited! I know that I was going back and forth with wanting her to come, but now that I know she is, I'm really looking forward to seeing her again and having fun with a friend at WDW! Trips with friends are a different type of fun than when going with family - at least for me.

Will update more as I know her travel plans and we discuss what we want to do! It will be a jam packed 3 days for sure!

[ILuvJimny]

How exciting that you will have a buddy for the trip!

Now, just because only a couple of people have commented, it doesn't mean no one is reading. People like to read but they don't always add a comment.

[Wonders10]

How exciting that you will have a buddy for the trip!

Now, just because only a couple of people have commented, it doesn't mean no one is reading. People like to read but they don't always add a comment.

You are totally right...I will have to admit that I don't often reply to people's trip reports so I should understand that. It is motivating in a way to keep writing though knowing that people are reading. But I'm gonna keep writing though. Just waiting to hear more from my friend.

[Wonders10]

I spoke with my friend, A today and the planning has begun! I'm sooo excited now. Like I wasn't before :rolleyes1

She is hoping and planning to fly in Wednesday, arriving late that night and staying at whatver hotel she chooses to stay at (off-site probably) that night. I will then drive up Thursday morning after dropping off my Winston and pick her up at said hotel. Assuming I can get to the dog hotel at 7ish, I'd be in Orlando by 9 or 9:30. Then we will check in at POR and head to a park.

Thursday night we will head to MVMCP. We have both gone to this party, but I have always been with my young niece and nephew which means it is more for them than me and we leave early. And last time she did it, it was pouring rain the whole night. So we are both up for doing it again.

Friday we will head to another park TBD with the plan for the rest of the day to end at Epcot for some drinking around the world (our favorite thing!), Illuminations and evening EMH.

Saturday is very up in the air, but tentative plans for that night are to hit the Osborne Lights at DHS. Or other option would be a "night on the town", go out to dinner, clubbing, probably something like CityWalk, but neither one of us wants to worry about driving.

Sunday we probably won't do anything. It will depend what time her flight is. If anything, I'd say we might go to DTD, but more than likely we will just be having breakfast and heading our separate ways. :guilty:

I know she is long overdue for a vacation and while I have traveled and don't seem to have a job nearly as stressful as her, I know I will be ready for that break when it gets here!

Here is a sorry attempt at a photo. I promise they will not all be this tiny, but my patience is running thin. This is myself and my dog, Winston:http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce25b3127ccef81c72ff3c9c00000030O02AbNXLFw0bMg e3nwg/cC

[Wonders10]

Okay, I found this (huge) pic of A and I from the last time she was in Orlando. I am on the right, A is on the left.

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r130/wonders10/DSC00263.jpg

[Wonders10]

Well I finally decided on a title for this report. The first part is sort of an inside joke between A and I (as well as one of our other old roommates). I don't even remember how it came about but it's basically just a funny saying for us. The second part is in reference to our time spent on the college program, and we lived in Vista Way.

[Wonders10]

Well this update really has nothing to do with Disney, but yesterday was my dog, Winston's first birthday and I had a small party with him and some family and friends. It was a great day of just enjoying each other's company and eating and celebrating that my little boy is 1. Can you tell I don't have children? Actually to be honest, I'm 99% positive that once I do have a human child, I would still think of my furbabies as children as well. Anyway, just wanted to share a couple pics of my Winston and the party:

Last December, after I had just picked him up from the "breeder" at 10 weeks old:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc00b3127ccec5bf3546380000000040O02AbNXLFw0bMg e3nwg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

His first meal at home:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc00b3127ccec5be506fd9ff00000040O02AbNXLFw0bMg e3nwg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

A couple weeks ago at yappy hour (that's me!):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce31b3127ccef800cae3561800000030O12AbNXLFw0bMg e3nwg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Yesterday morning, before the party:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce31b3127ccef800828ad76500000030O12AbNXLFw0bMg e3nwg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

So everyone knows who the birthday boy is:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce31b3127ccef801378cb7ed00000030O12AbNXLFw0bMg e3nwg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Birthday Cake!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce31b3127ccef800c5b597e100000030O12AbNXLFw0bMg e3nwg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

With my niece:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce31b3127ccef801361976d000000030O12AbNXLFw0bMg e3nwg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

More updates to come...I'd like to buy the Christmas party tickets soon, and I am waiting on A to tell me if she booked the flight yet so I know when she is arriving, leaving, etc. A big thank you to the people that are reading. It's been a bit of a snore, but it will be worth it to stick around.

