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

[maroo]

Overview: This pre-trip report is now a discussion about a BUNCH of trips!

Confused??

CLICK HERE FOR AN OVERVIEW OF ALL TRIPS!


Next up!!!

Marathon Weekend!

Dates: Jan 7 - 10
Transportation: Flying and Renting a Car!
Resort: POP (Nope - Upgraded to POR FQ!)
Event: Spectator for Marathon Weekend and MEETS!


Freaking Out!
ANOTHER Upgrade! Woo Hoo!
Thursday Plans!
Obsessing about the Weather! Plans A, B and C
Good Grief.




My last one was....DECEMBER 14-20, 2009!


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

Christmas In Disney


The Cast:

Joyce and Rachel

Joyce and Rachel are my good friends from church. We also enjoy being addicted to a few TV shows (One Tree Hill anyone?), so we get to hang out watching TV, too!

Rachel has a rare genetic disorder called mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). There is a conference for families who are dealing with MPS in Orlando in December. Which is why we are going to Disney! In addition to MPS, Rachel also has a spinal cord injury from a surgery she had just 3 days before Katrina wiped out our coast. To our knowledge, Rachel is the oldest living person with MPS.

Rachel and Joyce have been to Disney before, but this is the first trip for Rachel since she has been using a power chair.

When we were planning Lauren's wish trip, Joyce was quoted to have asked why in the world I LIKE Disney? In fact, I really thought she was a Disney Hater... But...as we have started to plan this trip, I have discovered that Joyce actually LOVES Disney. She gets sorta giddy when we talk about it, actually.


Of course, Joyce and Rachel can't go to Disney without this precious girl...

Meet Ellie!

Ellie is the 4-yr-old grandaughter to Joyce, neice to Rachel.

Of course, Ellie has very sweet parents, too...so we guess they can come along!

This is Gina with Rachel and Ellie. Gina is Ellie's Mommy!

And this is Justin. Justin is the Daddy to Ellie and brother to Rachel!


So...are you confused yet? No? Ok...well let's add the rest of the cast!

Meet Rosemary! Rosemary is one of Rachel's best friends!


And then there is me...

Maroo! And I won't go through my details again. All you really need to know about me is...I am a DIS addict!

Dates of this trip...December 15 - 20! Rachel, Joyce, Rosemary and I are all driving down. Gina, Justin and Ellie are flying to meet us.

More on the details of this trip are coming as soon as I can get organized some!


Links for the December Trip
New Camera!
New Cheat Sheet
Leaving on a JET plane!
I GOT A PIN!!!!
Resortitis
DAP Logo - Does it hold any CLUES??
Wilderness Lodge
I GOT IT!!
I forgot my ADR's!!!!
Not Too Bad for Forgetting my ADRs!
The FLU has ruined my TRIP!
Decisions. Decisions.
Ressurecting this little Pre-Trip Report
Shirts
Get in the Christmas Spirit! Decorated for Dax!
My Cast Just GREW!!
They want to go WHERE?
Monday and Tuesday Plans
Wednesday Plans
Thursday Plans
Friday Plans
Two Weeks! Two Weeks! Two Weeks!
Houston, We have a Problem!







Check out Below some Trips that have Come and GONE!

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

Ten Days in September (2009) - Free Dining

Well, gang, it is time for another pre-trip report! I am so excited!

My last pre-trippie was ... so ... fast! Only 4 days, if you recall! And lacking of good stories, suspense and...well, planning!! So, I decided to start this one off right!

This is going to be a very cool trip. A trip that is definitely a work in progress! So I will need LOTS of help from you guys.

I have been hanging out a lot these days on the Free Dining threads. There are several threads out there describing this wonderful thing that Disney does. FREE Dining. It is really FREE!! Really!! Who turns down free food? Not me!!


So...THE CAST!!!

The cast is sort of a mystery. Because I am not sure of ALL of the cast members yet. But two are in stone...so I will share those with ya!

Meet Sharon! Hello, Sharon!

Sharon, like me, is single and has no kids. She is an awesome high school teacher from the great state of FL! Florida is cutting their teachers WAY back, but she has kept her job so far. She is one of those few teachers that live, eat and breathe to teach. She is a really great teacher...focusing on the slower kids to get them back up to grade level!

Sharon and I have been friends for several years now...she used to go to church with me when she lived in MS! She was a missionary in Japan when she was younger (which was not that long ago, since she is still young!!)


And then there is me...

Yep, that's me!! And my dog, Muffin. Muffin can't come, but she wanted to be in the picture this time!

