Crazy Crowded! New Year’s Eve 2012 PTR

[kaffinito]

Crazy Crowded! New Year’s Eve 2012 TR

The Cast: ME!!!

The circumstances:

Perhaps this is TMI – but it’s all going to come out sooner or later anyway on the RC thread. I have never been accused of being a “closed book” So here goes.

Originally I was all set to go to DL over NYE with a friend of mine who lives in CA. However finances were just not right for the trip, so I had to cancel it.

Previously I had decided not to go back to WDW for a year. However, DHDH (Disney Hating DH) and I got into a big fight so I decided that rather than spend the holidays at home with the original Grumpy, I was going to head out for WDW for New Year’s Eve. (I felt badly that I never got to do the big NYE thing during my last trip with DHDH for NYE 2010, he wanted to go home on the 31st and I had to go with him. )

Honestly, things have been bad between us since last March. And I mean bad. In September I became suspicious about the amount of time he was spending at work, with his mother, or at the cottage, and found out about the four other girlfriends he had. He wisely decided to only keep one of them, and started spending time with her and her dog at our cottage. He couldn’t figure out why I was upset over all of this.

In October we started marriage counseling. It isn’t going well. The only thing that the counseling is doing is helping me see that I can’t stay married to him. So poopies.

Well, you can see I badly needed a Disney trip! A nice few days away from my "real life" troubles will only help my frame of mind.

So with a blissful escape in mind and with two weeks to go before the big day I popped on AirTran’s home page and low and behold – cheap airfare! I took it as a sign that i was meant to go. So to seal the deal I went onto Disney’s webpage, plugged in my dates, and low and behold – AsSpo was available!

Deciding that it was meant to be, and knowing that DHDH would have a fit over my going to WDW at all – I told him that 1. I was going, and 2. That I would be back on Jan 5th.

Since it was right after the fight, he couldn’t really say no, could he? Besides, this gives him his “freedom” to fool around while I’m gone.

So after a few days of feeling smug about my AsSpo ressie I remembered that I had an AP, and checked on my dates with the discount. And you all know what happened next…

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Karen Well, you certainly deserve a Disney break and I am so glad you are going...who knows what the future may hold. Praying things will get better for you. We are here for you...and ya know where to fin us...vent away anytime.

I am thrilled you are flying again...makes a quick getaway so much more possible. And woohoo on

So happy you are doing a PTR...and I'm first!!

 

[pas130]

Hi Karen! I'm here Sorry to hear about things at home....I am praying for a new start for you...and what better start to the New Year than CR (BTW do you have your meds ready for the flight?)

And if you need anything, even just to vent...you know where to find me

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

I'm Here!

I think this trip is just what you need!! I can't wait to read about it!! We're all here for you!!

 

[hstrickland]

Can't wait to hear about your trip!! Get lots of pics, Karen

 

[kaffinito]

Karen Well, you certainly deserve a Disney break and I am so glad you are going...who knows what the future may hold. Praying things will get better for you. We are here for you...and ya know where to fin us...vent away anytime.

I am thrilled you are flying again...makes a quick getaway so much more possible. And woohoo on

So happy you are doing a PTR...and I'm first!!

First!

Yeah, well. The future will be a lot more muddled for me, but at least I know one thing.

A man cheats because there is something wrong with him, not with you.

Hi Karen! I'm here Sorry to hear about things at home....I am praying for a new start for you...and what better start to the New Year than CR (BTW do you have your meds ready for the flight?)

And if you need anything, even just to vent...you know where to find me

Yes Ma'am! I refilled my prescription today so I would be all set. Besides - those Magic Happy Flying Pills of mine have been keeping from murdering DH.

Thanks for the good thoughts

I'm Here!

I think this trip is just what you need!! I can't wait to read about it!! We're all here for you!!

I agree! I can hardly wait to get back to my Happy Place and just chill for a few days. I'm thinking its a good thing that DH is moving out while I'm gone. it will keep me from being too sad.

Can't wait to hear about your trip!! Get lots of pics, Karen

I will! Love your new camera strap BTW - now I want one!

 

[kaffinito]

The RCing begins!

First I booked AsSPo at 63.00 per night. Then I decided to book POFQ instead so I could check out the refurbed rooms. Total for 3 nights was 349.00 with the AP.

Then I found out that POFQ does not have a chicken Caesar salad – my main food source besides Dole whips on my trips, and that I would have to go to POR to get food. So I was disgruntled.

