My First Solo Trip And All the Pre-Trip Drama...

[BeckWhy]

So before I jump into my pre-trip I'll do the basic introduction of myself.

That's me now. I'm Becky. I'm 26 and as it turns out (through talking with my parents last night) have 10 trips to Walt Disney World under my belt. Of course to many of you that's not a big deal because y'all share the love and joy for the place that I do. Well in fact many of you kick my butt in the total number of visits.

Anyways, let's see if I can describe myself. I've been around the boards for a really long time. I used to be pretty witchy! (Hey! I'm not gonna lie!) That is when I was dating my ex and after he broke up with me. We dated for 5.5 years and he broke up with me 3 days after my 25th birthday. We won't get into much details about that but he was a very cynical person so I kinda turned into one too. I know... it's a shame.

Well, a little over a year ago I started my assistant managers position at a clothing store called Deb. Once there I developed a second family and amazing friends. I eventually moved in with one of the girls and we have an amazing 1000 sq ft apartment in this little village in western New York. Since I started my job and found out there are great people out there I opened myself up and started making friends left and right! My life pretty much revolves around my friends. I became a "bar chick" a little over a month ago. NOT IN THE BAD SENSE! Give me a lil credit! I reconnected with some old high school pals (who happen to be guys) and they like to go to the bars to "attempt" to pick up chicks. Though it never works. And yes, guys attempt to pick me up and it doesn't work! I don't usually drink when I'm out either, I go for the social environment. The bar I go to is more like the bar in Cheers anyways because everyone knows your name. Anyways... my friends who surround me I feel very close too...

Since the beginning of the year I have gone through some bad times... but mostly all the good times have made up for all that. As I stated I have reconnected with old friends and made a lot of new ones. I've also developed my friendship with my ex (we've actually always remained friends, but there has been major downs with it... which we won't get into).

For the most part I'm overly outgoing, a bit wild, and a bit crazy. I can be a hothead... though I get over it really fast. I also slump into minor depressive states fairly easily because of things that have happened in my past (for example my sister was killed in 2000 and tomorrow would have been her 24th birthday...). Usually though if either bad emotion comes into my life I have a couple of amazing friends who can easily get me out of them.

So anyways, blah blah blah... now that you know my life story... here's some more:
My last trip to WDW was last year in November. My solo trip is planned for exactly 1 year later. Yes, I did that intentionally. I went with my ex (we were not dating at the time) and had an amazing time. In fact, it was the best time I have ever had in my life! I wanted to back immediately. So talking about it with my family my dad would show his "distaste" about me wanting to go back so soon since I just went. And I knew I just went and I also have an amazing(ly expensive) apartment that I have to pay for also. So I put aside going to Disney World for this year (might I add I plan to move to Florida next year).

Well after the introduction of the changes to the Magic Kingdom and Star Tours I played with the idea of going again. But again back burnered it. Until I saw the 4 + 3 offer once again. So I posted on my Facebook how I wanted to go. And of course so does everyone else! But my best friend is only 19 and goes to college. So for her to take the time off is impossible. I offered it up to several other friends who one wouldn't have her vacation time in November (her calender ends in October) and others didn't have the money or couldn't get time off also.

I also offered it up to my ex. He had made several comments to me this year about going. In fact towards summer he even offered to pay for me to go with him (I couldn't get the time off). Well he just got back from vacation like a month ago... so he was pretty much outta the question.

And then there was my mom. She said she would love to go but this time of the year wasn't good for her.

So... I lingered over the idea of going by myself. And then... JetBlue (my favorite airline) dropped their ticket prices! It was a sign! I was destined to go! So all I had to do was tell my dad I wanted to go... and hope he wasn't mad at me. (I know what y'all are thinking... I'm an adult, but I also don't wanna be at war with my family esp going into the holidays.) I posted on here asking about solo trips and pretty much was sold on the idea. Well they more or less made me feel better about going.

