Planning Our Happily Ever After - A Disneymoon PTR! (NEW 7/13 - TR Link!)



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Because of seeing this very picture on your January TR, I had to have one of these----AND, I got one during our May trip. How do I ever thank you enough, Courtney? That has to be the best use of a snack credit ever!!! :thumbsup2
 
Oh good! I'm glad you were able to get that ADR. I can't wait to hear what you thought about it.

You're smart to go ahead and budget like that. That way you know about what you'll be spending. I agree with you though, the DDP makes it so much easier!

I'm so glad we got the ADR, too! Miguel is really excited about it. :goodvibes

The DDP definitely makes budgeting easier. Although for such a short trip figuring the budget wasn't too bad. :thumbsup2

my DH just told me he set up a flickr account today. so i guess I will be uploading pictures to there and using that! lol

Thankyou!!!


i set me "avatar" as the mousekeeping envelopes i made... just so you know!

The envelopes look so cute! Have you been able to get your pics uploaded to Flickr? You need to do a TR after your trip and of course we'll need to see lots of pictures! :goodvibes

Love your spreadsheet! I'm a little obsessed with spreadsheets and planning so I can really appreciate your effort! :thumbsup2

Thank you! :goodvibes Spreadsheets definitely help me feel organized when I'm planning!

I'm so glad to see it's not just me that does spreadsheets and calculations for Disney dining! ;) I think it's important to do though for the TiW card :thumbsup2 - DF & I won't be doing the dining plan for either trip, so for us it makes sense as it'll pay for itself.

The TiW card can also be used in various lounges/bars and CS locations.. do you think you'd be using any of those this trip or for honeymoon? :goodvibes

Tables in Wonderland restaurants list

Emma princess: x

You're definitely not the only one! I love making Disney spreadsheets! :cloud9:

Thanks for the TiW list! I guess I need to decide if we'll have enough meals out of pocket on the Disneymoon to make the card worth it. Although doesn't free valet parking come with the card, too? That would be nice since we drive to the parks.
 
The thing about the TiW card that would be especially handy on your honeymoon is you can use it on alcohol and appetizers. As long as you think you'll be ordering more than $50 worth of alcohol and appetizers on your honeymoon, I'd say go for the TiW card! Also, since it is your honeymoon are you planning on making more ADR's than what the DDP comes with? You could use it for those meals as well. :thumbsup2

Love the spreadsheet, I did something similar. Right now, I have all of the separate categories for spending money in envelopes and I am filling them with cash as we go along. What I think I am going to do is make a list each day of what places we are eating at and what snacks I feel we might eat and take that much money with us each day. That way we won't be carrying around lots of cash and also won't be tempted to spend more than we have allotted. Right now, we only need $161 more dollars for the trip and half of that is the luggage fee-the other half is for snacks/drinks! I'm hoping we'll end up bringing around $50 more than that to have in case we decide to go to the movies and I also want to buy a few tabloid magazines for the flights.

Those are the things I was thinking about for the card, too. Even though we'll have the DDP on the honeymoon, I know we'll do at least a few meals OOP because I really want to try out a lot of restaurants of that trip. We aren't big drinkers, but I'm sure there will be a few Lapu Lapu's enjoyed at the Poly! It would certainly be nice to get a discount on those! :lmao: I guess it's time to make another spreadsheet! :laughing:

You should post your spreadsheet on your PTR! I love getting inspiration from other DISers! :goodvibes

Hmmm, we've never considered the TIW card, so I don't know much about it. However, I can't see it really paying off on your honeymoon unless you planned to drink a lot. We also love the structure of the DDP, but since your Nov trip is so short, you'll be fine. Definitely a good idea to plan out how much you think you'll spend now!

I doubt we'll be buying lots of drinks but I'm sure we'll enjoy the pool bar at the Poly, and maybe some of the "Worldly" drinks at Epcot. :rotfl: Although I'm just not sure if that will be enough to counteract the cost of the card. :confused3 I definitely need to analyze this further!

Wait...are you getting an AP? (I missed a lot in my absence). If you booked a room with an AP rate you CAN get the DDP.

