What sort of foolishness would you like to see?-The end 9/27

[Hedy]

All my life I have been searching for that fabled promised land,
With my sister [in-law]s and my brothers we shall walk there hand-in-hand.
Through the trials and tribulations and the devil's cruel temptations.
I know that we'll all get there one day!

After years and years of wandering, oh that kingdom we shall find
and the doors might not be open but we'll gather in the line.
And our hearts will swell with pride the day those gates swing open wide and take a walk down Main Street USA!​

~"Magic Kingdom in the Sky, DaVinci's Notebook"

Where to begin, begin, begin...

Possible other titles for this PTR:
One warm body short of a Grand Gathering
The Million Dreams Trip
The O' Hana Trip (we're Irish-get it?)
The Share a Dream Come True Trip
The Fuzzy Disney Math Trip

Who:
If I use my normal form of anonymity for the family, I'll be going crazy after the first dozen MiddleBrother's and ElderNephews. Ergo, we got nicknames.
YoungestBrother=Mickey
DSIL (YoungestBrother'sDW/DisneyMSF)=Minnie. Minnie is a DISer; however, one of us has been around since '01 and has 100 posts, the other has been around 2 years and has 7K+ posts. 3 guesses as to who has the life around here.
Middle Brother=Jack (as in Skelton, his favorite movie)
DSIL (Middle brother's DW)=Sally (not to be confused with my car, naturally-think Nightmare before Christmas)
Jack and Sally's children:
ElderNephew=Mordie, 12 and a WDW freak to the core-carries his KTTW cards in his wallet, generally has a Disney baseball cap glued to his head, plans on moving to work at WDW when he grows up. Is saving money to '"buy something big" at WDW, but doesn't know what yet.
YoungerNephew=Ferdie, will be just 9 when we go. Also a WDW fan, plans on moving to Florida with Mordie. Is a big hidden Mickey fan-this kid has got vision like I've never seen-also adores animals, and obviously AK. Also likes Legos.

What:
A trip to WDW in August. Mickey and Minnie own DVC, and as Mordie and Ferdie are still talking about their last trip to WDW, a trip for August 08 was planned.

I first heard of this trip from Mordie. He and I had some Auntie Heather/Mordie time last July, and went to see HSM on stage. As we were sitting there, Mordie turned to me and said "When's your next trip to WDW?" Owing to my superstitions regarding vacations not coming through as planned, I said I didn't know. He said "I think we're going next summer." "Oh?" "I'm not supposed to know about it, but Mommy said that we might be going." It turns out that when Mordie was having some teeth pulled last year (and was sedated) Sally was talking to the dentist about his recent trip to WDW. Sally said "We might be going next summer." "WHAT?" Yelled Mordie. Mordie then reported to Minnie that he knew, but was not telling Ferdie.

Now, going to WDW with the boys has been my dream, since, I don't know...they were born? I clearly remember Mordie looking at a lunchbox I'd gotten on my '02 trip to WDW shortly after I got it, and asking me "When we go to DisneyWorld together, will you get me a lunchbox like this?" I replied "of course." He and Jack, Sally, Mickey and Minnie had been on his first trip that Fall, and he fell in love with it. Ferdie's first trip took place in 2003, and they also went in 2006, where Mordie and Ferdie's passion for WDW was congealed. I've dreamed of going with the boys for so long, I can't believe I finally am.

After Minnie and Mickey's first trip home to AKV in Oct 07, plans started to be congealed for a "maybe" trip with the boys in Summer 08. At this point, a light bulb went off over Auntie Heather's head-I had nearly $100 in Jet Blue credit (by the time I left in Dec 07-I had nearly $140 in Jet Blue credit-it looks like my flightdown will be "free"), and a three day PH from the package (I'd already bought a ticket for my December trip when she switched to a package). Can you say "long weekend?" I could. At the time, they were hoping to stay at BCV, but booked AKV at the 11 month window. As I was going down in December, I was hoping for a bounceback promo (I joked with Minnie about calling her "Hey Minnie-it's Heather-I'm in line for RnR-when will you be in WDW-there's a bounceback."). Being a good DISer, I knew about the discount ahead of time and got dates.

When I called for the bounceback while at WDW, I opted for POP rather than POFQ-I figured the $100 I saved for two nights would cover my towncar (as I wasn't about to waste magical memory time with my nephews on DME). Once home, I confirmed my dates w/ Minnie, and suugested that if the adults went out, that I'd look after the boys. Sally concurred, and soon I was set to planning. I had originally thought of splitting a kitchen sink at B&C, but decided it would be ideal if we ate somewhere where there was also things to do (Planet Hollywood was also out for this reason). I considered WCC, but decided one trek on WDW transport would be enough. I decided on 50's-i haven't eaten there since 1993. As Minnie's 180+10 window came before mine-she offered to make my ADR-a plus, as after working in a call center all day, I'm never excited to call a call center. All sounded good. Minnie got me my ADR.