Some of you already know how crazy I am...but for those that don't...I will tell ya a little about myself.

I am single, no kids. Although I would love to not be single and have several kids...so, if you know of a special someone...

I have a regular job working at a cancer clinic. I fight with insurance companies to pay for my patient's chemotherapy that they need.

I also have a heart - a passion, really - for helping disabled and medically needy kids. I actually take care of Lauren, who some of you know from the rainbow TR, as a second job. Although I don't really consider that work.

I am terribly...or wonderfully...addicted to the DIS! I hang out on several boards and threads, including the Wish Trippers thread...where we plan Wish Trips for medically needy kids! Hi guys!!!

Links for the Sept Pre-Trip
Where to stay? Where to stay?
Doing the DANCE!
Muffin visits the DIS!
Where to eat? Where to eat?
I lost a potential diner!
Eating options...
Wishes on the beach?!
Flights! Flights! Flights!
Convincing evidence for an early morning ressie!
Lauren's Sweet 16!
Help me decide! Food at DHS?!
ADRs, ADRs, ADRs!
New Camera!
New Cheat Sheet
New Resort and Day 1 Plans! 3 weeks to go!!
Sunday Plans - AK, Boma
A Hurricane History
One Final, FINAL Resort Switch!
Monday Plans - Special Wish Granting, Cali Grill!
Tuesday Plans - DHS (AI Tryouts!) and a Rachel Update
Plans for Wednesday! Crystal Palace, MK
It is RAINING on my NEW COMPUTER!
SICK! And Lauren is Famous!




************************************************************************
Magic Meets

So, another trip is in the works. Magic Meets is a Disney convention of sorts where Disney fans from all over the country come to PA for a day and a half of Disney fun! They will have a social event or two for people to meet and mingle. They organized break out sessions where we can learn about cruises, pin trading, DVC, trip planning and the like. It is organized and supported mostly by podcasters - all people that I have gotten to know in the past several months listening to podcasts on my iPhone. So I am really excited!

I got the tickets to the sold out event because I won an auction on the June Live Show for WDW Today. The guys and gals at WDW Today, allears.net, MouseVanTravel have all been over the top nice to me!

So...here are the links for the Magic Meets info! And more coming!


Links:
And the Confusion Continues
Christmas at Maroo's - Part 1
Christmas at Maroo's - Pictures!
A New CAST Member! And she is REALLY CUTE!
Our Newest Cast Member gets a SHIRT!
Photography Contest!!!
I am Home!

 

[TarzansKat]

I'm here, I'm here!

YAY!!!!!

 

[Khalana]

YAY!!!!! I can't WAIT to hear all about your plans and trip! Sharon seems very nice. I'm getting all the I can get ahold off and settling into my couch.

 

[StefaniLyn]

Found my way over from the Wish-Trippers thread. Count me in!

 

[5dwarves]

Hey there Maroo....

I am sooooo jealous! I would love to get back to WDW soon. Love the picture of Muffin too! My suggestion on an adult only trip is to definitely eat well when you are there ! I would definitely book some time at Teppenyaki, and Cat Cora's new place; along with Wolfgang Puck's place. Yum!

 

[llurgy]

I am along for the ride too!

I cant wait to see what you all have planned.

I really, really, REALLY wanna go back.....so jealous me

Mandy

 

[maroo]

I have a question for you knowledgeable DISers!! I have never stayed on site (except the Wish Trip) as an adult...always off site. But I am staying on site for FREE DINING!!!!

So...when I wake up at the crack of dawn on Monday morning to call...

Which resort should I book?

I am leaning heavily toward Pop - Standard Room...because we don't need anything fancy and the only thing better than FREE DINING is paying on $82.00 a night for it!

But, I am told, even if I wake up at the crack of dawn...before the crickets even stop chirping...that I might not get my first choice, since all of the Disney Visa holders got a 2 day head start.

So...what should my second choice be????

I am trying to take into account the bus sharing situation? Don't the All Star's share buses?

 

[maroo]

I'm here, I'm here!

YAY!!!!!

FIRST!!!

You rock. Thanks for being here!!

YAY!!!!! I can't WAIT to hear all about your plans and trip! Sharon seems very nice. I'm getting all the I can get ahold off and settling into my couch.

Sharon is very nice and easy going. We are already talking some about plans and this will be a FUN but RELAXING trip!

Found my way over from the Wish-Trippers thread. Count me in!

Yeah!!! You are counted!! I have three so far!! Woo Hoo!!

Hey there Maroo....

