Adult Birthday Surprises=MouseHouse FUN! Update 6/23

[Disneychix]

Hello!
I am here to entertain you (or at least myself) in a TR of our adult-only, 39th birthday "suprise" trip to WDW that involved only 1 actual park but LOTS of FUN!

The Cast:
DH-Pat, Paddy, Birthday BOY! It was his 39th birthday on may 6th so I surprised him with this trip. I could've waited til his 40th, but why wait? He is not a disneyfanatic but he's slowly but surely coming along with each trip. His favorites are TOT, RnR, TSM and drinking around the World Showcase. (is that an attraction??)

Me-Rosie, Disneychix- I love Disney and try to get in a trip whenever possible. I work part-time for a bank and full-time as a momma to a 3yr old. I spend most of my days dreaming of WDW and schemeing to get us BACK!! My favorites are TOT, Splash Mt, and Pirates.

Us in 2005 on our Honeymoon

Us in 2008 at MNSSHP

So that's us! Stick around for a 4-day trip with lots of 1st's and surprises.

I'll be back later with an actual update. See ya real soon...

 

[Disneychix]

I'm back!
So the first Birthday surprise for DH was the trip itself I was trying to hold off as long as possible before telling him about the trip. I even considered telling him the weekend before but it didn't work out that way. DH is a very busy person and is always going in a million directions. I was able to tell his band in advance not to book him for any shows that week (DH plays the drums in a local band) but I was unable to clear his schedule for bartending (DH bartends most weekends to earn us some $$ for FUN stuff) or contact his boss of his real job. I ended up telling DH about the trip about 1 month in advance. He was telling me about a business trip in May so I decided I needed to spill the beans before he was unable to go on his own Birthday trip!
DH was happy about the trip. He said no one had ever taken him away for his birthday before. That was about it DH just doesn't get excited until the plane lands!
I only told DH the dates and the resort. I didn't spill anymore beans!

I got the bug to go to Disney in January. We had just gone in early December so I knew DH wasn't ready to go back in the spring. We don't like to go in the summer cause we both dislike the HOT HUMID weather and crowds. But I just couldn't hold out until the fall. So I dreamt up a Birthday adults only trip for DH and me!
I'd been stalking the DVC rental boards for awhile. I wanted to try it out. I got a good deal on a 3 night studio room at SSR. (BTW, I worked with a GREAT member and couldn't say more about how easy the transaction went!)I figured this would be a good resort for us since we'd be adults only and we like DTD for drinks and food! We'd already done our GAD volunteering so we had 1 day tickets each. I found some really good airfare on SW with excellent travel times. Everything was taking shape!!
Now it was time to decide on dining. I decided not to do a dining plan even though the DVC member I worked with offered to book one for me. I wanted Cali Grill for DHs b-day dinner, I wanted to try out the Turf Club at SSR and I knew DH would like to go to DTD and eat at some point.

Would we get to eat where we wanted?? Would DH enjoy his birthday dinner?Is this what we'll watch on TV for 4 days? Be back soon!

 

[Disneychix]

So DAY 1, Off to Neverland, Here we Goooo!!

We had dropped DS off at his grampy's the night before. Our plane was LEAVING at 6:30am. Thank goodness we live only 15 mins from the airport, and at that hour it was more like 10mins .
We actually got out the door right when I wanted to, 4:50. We both marveled at how much easier travelling is without DS! But we did miss him!

We parked our car in Long-Term parking and my mother was going to be picking it up in a few hours so it was only costing us about $6. Bargain!

We got picked up from the Lot right away and were on our way to the terminal. We had one bag that was being checked. No Line at curb-side check-in!!

We waited only a few mins to get through security. We did not bring our laptop so nothing stopped us on the way through. It was now time for some coffee and breakfast!

DH in all his breakfast carrying action!!

Me waiting for some java at 5am!!

We got on the plane pretty quickly. Dh and I were the last for A boarding on SW. Our plane was def full which I thought was odd for a Tues in May.

Nothing exciting inflight. We landed and split up. Dh was off to pick up the rental car and I was off to pick up the bag.

