Thin line tween Love and Hate WDW/Halloween TR Western Oct 24-Nov 6 updated 9/27

[Fastpaks]

We sent our $750 deposit in about 10 days before Christmas. Like I said before, there would be no Christmas for my wife and I. My son had been taken care of in October before there was a mention of a cruise. When my family would get together the question would be asked what we wanted for the holiday. My answer would be just some cash for the vacation. I was determined to go.

So the plans where going to be simple. Fly in on South West on Friday, Stay at the All Star Movies, ride over on ME, cruise,and then reverse the process. Everything was in motion to just fly cruise fly. No more need to plan. Money would tight so the excursions would be a little on the el cheapo. But let's be honest, we pay for the boat, so all is well.

I don't know about you but in my experience in life has never been just that easy. There is always something that will eventually go wrong. Thinking about this I began to make arrangements for a bit of a buffer in our budget, albeit small and I would be able to fund it for a few months. This was not the only grave feelings that I would have. I never felt like I was going to still have a trip till there was a "sign" to ease my mind. Nothing supernatural, but just a little need for something for me to know that this vacation could happen.

The day before Christmas my family generally get together and between the siblings and in-laws we exchange a few pleasantries. It was good times and laughs.. then the exchange... Toys, gifts cards (rob you neighbor), some clothes.. and then my gift which would come from my sister who went on her trip. I opened my gift expecting NOTHING big. to my surprise I received a $15 gift card with a Toy Story logo on it. A Disney Card?! There is was. My little "sign" the vacation could very well just happen.

Christmas day my parents came over to my house to share in some Grandchild glee. After he opened all his gifts. My wife and I got open ours. I told my parents that if anything I would want something it would be some money for the trip but nothing really. So to my surprise we received a care package: castaway club bag, with luggage tags and straps, disposal camera, toiletry items, and some more Disney cards. THIS TRIP IS SO ON!!

Like I said before, just have to save, rest, and go. Except Disney would throw the first curve in our trip.

 

[threeiscrazy]

I'm hooked.

 

[anewmac]

You will not be disapointed Disney does a Cruise like NO other! Cant wait to read more!

 

[tjbaggott]

I'm HERE!! I'M HERE! LATE BUT HERE! Wow Fastpaks, you are really inspiring me to FINISH my TRIP REPORT from last Fall!!!! Think I'll work on that today, as I too would love to start a pre trip for this one! I think you and my DH work at the same kind of company. For my DH, it's PUROLATOR COURIER here in Canada. I get the budgeting and money thing! We decided our kids Christmas for this year, the gift WILL be our DREAM CRUISE for Sept. 2011. This will mean we won't have to spend money thats going to be difficult to come by anyway (two of our kids are off to College this September). Since we've already got that cruise almost paid for anyway, the knowledge of it, and a few cruise related items (ie: magnets, snorkle sets luggage tags ect....) will be their gift. Of course the older two will not be going with us, but I'll figure out something for them for Christmas. Can't wait to read the next installment in this report of yours!

 

[nenner1]

You will not be disapointed Disney does a Cruise like NO other! Cant wait to read more!

Come on Drea..book this cruise!

 

[dizney-cruiser]

OK!! I'm ready for more . . . hello? hello? Where the heck did he go?!?!

 

[Fastpaks]

Sorry been busy with the end of the year events with school, football, and a small vacation. To give you some insight where I m going:

Passing the time with 10 months?!
The Disney Curve and Monster under my House
The Absolute Last Email
Charity and the Monster Returns
MnSsHp, Leftovers, and Tacos
Holiday Road, Cd's, and Will it break?

Hope this helps.

 

[nenner1]

Sorry been busy with the end of the year events with school, football, and a small vacation. To give you some insight where I m going:

Passing the time with 10 months?!
The Disney Curve and Monster under my House
The Absolute Last Email
Charity and the Monster Returns
MnSsHp, Leftovers, and Tacos
Holiday Road, Cd's, and Will it break?

Hope this helps.

That sounds quite intriguing!

 

[mvlimmex]

I am here too!!!!!!!!!!!Let the Party start I have enjoyed reading your pre-trip report!!!! I can't wait to read more and to go on this cruise with you and other Disers from our thread! We are going to have fun! You will love a Disney Cruise---we have gone on 7 and they have been some of our best vacations!

Vicki

 

[Disneygrl36]

Jumping on board here. Nothing better to read about than a Halloween Disney cruise. I spent my 40th Halloween bday aboard the Magic dressed up as Mary Poppins....one of my favorite trips ever.