I am sooooo jealous! I would love to get back to WDW soon. Love the picture of Muffin too! My suggestion on an adult only trip is to definitely eat well when you are there ! I would definitely book some time at Teppenyaki, and Cat Cora's new place; along with Wolfgang Puck's place. Yum!

FOUR! Yeah! Muffin is a precious dog. She is very sweet, smart and so cute!! I believe in cloning...but only Muffins!

I am along for the ride too!

I cant wait to see what you all have planned.

I really, really, REALLY wanna go back.....so jealous me

Mandy

Aww...

I think you guys need to plan a trip back to the World as soon as Becca feels like it! That would be something wonderful that she could look forward to! I pray for that sweet girl every day!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Hi, I am here!! I thought you were going in December?? I am confused. We really like Pop, I hope you get that. I can't wait to read along with your planning.

Can we say you are addicted to WDW?

 

[TarzansKat]

FIRST!!!

You rock. Thanks for being here!!

I was totally excited to be first.

As far as resorts go, Pop is my favorite value.

I wouldn't worry yourself too much over getting it, I think you'll be fine.

Just in case you're not able to, I have to say, I haven't stayed in the All Stars in years, and I'm just not interested in them. I know that you'd have a price jump from Pop to a mod, but depending on how many friends you have with you, it could be doable (not sure what your budget is).

I would recommend going on allears . net and taking a look at the All Stars. I believe they can share busses, and I know that some have been recently remodeled, so that may help you in your decision.

And are you really just looking for a place to sleep, or do you want certain things out of your resort? That would help me direct you to a mod, if you were interested.

 

[KathyRN137]

She was a missionary in Japan when she was younger (which was not that long ago, since she is still young!!)

Nice save.

I'm so glad you're pre-trippin' again!!


Kathy

 

[If U Had Wings]

Can't wait to hear all about the plans!

I've never stayed at any of the values. I'm staying at my first one this December for 1/2 my solo trip. I usually stay at POFQ which I adore. I consider it my home away from home. I love it so much that I keep debating changing my ressie for Dec. to POFQ.

 

[5dwarves]

Maroo:

You can make your ressie with Disney to secure you spot, then if you are a member of AAA they can "take over" the reservation and save you 10%. I think technically the Disney reservation gets cancelled simultatenously with the AAA reservation getting placed. If you don't like the resort you ended up with through Disney, the 10% may make up the difference with the moderately priced resort. Good luck!

E

 

[hematite153]

Which resort should I book?
...
So...what should my second choice be????

Actually, I like the All Stars' busing situation. You can get off and walk at the first stop when they are sharing and at the peak times they have individual buses.

We've stayed at the back of ASMu twice and really enjoyed it because it was quiet and peaceful. Only a short walk took us to the activity centres, but, we could listen to the crickets and even saw an armadillo.

Other people will give you equally good arguments for other areas at the All Stars. Basically, if the goal is to enjoy free dining, I think it should be combined with a value stay. Otherwise, you can likely save more money by looking for an AP holders' room only discount and then purchase the DDP (or, just purchase your food).

You can make your ressie with Disney to secure you spot, then if you are a member of AAA they can "take over" the reservation and save you 10%....

I'm pretty sure you can't get the AAA discount and free dining simultaneously.

 

[annie1995]

I'm in, can't wait for more!!!

 

[maroo]

Hi, I am here!! I thought you were going in December?? I am confused. We really like Pop, I hope you get that. I can't wait to read along with your planning.

Can we say you are addicted to WDW?

He he!! That is a whole different pre-trippie, my friend!! We are going in December. I even made a VERY COOL ressie this afternoon. As soon as this pre-trippie gets established a little (you know, like I have a place to sleep! and stuff to eat!) then I will post that pre-trippie to get all of those details worked out for December! I love the DISboards!!

I was totally excited to be first.

As far as resorts go, Pop is my favorite value.

I wouldn't worry yourself too much over getting it, I think you'll be fine.

Just in case you're not able to, I have to say, I haven't stayed in the All Stars in years, and I'm just not interested in them. I know that you'd have a price jump from Pop to a mod, but depending on how many friends you have with you, it could be doable (not sure what your budget is).

I would recommend going on allears . net and taking a look at the All Stars. I believe they can share busses, and I know that some have been recently remodeled, so that may help you in your decision.

And are you really just looking for a place to sleep, or do you want certain things out of your resort? That would help me direct you to a mod, if you were interested.

I am definitely going for the POP! I even went ahead and made my ressie in the hopes that they will just add the dining in the morning. That will free up the phone lines a little.

I am definitely just looking for the cheapest options for this trip...since it is going to be so long!

Nice save.

I'm so glad you're pre-trippin' again!!