Well, I had to work on telling my dad. So I worked on a presentation for him (yes I know) and told him briefly on the phone that I wanted to go. He said when I came home the next day we would talk about it. So the next day (yesterday) I went home. I presented it to him and he says "I wish you had someone to go with, I'd send your mother but it's not a good time of the year... but if you think you will be ok by yourself, I want you to go!" I was shocked! Maybe I shoulda told him I wanted to buy a $45,000 car too!

All I had to do was book the trip...

 

[Wonders10]

So glad you started your Pre-Trippie! Can't wait to hear the rest of the details.

What dates are you going to be there exactly? My friend and I arrive Nov. 19th and head home Nov. 22nd.

 

[BeckWhy]

November 10th - November 17th. I'll just miss you guys!

 

[BeckWhy]

So where was I?

Well first of all... I started to entertain the 5 + 2/4 + 3 promo sometime this past weekend. I mentioned it to my ex and he refuses to stay at a value resort again (last time we were woken every night at about 2 am and kept awake until about 4 am because our neighbors kept slamming their door). But I knew if I went with anyone else (with the exception of another male friend of mine cuz he'd wanna stay in the Pirate Rooms at CBR) we would stay at a value resort. Well Monday my parents came over to my apartment and I made them dinner and my mom fixed my broken printer. I talked to my mom and that's kinda when I started to realize I'd have to go alone. On Tuesday JetBlue lowered their prices and I had made my decision. When I called my ex he told me he was having some issues. The solo trip became more clear.

So I debated between a value or mod. Basically the price difference is $132. I've been trying to decide if that price difference is worth it. It's really hard for me to give up POP. I love walking the grounds through the screaming and laughing kids... I also love the fact that it has one bus stop, doesn't share busses with anyone and they come often... and the food court! I love the selection! Also it doesn't really take too long to get anywhere from POP. I have never stayed at a mod before. Though I always wanted to stay at Port Orleans French Quarter.

Anyways, putting that debate aside for a second... I wanted to price out what the whole trip will cost. So this includes me going through the menus and assuming what I may order when I'm out (or sometimes I just pick the most expensive thing on the menu). I went through the table service restaurants and nothing seemed to appeal to me (other than Teppan Edo and WCC which I always eat at and I'd like to try something new). So I added up what I thought I'd get for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack. I assumed I'd eat at all quick service locations. It came to $240 for me along (it was down to $209 if I went with my mom because we split meals). So I decided that the Quick Service Dining Plan was cost effective. And if I don't use all my snack credits I'll use them to pick up character shaped pretzels, candies, or such for friends! Anyways... so I decided to do that.

Well Tuesday morning when I saw JetBlue lowered their prices I called my dad... and that's where I left off.

So I went to my parents' house on Wednesday to do my laundry (it's cheaper). And at some point I had received a voicemail from my manager at work. Now she has a history of calling people at home and yelling at them. So I tend to avoid calling work back because if you have something work related, esp negative, then tell me when I'm getting paid (sorry if you disaggree with me on that it's just I don't bring home to work and I don't like to bring work home either). But she told me she had news for me. I was nervous becaue I requested next weekend off and it could have possibly caused problems with their schedules because we have a floor move. So I was expecting her to tell me that. So I called...

She told me that starting tomorrow (which is really today now) she was putting in her two weeks notice. She explained why (which she didn't need to I already knew). And then said that it may cause problems with my vacation (basically we may not have enough coverage for the store). She said our DM didn't want me to lose my vacation esp if I booked it but that more than likely we had to hire someone.

Now there was more said because the other manager is taking a vacation and if we don't hire another manager I have to work a minimum of 13 days in a row (because I requested next weekend off and the manager is a Saturday through the following and not returning until Monday, therefore I'd have to work all those days). And I got really upset that if I have to work a complete week then so can she. But I went through and made a mock schedule and thank God for my trip being a Tuesday to Tuesday because everyone can get at least two days off each week I'm gone! So even if we don't hire another manager I can still go!