We were in FL!!! AND it was HOT!!!!

I ended up renting a car because DH really dislikes bus transportation. I mean really. I got a pretty good deal through Dollar and we only needed a small car (No DS!!) so I just got an economy. Tin-can on wheels here we come! At the counter we tried to get a little to get a free upgrade but there was none to be found (or so we thought). I didn't see the point of spending another $35 so we left to go find our tin-can.
We get out to the Dollar area and walked all-the-way to the end of the row only to find Dollar doesn't have economy cars at MCO airport! I was miffed! Well, I was miffed cause I almost paid to upgrade when there is actually no such thing as the actual car that I paid for. So we got a Compact car for 'free'! Believe me, I would've been VERY upset if I would've paid for the upgrade! We happily picked out a navy blue Ford Focus and Boogied on out of the airport!!

Where were we off to at 9:45am? Well I got out my trusty maps and it appears they were taking us to the Outlets!! We didn't have park-tickets for today and I know DVC resorts don't have check-in til like 4pm so there was nothing calling us to WDW. I had one little surprise for DH!!

First up was shopping though!

 

[BippityBoo]

YAY! Am I really first?? I loved your last Dec. TR and I can't wait to read about your adults only trip. How fun Join my Dec PTR if you want, I will need all of the advice I can get The link is in my siggy.

Looking forward to reading more

 

[heaven2dc]

I'm second!! Can't wait to see what your non-Disney surprise is for your husband! (my co-worker & family were there 5/2-5/8/10 staying at VWL by renting points and they said it was HOT at WDW. Their DVC guy was fantastic in getting a room for 6 nights but they said they wished the villa's rooms were in the area where the reg rooms are. They felt so remote from all the action.) We always stay at BWV and like getting the boardwalk view. I can't wait to see your room at SSR and if you liked it!

 

[walter]

Disneychix,

You seem to travel to WDW a lot. When is the next time you are going to visit there? Some day you are going have to try GCH and Disneyland.

 

[Dancegrl624]

I'm here!

 

[Disneychix]

YAY! Am I really first?? I loved your last Dec. TR and I can't wait to read about your adults only trip. How fun Join my Dec PTR if you want, I will need all of the advice I can get The link is in my siggy.

Looking forward to reading more

Hi! Yeah! I have readers! I did just see you started a PTR. I'll check it out soon. We did have a lot of fun!

I'm second!! Can't wait to see what your non-Disney surprise is for your husband! (my co-worker & family were there 5/2-5/8/10 staying at VWL by renting points and they said it was HOT at WDW. Their DVC guy was fantastic in getting a room for 6 nights but they said they wished the villa's rooms were in the area where the reg rooms are. They felt so remote from all the action.) We always stay at BWV and like getting the boardwalk view. I can't wait to see your room at SSR and if you liked it!

Don't get too excited about this surprise, it's more of an inside joke between Dh and I! Better surprises are coming!
We are supposed to stay at the VWL in October. We loved WL, was it just the separate building they didn't like?

Disneychix,

You seem to travel to WDW a lot. When is the next time you are going to visit there? Some day you are going have to try GCH and Disneyland.

Not as much as you Walter! We're still thinking about DVC. I hope it's ok I used your name. Hmm, maybe we'll buy your house when you retire and DVC so we can come visit!

I'm here!

Hey Meghan!! Thanks for joining the TR!

 

[heaven2dc]

They loved the Lodge but just felt secluded from everything I think and didn't like the separate building. I told them that's why I like staying at BWV. The Beach Club is set up the same way with the DVC villas in the back of the resort. Now if they stayed at SSR or OKW (or BWV), it would all be the same. Now I can't wait for the surprise you are talking about!