 

[dizzi]

Well.....the prodigal daughter returns home!!!

HEY GUYS!!!

I was booked on your cruise and had to cancel due to the ecnomy.

But have one coming up in July!

Cant wait to read more!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Well.....the prodigal daughter returns home!!!

HEY GUYS!!!

I was booked on your cruise and had to cancel due to the ecnomy.

But have one coming up in July!

Cant wait to read more!

Hi Lynn!!!!! How are you? Lucky you cruising in July!!!!

 

[Fastpaks]

I'm curious. I have never had a vacation that is going to be this long (hint: it will be more than 7 days). Am I the only person that thinks about it all day long, 24/7?

 

[podsnel]

Hi! I'm on this cruise, too!! All I think about is vacation- so, I guess you're not alone obsessing over this one! We had the time of our lives on the last one. It will make a believer out of you, I just KNOW it!!

 

[nenner1]

Well.....the prodigal daughter returns home!!!

HEY GUYS!!!

I was booked on your cruise and had to cancel due to the ecnomy.

But have one coming up in July!

Cant wait to read more!

Wow Lynn, that is sooooo close! Can't WAIT to hear how much fun you guys have!!!!

I'm curious. I have never had a vacation that is going to be this long (hint: it will be more than 7 days). Am I the only person that thinks about it all day long, 24/7?

errr....ahhhh....no!

 

[JKSWonder]

I'm curious. I have never had a vacation that is going to be this long (hint: it will be more than 7 days). Am I the only person that thinks about it all day long, 24/7?

Definitely not. I am completely obsessed with thinking about it. There, I've said it. Admitting I have a problem is half the battle!

 

[Fastpaks]

We are set! Ready to go! In fact, now that I KNOW that we are going. NOTHING will be in our way. After thinking about this, I began to pack up my luggage and begin to wait.... and wait... and wait.... for 10 more Months!!

How in the Disney WORLD can I get through this forever time? I just want to GOOOO! I have suddenly realized I have become my child self where I want to ask my parents "are we there yet?" Except this would be my loving dear wife. She was getting ready to admit to murder if I wouldn't shut up about it.

So what is a man to do about a lengthy wait?


​

Thank GOD for sports! Break out a beer! Time to make a list of everything I could follow to help keep my mind away from the vacation.

• January--the NFL playoffs
• Febuary--The Olympics
• MArch -- MArch Madness
• April-- Opening Day in baseball and in St Louis there is nothing better
• May--Hockey/NBA playoffs
• June-- The World Cup
• July-- Baseball kicks into high gear trading deadline.. will the Cardinals finish there run? The NFL starts with preseason
• August-- Baseball's home stretch, Beginning of the English Premier League
• September-- Baseball playoffs, NFL starts again, and my beloved GATORS (College Football)
• Oct-- The beginning of Hockey, The World Series, The Florida Gators

Hmm this isn't enough. OK I have shown my Man Card! I m set! Just in case I made a second list, of more that I could watch just in case.

So beginning in

• January--Starz has "Sparticus" that lasts till April, HBO has "The Pacific", Let's not for get "Survivor"
• April-- "The Tudors" Final season till June!
• May -- "Top Chef Masters"
• June-- "Hells Kitchen", "Top Chef"
• July-- *whispers.... "Big Brother 12" now this will go all the way up till 4 weeks away from our trip, Also there is another show on Starz that has a show I want to watch just can't think of it. HBO has "Entourage"
• August-- is more the same :/
• Sept-- there is a new Crime scene show on HBO but the name escapes me.

And in between there is the "Deadliest Catch" -Phil dies this season, Ice Road Truckers b/c I I drive for a living and these guys(and gal) are nuts.

Its done! I won't think about the trip untill its time to go! All I have to do is save and go on my trip. YAY!

and then Disney Gave us a day...

 

[Fastpaks]

While most people are out partying and live it up on the town on New Years Eve, I was at home surfing the internet. My wife doesn't have the luxury of being off on holidays. So as she was sleeping, I was doing my best NOT to pay anymore attention to the cruise. I had something that drew me to the Disney website. A question about this or that? Could I spend money more wisely? THERE IT WAS! Disney was going to give you a free day if you would just some charity work. Now I have a chance to fulfill to my kid. This was the first time I may just be able to come good on it.