Well I went with my mom to the grocery store (when I'm upset I have to keep occupied or it just festers and gets worse). Before JetBlue still had 5 seats at the $149.20 price. 45 min later when I returned, those seats were sold out and the price was back up to $170. Since that was the case and the seats weren't limited... I decided there was no rush to book the plane ticket. I planned on booking my WDW trip today when I got home from work. I know I can cancel it 15 days out without any penalty. And hopefully I'll know by then if I can go and the plane tickets haven't rose much. FYI JetBlue and AirTran tend to keep their prices up to 14 days before day of departure. So knock on wood that they do raise much more than $170.

As of right now I have yet to book my trip because I haven't gone home yet. But I'll do it as soon as I get home. (I'm at my parents' for dinner and to finish my laundry!) So that's next on my list.

I have a lot of things on my list:
Book vacation
Book plane tickets
Create packing list
Run through packing
Clean the apartment top to bottom
Pay bills
Get haircut
Get nails done (what color should I have them for my trip?)

There's more, I just can't remember what...

Well I'm off for now!

 

[BeckWhy]

I just want to add that some point yesterday (I don't know if it was right before I left my parents' house, right when I got home, or before I went out) but JetBlue dropped their prices down to $149.20 again.

 

[BeckWhy]

So I still haven't booked my trip. I've been debating on POP or ASMu.

The last few days have not been the best for me... there has been lots of crying...

First off, I had a sister who was killed in 2000. I somehow missed the anniversary of her death (and ironically had been mildly depressed around that time until now). But I realized this past week her 24th birthday was coming up. I wanted to make sure I recognized it. It was yesterday... so I spent most of the evening crying... and then I decided I was gonna call all my friends and tell them how much I care about them and what they mean to me. You never know when something will happen to me or them. My friend, Chris, came over to keep me company and he did a good job of keeping my mind off my sister. He reminded me at 12:01 am to call my ex and wish him a happy birthday.

With that being said... I get a couple missed calls from Eric (my ex) this morning... and he kept calling. This wasn't like him. I was sleeping and finally the phone woke me. He says to me "oh you're sleeping? you want to go for a drive with me?" I replied with that I was sleeping and had to be to work at 1. Then he hit me... "gramma died this morning..." Just like a semi-truck. Of course I was up and ready to go with him. I told him give me a few minutes and I'd call him back. I called my mom within the next few seconds balling my eyes out... and then a few friends. Eric's family is like my second family... I guess you expect that after you dated someone for almost 6 years. And even though we broke up last year in January, I was invited to Thanksgiving and Christmas also (I even got presents!). Well I spent the entire morning balling my eyes out and trying not to in front of Eric because I know how close he was with her... and then we headed up to his sister's/gramma's/parents' house (they all have houses built on the same driveway all within a 1/4 mile of each other). Anyways I was with them until I had to leave for work. When we went up to gramma's house I couldn't go the whole way... I just stopped dead in my tracks and cried. I cried for about an hour into my shift at work but the girls I worked with were amazing! And they did everything to cheer me up. The hardest part is coming up here within the next few days: the results from the autopsy, the viewing, and the funeral.

Anyways, not to unload all this on you guys... but its part of what is going on in my life right now... so there it is.

 

[BeckWhy]

SO I started this pre-trip with the possibility that I won't be able to go. Well I went to book my package today and found out the cancellation policy is now 45 days in advance! It used to be 14 days and you got all your money back. So I didn't book it. It will have to wait, like my plane ticket, until I know for sure if I can go or not. So this pre-trip may go dark until I find out if I can go or not. If I find out I can go, it's only good if there are rooms still avail and my airfare is cheap enough. That is where I stand for now.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I just read your report from start to finish. I am so very sorry for the personal losses you have had. I hope that you are able to book the trip. Sounds like you need a vacation right about now.

Lisa

 

[BeckWhy]

Well I just returned from a weekend away. I spent it at my aunt's in the country somewhere between Rochester and Syracuse. It was very refreshing and I got my feet planted back on the ground.