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone!

I spoke with my friend yesterday (and by spoke, I mean wrote on each other's facebook walls). Hey, it works for us. Anyway, I read, on the DIS of course, that ICE at Gaylord Palms will be going on while we are there. I've always been curious to see it as well as the hotel itself so I sent the link to A and she also thought it'd be fun to do. Also, it is looking like we are going to NOT do a park hopper. But again, nothing definitive has been said. I don't think she even booked the airfare yet, but the plan was for her to do it this week. I think because she is getting paid this week. Anyway, just by going off what I know we want do as well as things I know we will probably end up doing, I have sort of made a very very very tentative itinerary for our stay. Things in it will definitely change I'm sure, but I'm super stressed at work and this weekend away is not coming soon enough. Basically it relaxes me to think about 3 blissful days of Disney.

Wednesday 11-18:
A will fly into Orlando and stay at a cheap and scary off-site hotel

Thursday 11-19:
I will drop off my dog at his hotel sometime between 7 and 7:30, then get on the road.
Should arrive in Orlando area by 9:30-ish, depending on traffic, weather, and what time I actually leave.
Pick up A from said, scary off-site hotel
Probably hit Publix or Wal-mart to get snacks and drinks (adult and otherwise) for the room
Check into POR
Possibly hit a park - I'm assuming either AK or DHS
Tonight is MVMCP - we want to get there as close to 4 as possible to see as much of the MK as possible before and during the party

Friday 11-20:
ICE at Gaylord Palms
Epcot the rest of the day and stay for the evening EMH (plans include riding all the rides, browsing World Showcase and drinking around the world)

Saturday 11-21:
No idea for today
Tonight we will go to DHS to see the Osborne Lights

So there you have it, a very very (did I mention very) tentative itinerary. I will of course, keep posting as things get more definitive.

On a side note, I've started thinking about sending A a small pre-trip care package. Something little and cheap because I don't have to much extra money to throw around, but something that will get her excited for our trip. I was thinking of sending her a Disney tour book (one of my faves) and maybe something else. Any suggestions?

[TattooedMermaid]

You've got three readers. :) I did College Program in 07. Didn't like it much other than being able to go the parks on off days. :) I am Subing your Pre-TR.

[Wonders10]

You've got three readers. :) I did College Program in 07. Didn't like it much other than being able to go the parks on off days. :) I am Subing your Pre-TR.

Alright! Thanks for stopping by and reading. You didn't like your CP? Where did you work? I have to admit my job was very boring and I worked with a few stick in the muds, but my roommates were great and I had a few good friends that made working at my job fun. I did mine in 2002...I feel so old saying that for some reason. Anyway, thanks for reading!

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hello! Enjoying your PTR. Looks like I will miss you at the World by a couple of days. We will be at POR from the 7th-13th and then OKW the 13th-15th.

Can't wait! Hoping November is a great time to go!! :wizard:

[Wonders10]

Thanks to all my new readers! And extra thanks for posting!

A is having some trouble finding a hotel for a decent price for Wednesday night. She will need transportation from the airport as well. I've sent her a few potential discounts for WDW resorts because then magical express would be free. Hopefully she will find something soon...that I think is what is keeping her from booking the airfare.