 

[Disneychix]

I had directions to get us to the Prime Outlets in Orlando. This is pretty much right by Universal. For once we didn't get lost or fight on the way to our destination Well, ok we got lost 1x. We turned into the wrong mall. There are malls on both sides of the street and I was looking at my map to locate some stores but DH just kept driving through the parking lot.
Anyway, we found out where we were and went SHOPPING! Dh went to the Converse outlet and bought 2 t-shirts. Then he went looking for a new hat. He needed a white one for the summer. He found one for cheap and then it was my turn to spend some money!
I was off to the Disney Character Outlet. A friend told me about this place and I was happy she did! I got a christmas ornament, a swim cover-up with hidden mickeys, an empty popcorn bucket for a friend who collects them (it was a Holiday one), a garden statue of a flamingo wearing mickey ears for my step-mom and pirates placemat for DS. All this was $30! The retail price of the cover-up alone was $30 so I was happy to find this store.

We stopped in somemore stores but we didn't buy anything else. The sun was really shining now and it was just about lunch-time, 11:00.

Here's the next surprise: Dh and I have always seen commercials for a certain fast-food place that we just don't have in NY. The commercials are funny and the food looks sooo good! We've said for years we want to try it and eat everything on the menu. I found directions online and it turns out there was a location right near the mall.

Where were we off to...

SONIC!

Ok, I warned you this surprise was lame but there are better ones to come!! DH was psyched and hunrgy so this actually was a good surprise!

Ordering our food. We didn't really expect them to be on roller-skates either. We sound so dumb but we just don't have Sonics in Buffalo!

DH with his slushy, I believe he got grape. It was DELICIOUS! It was extra good because it was sooo Hot out by now.

My food-A burger on texas toast with chili-cheese tots! My drink wasn't as good, I didn't get the slushy but instead got a cherry-limeaid, it was good just not as refreshing.
DH ordered a double cheeseburger and tots with cheese. I ended up giving him the chili-tots. Too much for me!

We were too full to try any desserts . But we were happy that we finally got to experience all that is SONIC! I will say the tots were a bit of a let-down, they were a bit over-fried tasting, but the burgers were very good. The drinks were great too!


With full bellies we decided it was time to head to SSR. We stopped on the way to pick up some adult beverages to keep in the room-Corona for DH and some Mike's Hard lemonade for me.

I was nervous to check-in at the resort. I have never rented points before and although I had the conformation with my name on it I was still a bit scared that I wouldn't indeed have a room.
We were the only ones checking in at about 12:15. Our reservation was found right away and they had all the info for DHs birthday handy. He was wished Happy Birthday and given a pin! Which he promptly gave right over to me DH just doesn't wear the pins!

I was told our room was ready and we were in Congress Park section. I asked if that was near the walkway to DTD (that's where we wanted to be) and I was shown we were in the building right next to the walkway! Perfect! We were given a 1st floor room. Honestly, we've never stayed on the 1st floor before. I didn't care though. I was anxious to check it out!
We walked back to the car and drove over to Congress Park. SSR is HUGE! Quite confusing to drive around too. But we found it!
We got to the room and went out onto the patio. It overlooked DTD!! Nice! It was a great room with a great location!

Where are we off to next, it is only 1:00 you know! Another update coming soon!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Great update! I can't believe how much you got at the Disney outlet for only $30! That is awesome. I've been to those outlet malls around International Drive, but not in quite a few years. They are a lot of fun!

Sonic!!! I know what you mean about seeing the commercials but not having any Sonic's. I think I heard from someone there is one WAY down in the Southtowns, but I could be mistaken. We had a place kind of like Sonic when I lived in Syracuse. I used to love going there and getting a milkshake. Gotta love the servers on rollerskates!

Your room at SSR looks lovely. Did you take a pic of your view of DTD? I'd love to see it if you did!

 

[BippityBoo]

WOW!! You got so much at the outlet!! Awesome!

I nearly fell over laughing when you said the drive in was Sonic! We eat there all the time...I guess I never thought of not having it

Your room looks nice and that is so neat you are close to DTD! Perfect for an adult weekend! Looking forward to more

 

[Disneychix]

Great update! I can't believe how much you got at the Disney outlet for only $30! That is awesome. I've been to those outlet malls around International Drive, but not in quite a few years. They are a lot of fun!

Sonic!!! I know what you mean about seeing the commercials but not having any Sonic's. I think I heard from someone there is one WAY down in the Southtowns, but I could be mistaken. We had a place kind of like Sonic when I lived in Syracuse. I used to love going there and getting a milkshake. Gotta love the servers on rollerskates!