At the 7 month mark, Mickey and Minnie got in at BCV. So I put in for my vacation day off on 8/22, and am waiting to hear. I'm also hoping that some cheap rates come out for the S/D, the current summer special happens right after I leave, but I hoping the new resort fee leaves them needing to fill rooms. Otherwise, I'm curious to try Pop-I've already doubled my WDW resorts stayed at list in the past year, now I can triple it.

Minnie and Mickey told Mordie and Ferdie about the trip a couple of weeks ago after Mordie's birthday party. Mordie was thrilled (he's particularly proud Minnie and Mickey gifted him with Birnbaum's Adult book, while Ferdie got the kid's book). Once Ferdie got it, he was thrilled as well. I have yet to tell them I'm going, as I need to hear from work on my day off. This results in me biting my tongue around them a lot.

Soo:
I have reservations for a hotel, possibly to change (POP)
I have a park hopper
I have $140 in Jet Blue credit

I need:
Time off approved
Plane reservations (Stupid Jet BLue dropped my beloved 6:50 am flight, but given the other early flight is on delta, who is known for changing their flight times, I'm wondering if it's $.50 to one, half a dollar to the other).

TR Starts 8/26
Chapter 1: Getting there is half the battle
Chapter 2: It's a nice day when you wake up in Disney World
Chapter 3: On to the Future World
Chapter 4: Boma and Rain
Chapter 5: I am never riding that again, or best ride photo ever
Chapter 6: We conquer Everest
Chapter 7: Auntie Heather's Night of a Million Dreams
Chapter 8: The Bad Beginning
Chapter 9: We Hit Typhoon Lagoon
Chapter 10: All Good things must come to an end
Chapter 11: Wrap Up

 

[Hedy]

Greeting from the hallowed halls of...Fuzzy Disney Math

Now that I've entertained the idea of taking non-Jetblue airfare down (using my credit on the way home), I found a flight that goes on SWA at 9 pm on Thursday. I could take that flight, take DME to Pop, sleep and then be on my merry way.

Might not be a horrible idea-I'd not have to get up wicked early to get my flight on Friday, I'd be at WDW. Fiscally its a wash-figuring rack rate at Pop (if I do this, I'll check on AAA rates) at $82, I'd be saving $40 on a towncar (one way, rather than rt), plus saving $20 on my flight-it'd be a whopping $30 or so OOP.

The more I think about this idea, the more I like it. Of course, it does break my rule about only flying airlines that tell me where my fat butt is sitting ahead of time, but I'll live. I hope.

 

[abbybeth]

Fuzzy Disney Math FTW!!!!!!


Your nephews sound like they'll be great fun - I love the lunchbox story ... sounds like you're "raising" those nephews the right way!

I'm on board!

 

[Hedy]

Fuzzy Disney Math FTW!!!!!!


Your nephews sound like they'll be great fun - I love the lunchbox story ... sounds like you're "raising" those nephews the right way!

I'm on board!

He actually asked me where I got it (Frontierland Candy Store) in the course of that conversation many moons ago. However, I highly doubt it's what 7th graders are carrying this fall. There has been no flaw in their training, that is for sure.

 

[Hedy]

Guess who got her vacation day approved?
Oh, there will be booking and brain-storming tonight.

 

[Hedy]

Booked! I called WDW-I'd heard on the Resorts board that I could keep my bounceback rate, but I wasn't sure. Sure enough-I could! So I got yet another night at Pop at that ridiculously low rate ($65 a night!). Yay! I also requested 50's section-I don't know if I'll get it, but I figure it can't hurt (I requested mansions, non-smoking on my 06 trip at POR and got non-smoking-AB-which surprised me-why give a solo AB?). I then booked my flights-heck has frozen over-I booked myself on SouthWest. It was cheap, I can get to Providence easily after work, and I wake up in WDW on Friday. I booked my flight home on JetBlue-I got to use my credits from my December trip, so it was like $25 oop.

I am very excited, and beside myself (I nearly started crying-again-at work). I'm flip-flopping between DME and a towncar. We shall see.

But yay! Booked!

 

[Hedy]

We went to a minor league hockey game today, and I told them when my mother and I got there. I mentioned the WDW planning DVD I gave to Mordie the week before, and asked why they thought I might have one. Ferdie caught onto it right away, and his whole face lit up, but Mordie was more reserved. I also told them about our night at DHS/MGM. As we were walking to our seats, Ferdie asked what we were going to do-I told him about 50's-he'd never heard of it (at least that's what his face told me), but I figured we have 6 months to talk about it, and he has his Biernbaum's guide. . He wasted no time in informing me his favorite ride is the "movie boat ride"...I think that's the backstage tour. He has a list of rides he's going on for the first time this year (he and Mordie have concocted it: Mission Space (Orange), RocknRoller Coaster, ToT, and Space Mountain). So I didn't mention any thing about going on those rides. I thought the boys seemed pre-occupied with the game, but at one point Mordie wanted to know why Sally didn't tell them I was coming.