I did get an AP! :woohoo: Unfortunately we couldn't do the AP rate during our November trip because some of our nights fall during the holiday period and the rate wasn't available those nights. We ended up being able to get an AAA rate, which means we can't do DDP. We're hoping for an AP rate at the Poly for the honeymoon and we'll definitely be doing the DDP then. :goodvibes

Because of seeing this very picture on your January TR, I had to have one of these----AND, I got one during our May trip. How do I ever thank you enough, Courtney? That has to be the best use of a snack credit ever!!! :thumbsup2


I'm so glad you enjoyed the Napoleon! Aren't they amazing?! I can't wait to get another one in November! :yay:
 
2 MONTHS UNTIL NOVEMBER!

We’re getting closer and closer to our short November trip! Today we're at two months and we’re getting so excited! I had a really hard time coming up with a “top two” countdown – two is such a small number, what can you really categorize with that? :confused3 The thing I kept coming back to was two particular nights on our most recent Disney trip this past January.

My grandmother is the person (besides Miguel, of course) that always gets the most excited when I tell her we’re planning another trip to Disney. Other family members and some friends respond with the typical, “again” or “but Disney is so expensive”. I’m sure you’re all familiar with those phrases! My grandparents are the ones that took me on all of my childhood Disney trips, so my grandmother is definitely aware of the cost. But, she still thinks it’s all worth it, because as she says, “you’re making memories”.

That’s why we all go to Disney, right? Sure, it’s loads of fun in the moment, but it’s just as much fun to look back on past trips and remember those wonderful memories. Here are my top two memories from our January trip.

** I'll keep this short, but if you'd like to read the full story it's in my TR!**

1) Our Final Epcot Night
This night had us eating dinner at O’Hana with plans to head back over to Epcot when we were finished eating.
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At the end of a fabulous O’Hana dinner, Wishes started! We were right near the window and had an amazing view. Afterwards, we rushed over to Epcot just in time to catch Illuminations! It was so neat being able to see both shows in the same night.
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After Illuminations ended, we decided to stroll around World Showcase.
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It was so beautiful and romantic and the perfect way to end a night. Before we headed back to AKL, we took a quick spin on Test Track – our first at night!

2) Our Final Night
I had planned for our last night to be something special. We had a dinner ADR at CRT right after wishes! It would be the first time we had eaten in the castle! We started off by getting to the MK right before Spectro began.
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We hadn’t planned to watch, but we got a terrific spot at the curb so we decided to stay. Boy am I glad we did! Spectro just did something to me that night. It brought me right back to my childhood, and yes – I shed a tear!
Afterwards, we staked out our Wishes spot and got to see them from right in front of the castle! The twinkling lights of the castle and the beautiful fireworks made for a breathtaking experience!
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Later, we made our way to CRT where we had a (surprisingly) good meal!
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We were seated right by the window overlooking Fantasyland. After dinner, we strolled out of the castle and made our way down a very quiet Main Street. It was perfect!
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I hope we make lots of more wonderful memories on our trip this November! What are some of your favorite Disney memories?
 


Favorite memories? Let's see, I'll try to think of a favorite moment from each of my Disney trips!

-Getting our Mickey ears personalized with our names on my High School Marching Band trip in 2004.
-My Dad standing on the fence and using a light pole for balance just to get good pictures of SpectroMagic in 2006.
-Having lunch at Cap't Jacks on our honeymoon trip in 2009. They sat us by the window along the water and got into a boat and drove it right up to our window with a sign that said "Happy Honeymoon" and had our names on it. Talk about making you feel special!
-Watching FOTLK in December 2009. I teared up b/c it was just so magical to me.

I could go on and on but those memories definitely hold a special place in my heart. :lovestruc Thanks for asking, it definitely got me even more excited for our trip next WEEK! :banana:
 
Favorite memories? Let's see, I'll try to think of a favorite moment from each of my Disney trips!

-Getting our Mickey ears personalized with our names on my High School Marching Band trip in 2004.
-My Dad standing on the fence and using a light pole for balance just to get good pictures of SpectroMagic in 2006.
-Having lunch at Cap't Jacks on our honeymoon trip in 2009. They sat us by the window along the water and got into a boat and drove it right up to our window with a sign that said "Happy Honeymoon" and had our names on it. Talk about making you feel special!
-Watching FOTLK in December 2009. I teared up b/c it was just so magical to me.

I could go on and on but those memories definitely hold a special place in my heart. :lovestruc Thanks for asking, it definitely got me even more excited for our trip next WEEK! :banana:

Those sounds like some beautiful memories - thanks so much for sharing them! :cloud9: I can't wait to read about the new one's you make on your trip!