Your room at SSR looks lovely. Did you take a pic of your view of DTD? I'd love to see it if you did!

DH and I were joking that if they put a SONIC in Buf they'd have to be on ice-skates 1/2 the year! That could actually work!
The outlet was really cool and it was real WDW stuff (and DL) too. They had Disney tags on everything.

WOW!! You got so much at the outlet!! Awesome!

I nearly fell over laughing when you said the drive in was Sonic! We eat there all the time...I guess I never thought of not having it

Your room looks nice and that is so neat you are close to DTD! Perfect for an adult weekend! Looking forward to more

I told you it was kind-of a lame surprise! But we enjoyed it and we can finally say we've been to Sonic! Our room was nice but let me tell you, that walk to DTD was not as quick as I thought it would be! It wasn't horrible but it wasn't a 5 min walk either.

 

[snoopypharmd]

Great ... Now I want Sonic Seriously we go there almost everyday at work during happy hour! And their ice is the best! I am jealous of your trip! Can't wait to go back with just my husband - we are going to Universal for 4 days in August (but we are taking Nathan - which will still be fun!) Gonna have to check out the outlet - what a great deal!

 

[lexmas]

Oh my goodness, I did not realize you had started a TR! I have actually been thinking, is she really not going to do one? I want to read all about it!

Baby is pulling at my feet, but I will get back here and read as soon as I get the chance!

I'm excited!

 

[NMW]

subscribing

 

[Disneychix]

Great ... Now I want Sonic Seriously we go there almost everyday at work during happy hour! And their ice is the best! I am jealous of your trip! Can't wait to go back with just my husband - we are going to Universal for 4 days in August (but we are taking Nathan - which will still be fun!) Gonna have to check out the outlet - what a great deal!

Wow, I'd love a Sonic around here for the drinks and ice-cream alone!
I LOVE US! Are you staying at one of their resorts? Thanks for reading!

Oh my goodness, I did not realize you had started a TR! I have actually been thinking, is she really not going to do one? I want to read all about it!

Baby is pulling at my feet, but I will get back here and read as soon as I get the chance!

I'm excited!

Thanks for finding me! I got a late start.
Isn't this weather great? Finally what I've been waiting for!!!

subscribing

Hello! Thanks for reading along!

 

[lexmas]

All caught up! I love it so far. I can not believe that you got so much stuff at the outlet for $30! That's amazing!

That's great that you got a bigger car for free.

The room looks beautiful! I bet you loved it there! I'm glad renting DVC points went well, it would make me very nervous. Worth it though, I guess!

I must be watching the wrong commercials, I'm not sure I've ever heard of sonic! But roller skates? I love it already!

 

[VegasVick]

I ended up renting a car because DH really dislikes bus transportation. I mean really.

Just had to comment...I think it's a "man" thing...mine would rather walk than take a bus! Luckily, we usually drive and have our own car.

Loving the TR so far...an adult-only trip has such a different dynamic...more, please.

 

[Disneychix]

All caught up! I love it so far. I can not believe that you got so much stuff at the outlet for $30! That's amazing!

That's great that you got a bigger car for free.

The room looks beautiful! I bet you loved it there! I'm glad renting DVC points went well, it would make me very nervous. Worth it though, I guess!

I must be watching the wrong commercials, I'm not sure I've ever heard of sonic! But roller skates? I love it already!

I bet you have seen the Sonic commercials. Most have the 2 guys sitting in a car and the one guy says really dumb things. Ok, that recaps almost every commercial out there! Sorry, I can't explain better!
We ended up getting a Ford Focus and we really liked it. It had free Sirius Radio that we listen to at home and really enjoyed on vacation!

Just had to comment...I think it's a "man" thing...mine would rather walk than take a bus! Luckily, we usually drive and have our own car.

Loving the TR so far...an adult-only trip has such a different dynamic...more, please.

It's just something about those buses! He does fine on the boats and monorail. Thanks for joining! More coming right up...