 

[Hedy]

Took the boys to a play yesterday. On the way there, I asked Ferdie about the "movie boat ride." "It's that one where there are two guides, and one's good and one's bad.." "Oh, the Great Movie Ride!" "Yes!" Good to know. Mordie's summary of the evening "We'll go to eat, and then go on rides." I also had one more important question to answer: "Auntie Heather?" "Yes, Ferdie?" "Does Disney have an ah-cade?" "Where you're staying, The Beach Club, has a nice one-right next to the ice cream place, and there's one where I'm staying at Pop Century." "Ok. Does every hotel at Disney have one?" "I think so. At least both Port Orleans have had them, and I know the Contemporary has one too."

In other news, did I tell you all about my comedic headdesk the other week. I was talking about booking my room to my mom, and I said "I requested 50's...it's close, plus you can see SSE from some of the rooms." Duh-I can't be that far from Epcot then. However, I may still switch to the Swolphin if the price drops.

I'm presently shopping for a Misty Mate, but can't figure out which one is the best mix of size and power. (Hot, crowded places are a migraine trigger for me, so I'm considering getting a good one a worthwhile investment in quality of life.) UtahMama stated that the WDW ones are worth the cost in her TR-and if it's a UM TR, it must be true. LOL. However, I know what's going to happen is we'll go to the Christmas Tree Shop Easter basket filling shopping, they'll have $.89 ones there, and I'll get one for Mordie's basket, one for Ferdie's basket, and one'll wind up in my mom's cart for Hedy's basket . And it'll break in the middle of the MK, or something. But seriously, let me know what worked for you-or didn't.

 

[Hedy]

I booked my travel insurance. I went with the pricier kind that gives you money after a mere 5 hour delay, as it's hurricane season.

 

[jordanyosh]

i'm here

 

[Linnie The Pooh]

Subbing-you are going to have a great trip!!

 

[Hedy]

i'm here

Welcome!

Subbing-you are going to have a great trip!!

Welcome!

 

[abbybeth]

Yay for booking and my 2 cents is go for the towncar - at least on the arrival end. By our best guesstimation, we got to POFQ a full 3 hours before the ME bus that we would have been on did ... we were checked in w/ luggage in our room and off to a park when they finally pulled in ...

 

[jordanyosh]

I hope you have some memories from your upcoming trip.... Sounds like you and your nephews are like 3 peas in a pod....

 

[Hedy]

I hope you have some memories from your upcoming trip.... Sounds like you and your nephews are like 3 peas in a pod....

Happy St. Patrick's Day, all! And a belated happy birthday to Mickey. I wound up winning a misty mate on eBay-it's green, not my first choice, but cheap.

 

[Hedy]

Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate. Jack, Sally, Mordie, Ferdie and Sally's little sister are coming over tomorrow. I'll be posting pictures tomorrow-I have it on good authority the Easter Bunny is bringing the boys some Disney themed stuff, as well as something they could use at WDW.
Auntie Heather has her egg hunt prepared, including Lightning McQueen eggs, of which she got the last at CVS.

My misty mate came. I really don't like the color green (sorry DISers), but I really like my Misty Mate-it's smaller than I thought it'd be, and needs to batteries. I plan on taking it to sports events this summer, and possibly the Vineyard and NYC. Other than that, I'm trying to decide if I should load up on pins to trade, or, as Zwiehund called them "tin crack," as the family is not pin people. Additionally, I have begun searching for bits for a princess costume-either Ariel or Giselle. Has a PPP been announced yet? Of course not. I haven't seen Enchanted yet, but presuming I like it, I figure I could produce a fairly decent white skirt+white shirt+tiara=Giselle costume. I'm also thinking about an Ariel costume, but am struggling to find an idea I could put together easily and would be not hot (AKA no fins). Quarters are already going into a M&M tube for pressed pennies-I just need to get two more little ones.

 

[jordanyosh]

Tin crack.....I'm going to hijack that phrase.....

 

[Hedy]

Well, the Easter Bunny came and went Saturday night. Look what she brought Mordie and Ferdie-Hard Rock Cafe string backpack's in lieu of baskets!

The black one was for Mordie and the gray one was for Ferdie. I suggested they could use them in WDW to hold their autograph books (unless they were too old), or pressed penny books. Sally suggested the bags could hold the boys' waters. Parents and their practicality. LOL. Mordie pondered the idea of taking the bag, then held up his bottle of kid's BBW hand sanitizer and announced "I can use this in Disney too!" He has learned well. Ferdie, meanwhile, examined his bag thoughtfully, then when packing it up, commented "This bag'll be great for Disney World. I just hope I remember to bring it." I suggested he could put it on his packing list. "I'm going to tack it on my wall with a note to bring it to Disney when I get home." Later Jack suggested Ferdie could take it camping (they're going about 1 month before they go to WDW), and Ferdie said "No, I'm taking it to Disney." They also loved their little Darth Vaders (the Easter Bunny bright me a stuffed Minnie )

In other news, they appear into seeing Fantasmic. I'll need to check with Minnie as to whether they'll be seeing it earlier in the week. I'm holding off on a real touring plan for our night until reports on Mid-town Madness come in.

 

[jordanyosh]

I didn't know the Easter Bunny was a she...

 

[Hedy]

I didn't know the Easter Bunny was a she...

Sometimes she's a he. S/he has pronoun issues. However, the Easter Bunny is very good friends with the magical Santina, Santa's special helper.