Did you arrange for the restaurant to have the boat drive by?! If not that is very impressive that they did that! :thumbsup2

I cannot wait to see FOTLK for the first time...I know both Miguel and I will love it! :goodvibes
 
Those sounds like some beautiful memories - thanks so much for sharing them! :cloud9: I can't wait to read about the new one's you make on your trip!

Did you arrange for the restaurant to have the boat drive by?! If not that is very impressive that they did that! :thumbsup2

I cannot wait to see FOTLK for the first time...I know both Miguel and I will love it! :goodvibes

Nope! They did it all by themselves! I remember almost getting upset that it was taking them so long to seat us as no one else was waiting and the restaurant was basically empty- I was hot and THIRSTY. Obviously-they had a reason! :)
 


have not had time yet to upload pictures to that account. BUSY week i have- work all week then I am in my best friends wedding this weekend! EEH!!! SUPER BUSY! LOL
as soon as things calm down next week I will :)

AND of course I will be making a TR and we plan on taking TONS of pictures! My DS is already ready to go to see Mickey! LOL We just got a new camera too (Cannon rebel t2i) so I know that we will be taking many pictures :)
 
What are some of your favorite Disney memories?

Hmmm, let's see...

1998: My DD (2 at the time) being petrified of all the characters until she saw Minnie and decided to hug her!

2007: Lunch at Coral Reef and a diver wishing my DD (11 at the time) a happy birthday!

2008 (cruise): Petting and feeding the stingrays at Castaway Cay.

2009: Seeing the castle lighting ceremony!
 
Those two nights really do sound perfect. What great memories! I have always wanted to stay really late at the MK and walk down an empty Main Street. Hopefully one of these days!

I have such good Disney memories, so it is hard to narrow down! But my favorite trip was in May. It was just DBF and I, and both of us were celebrating our college graduation (from the same university, of course!). Whenever we first started dating our sophomore year, one of the first things we found out we had in common was our love of Disney World. For me, this was huge! I hadn't found too many people my age who loved it as much as me. So being able to go to our favorite place with just the two of us was amazing. The trip was actually a graduation present from his parents, and they splurged and got us club level at the Poly. It absolutely was a dream come true to stand out on the balcony and see the castle. I had always hoped to be given the opportunity to stay at one of the monorail resorts (I'm more of a moderate girl!), and to share that experience with DBF was a great thing :lovestruc
 
Love your memories, they sound like perfect Disney nights! :lovestruc

I have lots of amazing Disney memories, but I guess my #1 would be getting engaged at the Wilderness Lodge! :cool1:
 
Those are wonderful memories! I can't wait to try CRT in December for the first time! :goodvibes

I think my all time favorite Disney memory would have to be when John was home from Iraq and we went to Disney. It was our first trip and I will never forget as long as I live standing there with him watching Wishes for the first time. I was bawling like a baby, and I've never been happier than I was in that moment! :)
 
My favorite memories have all involved seeing Aisling's face experience things. Because the second I saw her face....I knew she was a "Disney person" I knew that she "got it." You know what I mean? Aisling will never ask a person "Disney again?????"
 
Nope! They did it all by themselves! I remember almost getting upset that it was taking them so long to seat us as no one else was waiting and the restaurant was basically empty- I was hot and THIRSTY. Obviously-they had a reason! :)

Wow! That was so sweet of them to do that! :cloud9:


have not had time yet to upload pictures to that account. BUSY week i have- work all week then I am in my best friends wedding this weekend! EEH!!! SUPER BUSY! LOL
as soon as things calm down next week I will :)

AND of course I will be making a TR and we plan on taking TONS of pictures! My DS is already ready to go to see Mickey! LOL We just got a new camera too (Cannon rebel t2i) so I know that we will be taking many pictures :)

I'm so glad you're planning on a TR! Yes, be sure to take lots of pictures!!! :goodvibes

Those are wonderful memories. :cloud9: They give me warm fuzzies just reading about them!

Me too! :goodvibes

Hmmm, let's see...

1998: My DD (2 at the time) being petrified of all the characters until she saw Minnie and decided to hug her!

2007: Lunch at Coral Reef and a diver wishing my DD (11 at the time) a happy birthday!

2008 (cruise): Petting and feeding the stingrays at Castaway Cay.