In other Disney-related news, I think I am going to be going again in January! Just for the weekend, 2 nights. I have a Disney Visa and read yesterday that they are offering a 40% discount on mods and deluxes for January and part of February. And it just so happens that my niece and nephew both have birthdays in January. So the wheels started turning and I mentioned it to my mom, who was all over it. Then I mentioned it to DSIL (their mom) who was also all over it. So it is settled! Nothing has been booked yet, but I am hoping to keep it a surprise from them until their birthdays since we'll be traveling after both of their birthdays. Also still deciding between 2 weekends, but we have decided that we are going to try to book a pirate room at CBR - a first for us. And my nephew will just love it! I think when I book it and it gets closer, I may start a pre-trip for that or just add on to this one.

[Wonders10]

So as you can see in my signature, Disney weekend number 2 has been booked. We decided on MLK weekend even though I know the crowds will be higher, it gives us a little extra time in WDW which I like. I don't really want to do 2 separate pre-trips, so I might just add planning info for that trip in here, if that's alright. But I'm afraid it will get too confusing. Or maybe I'll just wait a month and start a pre-trip while I'm writing the trip report for this one. Such decisions ;)

A has been super swamped at work (she REALLY needs this vacation) so I haven't heard much from her. I'm hoping she has been looking at hotels and plane tickets though so these things get booked!

[BeckWhy]

Shannon I just read up your pre-trippy... I'm excited for your trip and sad I'll be missing you. Unfortunatelly cuz I work in retail I have to be back before the weekend (and cheap flights are on Tuesdays). I'm gonna nag you to work on your trip report! You will have to do the same with me.

Send me your facebook stuff and I'll add you as a friend!

[Wonders10]

First of all, I am sick of calling my friend "A". Her name is Amanda and I am going to start calling her as such.

Anyway, I have news!

Amanda booked her flight! That makes it so much more real. I think there was a part of me that was worried that something would come up and she would be unable to come - I would have still gone of course, but I had gotten pretty darn excited about seeing her. Anyway, her flight is scheduled to get in Wednesday afternoon. I'm still not sure where she will be staying - I found some good on property discounts that she could use or she might just stay off-site. Her choice. Then, as planned, I will be driving up Thursday morning and picking her up and starting our adventure!

I'm still waiting for her to let me know what kind of ticket she is going to get - how many days, hopper or not, etc. I'm getting the Florida 3-days pass - just not sure if I need the hopper option or not. And I'm also waiting for the go ahead to buy the MVMCP tickets. I'm going to buy them and just let her reimburse me for her ticket.

More updates to come! I was just looking through my calendar for the next few weeks and I am going to be really busy with IEP meetings, normal work stuff, and have a couple days off too! This trip will be here in a flash!

[Wonders10]

I bought the MVMCP tickets last night...Amanda gave me the "yes, yes, yes!" go ahead. Woo-hoo! I'm excited to see what the party will be like without 2 little ones (my niece and nephew) with us. Oh and the party we will be going to is Nov. 19th...my arrival day!

[Wonders10]

In my searching I was able to find the trip report I wrote (and did not finish) from the last time Amanda came to WDW. I just re-read through it, and I'm bummed myself that I didn't finish it. I vaguely remember what we did the rest of the trip so if you really are curious, just ask and I'll try my best to recreate it (but without additional pics because those are all on my mom's PC. So if you are bored and want to have an idea of how Amanda and I do Disney, go here ------>

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1405765

[Wonders10]

More mini-updates.

One, I've been really considering coming up Wednesday night instead of Thursday morning. The original reason why I wasn't coming up until Thursday was because I have parent/teacher conference night on Wednesday night. Sort of have to be there. However, as the Speech pathologist, no one typically schedules an interview with me. And if they do, I'd be more than happen to do it at another time or over the phone so I might try to see if I can get out of it. Amanda has not booked the hotel for Wednesday night yet either but she mentioned to me that a friend of hers that she worked with at WDW may pick her up from the airport, hang out and stay that Wednesday night with her. I've met this friend before and she is nice but I don't want to intrude on their one on one friend time. I really don't think Amanda cares though.