 

[BeckWhy]

Well I spoke with my (new) manager and she told me not to worry at all about my vacation just book it! I would be covered no matter what. I was worried a sales might quit and I'd be stuck but she said either of the two that might quit if they do their hours are easily made up but the rest. Plus we have a new sales already in mind and an assistant management canidate! She also just told me that she's gonna work two days during her vacation so I don't have to work two 12 hours! (I am a little disappointed with that because I was looking forward to the massive amount of overtime I was going to get, but my body won't be any where near as tired for my trip now!) I'm uber excited!

 

[BeckWhy]

I went to Disney's website this morning to book my trip. I've never done it over the net before. But anyways, I go to put in my credit card info and hit continue and their site went down. Now I'm on hold while the CM loads up the info so I can book this!

So after being on the phone with her... she tells me she has nothing available in the value resorts. But she has every moderate avail. So I put POFQ on hold since I always wanted to stay there. Then I started to debate if that's where I really want to stay (since the pool will be out of service). So I talked with my mom and she said "Becky, you barely swim!" So I'm calling to book my vacation package with Port Orleans French Quarter.

This will be the first time I have ever stayed at a moderate! I'm excited, though I would have liked to take the money I saved and used them on souvies... but oh well!

As soon as I have the package booked I'll book my plane tickets.

 

[BeckWhy]

OK! Package is booked! Nov 10th - Nov 17th at Port Orleans French Quarter with a 10 day non-expire MYW base ticket and the QS dining plan.

I went to book my plane tickets on JetBlue and my credit card was denied! I was like OMG! What is going on?! So I called my credit card. She told me I had 4 pending transactions with Disney! Three for $1204 and one for $1336. I explained to her how I tried to book it online it said the system was down and to call WDW reservations, which is what I did and the CM told me Values weren't avail. So she said she was going to remove all the $1204. Then she transferred me over to the security department to make sure everything was taken care of.

Well I called my dad and he told me to call Disney. The lovely and amazing CM found out I have a total of 5 reservations. 4 under Becky and 1 under Rebecca. She also told me that I can have a reservation for POP and she's going to give me the info to call the credit company back to make sure they authorize POP and Disney is going to credit me back all other reservations that I was being charged.

I hope I don't go over my cell phone minutes.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Goodness gracious! What a time you had booking. It sounds like, at least, you will get to stay at Pop since one of the five existing reservations was at Pop. Saving some moolah girl!

Let us know when it all gets straightened out.

 

[BeckWhy]

The amazing CM kept one reservation for POP and asked me to call my credit card to make sure they authorize it. So I did. I just have to call back again to make sure it gets authorized.

Now I really need a vacation...

 

[mickeystoontown]

The amazing CM kept one reservation for POP and asked me to call my credit card to make sure they authorize it. So I did. I just have to call back again to make sure it gets authorized.

Now I really need a vacation...

Sounds like it's going to work out and for the best....you get to stay at Pop and save the extra money.

Keep us updated.

 

[BeckWhy]

I'm just hoping that this is a freaking amazing vacation... because of all the pre-trip drama! I don't wanna let any of my (one) followers down!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm just hoping that this is a freaking amazing vacation... because of all the pre-trip drama! I don't wanna let any of my (one) followers down!

You are too silly!

 

[BeckWhy]

What part of LA are you from? I was gonna go to Louisiana Tech!

 

[mickeystoontown]

What part of LA are you from? I was gonna go to Louisiana Tech!

I'm about 30 miles from La. Tech. I live in West Monroe. Tech is in Ruston. Lots of good places to eat and shop in Ruston.

 

[BeckWhy]

I'm about 30 miles from La. Tech. I live in West Monroe. Tech is in Ruston. Lots of good places to eat and shop in Ruston.

If I head that way again I'm coming to visit you! We flew into Monroe when I came down there!

I don't know about the restaurants. I wanted to have alligator while I was there so they sent me to Ralph and Cacoo's (spelling?) in Shreveport.