Kathy

He he! Did ya like that save! Figured I should backtrack a little there.

Can't wait to hear all about the plans!

I've never stayed at any of the values. I'm staying at my first one this December for 1/2 my solo trip. I usually stay at POFQ which I adore. I consider it my home away from home. I love it so much that I keep debating changing my ressie for Dec. to POFQ.

I hope to stay in POFQ one day!! I am actually going to New Orleans this weekend! Nice thing about being so close...although this is a business trip.

When are you going in December? I think I already asked you this....I can't remember...

Maroo:

You can make your ressie with Disney to secure you spot, then if you are a member of AAA they can "take over" the reservation and save you 10%. I think technically the Disney reservation gets cancelled simultatenously with the AAA reservation getting placed. If you don't like the resort you ended up with through Disney, the 10% may make up the difference with the moderately priced resort. Good luck!

E

That is exactly what I did today!! But they did tell me today that I can't stack discounts? Like I can't add free dining and AAA...is that true? I thought you could add AAA to any other discount?

Actually, I like the All Stars' busing situation. You can get off and walk at the first stop when they are sharing and at the peak times they have individual buses.

We've stayed at the back of ASMu twice and really enjoyed it because it was quiet and peaceful. Only a short walk took us to the activity centres, but, we could listen to the crickets and even saw an armadillo.

Other people will give you equally good arguments for other areas at the All Stars. Basically, if the goal is to enjoy free dining, I think it should be combined with a value stay. Otherwise, you can likely save more money by looking for an AP holders' room only discount and then purchase the DDP (or, just purchase your food).

I'm pretty sure you can't get the AAA discount and free dining simultaneously.

Well, you just answered the question I just asked!

I am definitely going value! I am treating my friend to the trip...she is going to get her tickets and get there...but I figure if I am already getting the room, then she can just stay there, too! And we get more food! lol

I think I have almost decided to do All Star Music, if I don't get POP...because of part of the purpose of my trip! It has some music thrown in!

Unfortunately, living in Mississippi...we see lots of crazy animals!

I'm in, can't wait for more!!!

Woo Hoo!!! A new poster!

I hope to have some good news tomorrow!!! Then we can get around to figuring out the other great stuff!!

I am extremely excited!

 

[maroo]

Quick update...(well, maybe not so quick...)

I have actually made a reservation for my dates at the POP Century! I was already on the phone making another reservation. It doesn't have Free Dining (from here on Free Dining = FD!) attached to it yet...but I will be getting up quite early...with several of my DISboards friends...to call and try to add it.

I figured it would be smart to go ahead and get it reserved so they just have to add the code to make it FD! Then I can see how much money I saved!

On another note...I found out today that my cousin (who is married with 2 cute kids) is also going to be in the World in Sept. We won't be there at the same time. But I found out something VERY interesting...She is a DISboards LURKER!! She loves the DISboards and spends lots of time obsessing about Disney! And I didn't even know it. So now I am not the only Disney-crazed person in my family!

And...my friend Rachel... Hi Rachel! ... joined the DISboards today! I am not sure if it is a good thing to spread my addiction or not. I am just throwing gasoline on it, I think!

Thanks for joining me on this journey! I am so excited!!

 

[KathyRN137]

Oh-Ho!! So I wasn't that confuzzled after all!!

I knew you were going in December!

Wow, Maroo... September and December trips.... you'll never be able to pry yourself off of these boards!!


Kathy

 

[eyor44]

I'm here. Be absent for a couple of days and look at what all happens. Okay this is really weird. As soon as I saw the free dining, I started crunching numbers and was looking at a long weekend in September. I was looking at 18-22, but just learned that a good friend turns 50 on the 21st. I can almost guarrantee when her DH will throw the party. So now I am looking at the next weekend. Gotta look at the dates again. How cool! Another trip and trip report!

 

[maroo]

Oh-Ho!! So I wasn't that confuzzled after all!!

I knew you were going in December!

Wow, Maroo... September and December trips.... you'll never be able to pry yourself off of these boards!!


Kathy

and January...

And the addiction never stops...hence my posting this freaking early in the morning!

I'm here. Be absent for a couple of days and look at what all happens. Okay this is really weird. As soon as I saw the free dining, I started crunching numbers and was looking at a long weekend in September. I was looking at 18-22, but just learned that a good friend turns 50 on the 21st. I can almost guarrantee when her DH will throw the party. So now I am looking at the next weekend. Gotta look at the dates again. How cool! Another trip and trip report!

Ha ha!

Wait!!! Go backwards!!!!! Because my dates are....