Second, Amanda requested a meal in Canada or Morrocco because those are the only 2 countries she has not eaten at yet. Well no surprise, Le Cellier has nothing available. And I've eaten in Morrocco and it was okay but I'm not itching to eat there again. To me it is way overpriced for the food and I'd much prefer to eat at their counter service restaurant which I LOVE! But I'm wondering if there are other places in the rest of WDW that she might want to eat at but she isn't being too helpful. And without a real definitive itinerary, it's hard to plan meals. But at the same time, it is 3 weeks away and most of the more popular places are probably booked which bugs me. Truthfully I don't care where we eat, I just want it planned if there is a place she does want to try.

Hoping this is a good week. I'm having the first part of my yearly evaluation on Tuesday. It's an "informal" observation but the woman doing it is tough so I'm super nervous about her comments. I had a rough supervisor my last year in grad school and she really shot down my confidence in what I do and those feelings still linger almost daily at work. Wish me luck!

[LMO429]

Hi! I'm subscribing to your trip report! :goodvibes

[Wonders10]

Well again through the magic of texting and "facebooking", Amanda and I came to an agreement on dining. Canada was unavailable for any and all times I checked during our stay which stinks because I've been really wanting to eat there as well. She hadn't eaten at Morocco yet and like I said, I have no desire to return there so I suggested Rose and Crown. I like the food, have eaten there before, plus we can have a pint (or two) with our meal. She hadn't eaten there before and they had a 5:05 ADR! We agreed an early dinner would be good to balance the drinking around the world, Illuminations and evening EMH. So that dilemma is solved.

As far as going up on Wednesday instead of Thursday, I think I've sort of talked myself out of it. It'd be another night I'd have to board my dog and I'd feel rushed leaving after work and making sure everything is ready before work so I'm pretty settled on just leaving early Thursday. Besides, by the time I get up there, Amanda will probably just be waking up and getting ready so it's not like we will lose out on much time hanging out together.

[Wonders10]

Hello readers!

2 weeks from tonight I will be packing and getting ready to leave for WDW in the morning. Well actually, exactly 2 weeks from tonight, I will be at school waiting until 8pm to head home. I may have to board Winston Wednesday night because I just started an after school job doing speech therapy at a private practice. Or I may just cancel my session. Not really sure. I feel guilty leaving him there an extra night. But I'm gonna give it a couple days and talk to my "new" boss about it.

In trip news...my personal day was officially approved. Not that I didn't think it would be, but I like knowing that all the powers ahead of me know and approve of my day off. I also talked to Amanda, sending her tons and tons of annoying emails and facebook messages. I came up with a tentative itinerary and she liked it so I'm going to post it. We also pretty much decided not to get a park hopper. We don't really need it and it will save both of us money. So here we go with our Itinerary v.02:

Thursday 11-19:
*Leave home around 7am, arrive in Orlando area sometime around 9/9:30, pick up Amanda at hotel off property or meet at POR (her Orlando friend is possibly staying with her Wednesday night so I'm not sure if she will take her to POR or if I will pick her up.
*Check into POR
*head back off property - ICE @Gaylord Palms, lunch offsite (maybe at one of our favorite places, Cafe TuTu Tango), then hit Publix to get snacks and some adult beverages.
*Back to POR, relax, change
*potentially visit Contemporary (where Amanda used to work) and GF (Amanda also worked her briefly and also to check out the Christmas decor)
*MVMCP right at 4pm until we can't take it anymore

Friday 11-20:
*Epcot day!!!
*must do's include drinking around the world, Illuminations, evening EMH
*also have adr's for dinner at Rose and Crown

Saturday 11-21:
*possibly hit DTD in the morning to shop
*DHS for rides and then our must do is the Osborne lights - totally puts me in the Christmas spirit!

Sunday 11-22:
*Check out day :guilty:
*Not sure when Amanda is leaving but I'm sure I'll be leaving sometime before noon.

So what do you think? We try to stick to a basic plan but there is definite potential for a spur of the moment anything to happen! I am so ready for this trip. I'm so stressed and busy at work. I need to escape to my happy place now!