(A Tangent)Ironically, the first charity I had ever been involved with was when I was 16 and at Disney. At the time, I was still trying to find my way in life and had the opportunity to model some tuxes for a Pageant magazine. This was before they ever did back stage tours. I didn't really appreciate the experience. Although, I did find it cool going through secret entrances, seeing the parks undisturbed, and just being behind the scenes. One morning, all 20 of us involved in the shoot were taken to the MK. We arrived at 8:00 and were going to be shooting on the lawn in front of the castle. We were told that the "shoot" would have to be a fast one as the park opened at 9:00. Disney was very particular of not having anyone on the lawn while guests were in the parks. Our special guest showed up. Mickey?Donald?Chip or Dale? No. This special guest and the reason for our "shoot" was a Make a Wish child. His wish was to be surrounded by beautiful people at Disney World. My opinion looking back is where I do think Disney is top class.

On the Jan 2nd I signed up for the GAD. My sister called me asking if I had found anything. I told her I found a ton that my kid WOULD (like Habitat for Humanity) participate, but due to age restrictions it wasn't going to happen. She suggested the Project Linus. I didn't realize it then but this particular charity would benefit quite a bit throughout the nation. A hospital that I deliver and pick-up in was one that would benefit from this organization. My family had its charity. I emailed them and 2 days later we were accepted. We scheduled our "event" for later in the month so we could do it with my sister's family as well.

In the middle of Janurary, a monster that had been living under my house grew. Before you say, "YEAH RIGHT!" Let me explain. In September of '09, my basement had water in the middle of my carpet. It was strange. No water trails leading to the spot from the walls or from the sewer drain. Just water in the middle of it. To make matters worse, my wife moved a box that had sat in this water and we discovered... MOLD! My wife is highly allergic to all forms of mold. We lost a lot of stuff. Clothes, some games, and our only Christmas tree to name a few. I tore up the carpet, cleaned the area, and never found the source.

However, in January, the source was coming from my water heater. To this point, I built in a little extra funds in the budget to take care of things that could go wrong in my house. My dad and I diagnosed the problem to not a water heater but to the sewer. This repair was going to cost me about $400. It turns out there was a clog outside the house and it was putting pressure on the water heater. From all this though, I figured I was on borrowed time with the water heater and would have to replace it next year. This was now going to change the plans of the cruise and trip.

My plans at this moment were to Arrive on Friday, Cruise Sat-sat., Go to MK and then stay another night at AsMV. This would lead to a conversation with my wife of now changing everything around. If I have GAD tickets I wonder if we could get more days off from work and then may be spend a few more days at Disney. We talked about it for a few days. Finally, we came to a conclusion that we would add 2 more parks: AK and HS, if we get the GAD vouchers. In addition, why stay at just AsMV why not a moderate too? And how do we arrange it? We could fly Southwest and then it would be cheaper to fly in Thursday and then plans will now look like:

• Thurdays: Fly in, check in CBR

• Friday : Animal Kingdom

• Saturday-Saturday: Cruise the Carribean

• Saturday
  : check in at AsMV Hollywood Studio's

• Sunday
  : End with the Magic Kingdom

• Monday: Fly home

There was nothing I could do about the $400 bill now. We were still going to be ok. We just can't afford another BIG ticket item to go. Hopefully, I would have some more luck the rest of the year. The fact that it was only January made me nervous though.

The materials cost us about $45. Considering that Disney was giving us $200 in tickets this was a killer trade. Our GAD event was quite fun. We made a total of 12 blankets between 6 ppl. It took about 1 1/2 hours. My son worked on one of the blankets by himself. It was entertaining to see his little hands in huge scissors.

His cousin finished faster than him. When one boy is done, the other loses complete attention. My wife and I would finish the rest of ours. Below was the finished product.

DW,Me,DS,My sister,My nephew and my Sisters B/f.

It would be long, I think about a week for us to receive the all important Vouchers.

The best part of all this was my son has NO idea why he was doing this. We just told him it was part of the cruise. My wife and I think we can surprise him. About the same time as the vouchers, I received a $400 check for the repair on my sewer line. You see I live in a condo and it turns out the condo association that was responsible for the trip. Our trip is still safe.

 

[nenner1]

So glad you didn't have to end up footing the bill for the sewer monster disaster!

I remember your blanket pictures from earlier on this year, you all did a great job! And it's great you were able to expand your WDW plans! So far it sounds like a perfect vacation!!

 

[Dreams83]

now if we can all just go already i am ready to relax and see all things disney and return to being a kid again and forget about reality for a few days.