2009: Seeing the castle lighting ceremony!

Thanks for sharing your favorite memories, Denise! :goodvibes How cute that your daughter was scared of the characters until she saw Minnie! Is she still one of her favorites?
 
Those two nights really do sound perfect. What great memories! I have always wanted to stay really late at the MK and walk down an empty Main Street. Hopefully one of these days!

I have such good Disney memories, so it is hard to narrow down! But my favorite trip was in May. It was just DBF and I, and both of us were celebrating our college graduation (from the same university, of course!). Whenever we first started dating our sophomore year, one of the first things we found out we had in common was our love of Disney World. For me, this was huge! I hadn't found too many people my age who loved it as much as me. So being able to go to our favorite place with just the two of us was amazing. The trip was actually a graduation present from his parents, and they splurged and got us club level at the Poly. It absolutely was a dream come true to stand out on the balcony and see the castle. I had always hoped to be given the opportunity to stay at one of the monorail resorts (I'm more of a moderate girl!), and to share that experience with DBF was a great thing :lovestruc

Wow! What an amazing graduation gift! :goodvibes How was club level at the Poly?! I might be considering that for the disneymoon. :rolleyes1

Love your memories, they sound like perfect Disney nights! :lovestruc

I have lots of amazing Disney memories, but I guess my #1 would be getting engaged at the Wilderness Lodge! :cool1:

Yes, I'd say that would top it! How romantic! :cloud9:

Those are wonderful memories! I can't wait to try CRT in December for the first time! :goodvibes

I think my all time favorite Disney memory would have to be when John was home from Iraq and we went to Disney. It was our first trip and I will never forget as long as I live standing there with him watching Wishes for the first time. I was bawling like a baby, and I've never been happier than I was in that moment! :)

What a sweet memory! I'm sure the fact that your DH just returned home made it even more special! :cloud9:

My favorite memories have all involved seeing Aisling's face experience things. Because the second I saw her face....I knew she was a "Disney person" I knew that she "got it." You know what I mean? Aisling will never ask a person "Disney again?????"

I can't wait to get to experience that with my kids one day. Since I "introduced" Miguel to Disney it's been fun getting to watch him experience all of the magic, too. :goodvibes
 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIGUEL! AND LIFE LATELY...

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been on much lately. It's been a hectic week for me for sure! It's nearing the end of my session at school and the workload has definitely increased. I can't remember if I've mentioned here or not, but I'm currently in school for my MBA. My program is designed for working adults, so we only go one night a week per class for four hours each night. The semesters are also split into two eight-week "sessions" to allow us to take 12 hours a semester and only be in class two nights a week. It's a great schedule, but it's a really face pace and requires lots of time studying!

At work we've been dealing with the joy that is end of/beginning of the month in the world of accounting which means we've been slammed! By the time I get home I'm just so exhausted sometimes it's hard to get back on to the computer! :sad2:

But enough of that stuff...we did have some excitement this week! Wednesday was Miguel's birthday! We celebrated by going out to dinner at a Brazilian churriscuria, which is very similar to O'Hana. They bring you lots of meats on skewers and you just eat until your stuffed!

We also did a simple cake and presents thing at the house. Since our November Disney trip is so close, I had to incorporate a theme into the celebration! I wanted to get Miguel things he could use on our trip, and the Disneymoon as well!

Here was the set up...
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Miguel with his cake
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My grandparents got Miguel one of the Land's End toiletry bags that I got for my Italy trip. It worked so well for me that I knew Miguel would love one.
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I got Miguel a couple of shirts
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A Disney gift card
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And his "big" gift...
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A small suitcase!
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He's been needing some smaller luggage for short trips like our upcoming one.

I also got something that is going to be really nice for our November trip...
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A new car!!!

I've been needing one desperately and it's going to be so nice to have a nice new car when we drive down to Orlando! :woohoo:
 
looks like Miguel had a lovely birthday! I love the disney gift bags & balloons! :goodvibes

and.. a new car! How exciting! :cool1:


Emma princess: x
 
You must be so busy! I remember the days of working full time and working on my master's at night... very hectic! But it'll be worth it in the long run! :thumbsup2

Looks like Miguel had a great birthday! :goodvibes
 
Looks like Miguel had a great birthday, love the Disney theme! :rotfl:

Your new car is beautiful, congrats! :banana:
 

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