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone!

I don't really have any updates, but I just wanted to post some random stuff (mostly to bump my thread back to page 1). Since my trip is coming up soon, I'm hoping to catch some more readers!

Anyway, in my life, I'm super super busy. Which is good because it is making the days fly by meaning my trip will be here soon, but I feel stressed a lot of the time which isn't so fun. I can't remember if I mentioned it on here before or not, but last week I got a 2nd job after school. As I mentioned before I am a speech pathologist working in the school system and now I also work after school/work at a private practice doing pediatric therapy. The pay is so much more than the school (which is really helpful right now) and I only will work Mon-Thursday. My boss just opened this practice (#2 for her) and she really just needs some extra coverage. The stressful part is meeting the clients for the first time - even though I have read through their files, you never know what they will be like when they walk in. And I'm so used to getting home a little around 3:30 and now when I work I get home around 6 or even 7 some nights. Definitely put a damper on my routine. But I'm gonna give it a few months and if it is really too much, I'm just going to quit. But right now I just need to get used to my new routine (I'm all about routine - which is pretty funny since most of my caseload are children with autism. For those that don't know, if you are autistic, you really really really like routine. Unexpected changes can throw you into a tailspin).

Amanda and I chatted for a bit this weekend. We are both really really excited (duh!). She still hasn't booked her hotel for Wednesday night, which would freak me out. I like having things planned way in advance (routine remember?). Her friend who lives in Orlando is going to be joining her Wednesday night I think, and it sounds like she may also be coming Friday when we are drinking our way through Epcot. I have met her before and she was very nice and wasn't a big deal at all, but I guess I just want to have some time with Amanda by myself - does that make sense? There are worse things that could happen though and if she wants to hang out with us, that's fine.

In more (boring) trip news, I'm trying to make a list of what outfits I'll be wearing. But it is really hard because if a cold front happens to pass through, I'll need warmer things. Plus I hate all the shorts I have. And feel weird wearing sneakers with capri pants. So I guess I'm secretly hoping it will be cold so I can wear pants ;) That seems doubtful though so I have a couple outfits and need a few more, but I seem to draw a blank when I look into my closet.

Alrighty, guess I'm done rambling for the night. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

[punkin413]

hi, shannon! i'm here. will be back later to play catch-up!

[Wonders10]

Hello Readers (new and returning)!!!

5 Days! My trip is 5 days away! Well I actually don't count the day I leave and since it is already Saturday night, it's actually 4 days left!

The itinerary I posted earlier still seems like it is how things will play out. Amanda's friend will be hanging out with us Thursday. Not sure if she is going to MVMCP with us or not though. I don't know her work schedule (or actually what she does - she doesn't work at Disney anymore) but I'm sure she will be making appearances throughout our trip.

I'm super busy these next few days before our trip - which is good, because it will make the time go faster, but it is bad because I can't focus on anything and I wish I had more time to plan and get things settled. My dog has had some tummy issues and we are still not 100% in the clear so I am hoping and praying that he gets better fast so I can leave him knowing he is back to his normal self.

My week:
*My plan for tomorrow is to "pack" my clothes so I can see what outfit options I have.
*Monday I have work til 3, then work #2 til 5:30ish, pick up Winston from daycare and go home.
*Tuesday I have work til 3, then work #2 til 5:30ish, then pick up Winston.
*Wednesday I am bringing Winston for his boarding (same place as daycare), work til 3, then work #2 til 4:30, then rush back to work #1 for parent-teacher conferences from 5-8
*Thursday, I leave for WDW! Not sure exactly what time Amanda will be expecting me to leave, but I probably won't be leaving any earlier than 7am

Whew! Busy!

[punkin413]

so I suggested Rose and Crown. I like the food, have eaten there before, plus we can have a pint (or two) with our meal. She hadn't eaten there before and they had a 5:05 ADR! We agreed an early dinner would be good to balance the drinking around the world, Illuminations and evening EMH. So that dilemma is solved.

we ate there in 2008 and both loved it. good choice! :thumbsup2 by the way, ray had a beer flight which he loved and i had a drink called a welsh dragon that was really yummy!

So what do you think? We try to stick to a basic plan but there is definite potential for a spur of the moment anything to happen! I am so ready for this trip. I'm so stressed and busy at work. I need to escape to my happy place now!

looks good to me! not to give advice where it's not solicited but have you thought about making an ADR somewhere on your DHS day? even if you don't use it, it's nice to know you can go sit down somewhere and relax for a little while if you want to. even if it's just to go to sci-fi and have some "adult" milkshakes or to mama melose to share a dessert! ;)

[Wonders10]

we ate there in 2008 and both loved it. good choice! :thumbsup2 by the way, ray had a beer flight which he loved and i had a drink called a welsh dragon that was really yummy!

Totally looking forward to a beer flight with my meal! I've eaten there a couple times now and it has been good both times. Plus since I just went to Ireland over the summer, I'm itching for something to remind me of that trip...like a pub!

looks good to me! not to give advice where it's not solicited but have you thought about making an ADR somewhere on your DHS day? even if you don't use it, it's nice to know you can go sit down somewhere and relax for a little while if you want to. even if it's just to go to sci-fi and have some "adult" milkshakes or to mama melose to share a dessert! ;)

That is a good idea...and usually how I think. But I know Amanda and she really is not interested in spending the money on a lot of sit down restaurants and no other place sounds interesting to her. She wants to eat at Cali Grill (as would I) but it's too expensive for us...although I would pay it anyway ;) And her other dining goal was to eat at all the restaurants in World Showcase, and Rose and Crown moves her along with that. Don't ever hesitate to offer advice...the worst that would happen is I don't take it! :thumbsup2

[Wonders10]

Well, since our trip is so close now, I have been checking the weather and touring plans crowd calendar daily. And I was wondering why Epcot was the "worst park" for so long and now it is the "best park". Well remember when I said Amanda and I were going to do the evening emh at Epcot Friday night? And really looking forward to it because it was our drinking around the world day? Well, for some reason, they took the evening EMH away and gave it to Animal Kingdom. I sent a text to Amanda about it, but she obviously was not freaking out as much as I was about it because I haven't heard back from her. It's not a huge deal, really, but I was really looking forward to have those extra 3 hours to play in Epcot. It probably won't alter our plans at all but I might look and see if there is an alternate plan. Well actually I don't have to look. It's either:

Friday - Epcot
Saturday - DHS (on a morning EMH, that we aren't doing)

OR

Friday - DHS
Saturday - Epcot

We shall see...thanks to those who are reading!

[Wonders10]

Hey everyone!

1 down, 2 to go! My client who I see after school 3 days a week cancelled on me today and tomorrow (I cancelled him for Thursday). Not to give out too much info, but he is a young boy whose teeth are practically rotting out of his mouth. They finally found a dentist who will treat him, but in prep for the procedures he is on an antibiotic and is having a bad reaction to it. Poor thing - but in the end, I think it will really improve everything.

Anyway, tomorrow is my formal observation/evaluation. I'm terrified. Just hate being watched and critiqued. Hopefully my students cooperate as well, and I think I planned a good activity for us to do. Will be very very happy when it is over! Wish me luck!

As far as trip plans...Amanda called me last night in a panic wanting to know what to pack. So funny because I was having the same dilemmas all day yesterday too! I guess I have enough, although I randomly think of potential outfits during the day so I now I think I have way more than I will need. Amanda's friend is going to be joining us on Thursday and attending MVMCP with us. She won't be with is Friday or Saturday though - for now anyway.

Amanda and I also decided that Saturday night might be a good night to "go out" since we are just going to see the Osborne Lights at DHS which start at 6pm. We'd still have time to freshen up and go out somewhere. We'd like to stay on property so our pickins are pretty slim. We love Jellyrolls, but it always is hit or miss if it will be hoppin or not. We shall see!