And then Dani posted about WL.

Now WL is one of the resorts on my list of "No – but never say never" resorts. AsSpo used to head that list and I love it so there you go. BWI was also on the list. So my No list has turned into a "try it once" list.

So I started looking at WL. Hard. And pricing out Poly, AKL, CR Tower since as usual, no Garden wing rooms were available, and also flirting with BWI standard room, YC, and Swan and Dolphin. Oh, and CSR, also on my No list.

See what I don’t post on the RC thread? LOL

If I posted every time I changed my mind, I would never get off the thread!

 

[hstrickland]

Karen, after I subscribed to your PTR, I went back and read the very beginning. So sorry for all that you're going through. Sounds like you have a great attitude, though, which is half the battle. Please know that I'll be praying for you. Have a WONDERFUL time at WDW!!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

First!

Yeah, well. The future will be a lot more muddled for me, but at least I know one thing.

A man cheats because there is something wrong with him, not with you.

ABSOLUTELY!!!!


Yes Ma'am! I refilled my prescription today so I would be all set. Besides - those Magic Happy Flying Pills of mine have been keeping from murdering DH.
Mutliple uses, that's GOOD thing!!!

Thanks for the good thoughts

I agree! I can hardly wait to get back to my Happy Place and just chill for a few days. I'm thinking its a good thing that DH is moving out while I'm gone. it will keep me from being too sad.

Moving out.... Even though what he did is terrible and he does not deserve you, the moving out will be very emotional for you... it will be good you'll be in your happy place. Wish there was some way we could help and be there for you.

I will! Love your new camera strap BTW - now I want one!

Darn, wish I had even a vague idea where the one we bought might be...but you'd have a better chance of finding one on ebay than me finding my brand new never used one. Shoot!!

 

[kaffinito]

Karen, after I subscribed to your PTR, I went back and read the very beginning. So sorry for all that you're going through. Sounds like you have a great attitude, though, which is half the battle. Please know that I'll be praying for you. Have a WONDERFUL time at WDW!!!

Thank you! I will keep my chin up and my gun unloaded.

Just kidding! I don't even own a gun.

Although.....

Darn, wish I had even a vague idea where the one we bought might be...but you'd have a better chance of finding one on ebay than me finding my brand new never used one. Shoot!!

Thanks for the support! And I hear you on finding things. I can never seem to find what I'm looking for when I need it.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

And then Dani posted about WL.

Now WL is one of the resorts on my list of "No – but never say never" resorts. AsSpo used to head that list and I love it so there you go. BWI was also on the list. So my No list has turned into a "try it once" list.

See what I don’t post on the RC thread? LOL
If I posted every time I changed my mind, I would never get off the thread!

Would have been fun to read all those changes!!! Never considered Riverside?

WL was on my NEVER list for a long time...from the time it opened until November 2010 when Janet and I took a last minute, unexpected trip as a pick me up after my surgery. I LOVED the Villas!! We had a great studio room location with 2 windows (I need a lot of light), so it was fabulous....we did have a comp Lodge room on our last day and neither of us liked that room at all...so small (same size as CBR). But I still am considering 2 rooms at the Lodge, if it is refurbed, for our family trip Sophia's first visit in Jan of 2013.

The thing about the Lodge, I think, is for those of us who are iffy, we would probably not be thrilled if our room was at the end of one of the very long narrow hallways and a hike to the buses, food court and water launch.

There was a sort of short cut from the Villas, around the Villa pool to the lodge pool right to Roaring Forks and the water launch.

Now, without Christmas decorations I might feel very different about the resort - the decorations really are gorgeous....the whole place had this warm, homey, Christmasy feel...loved it...and boy, was I surprised! So ya never know...like you, I've learned never say never when it comes to a Disney resort (except for one mod and an value for me.)

 

[pas130]

Yes Ma'am! I refilled my prescription today so I would be all set. Besides - those Magic Happy Flying Pills of mine have been keeping from murdering DH.

Thanks for the good thoughts

The RCing begins!

First I booked AsSPo at 63.00 per night. Then I decided to book POFQ instead so I could check out the refurbed rooms. Total for 3 nights was 349.00 with the AP.

Then I found out that POFQ does not have a chicken Caesar salad – my main food source besides Dole whips on my trips, and that I would have to go to POR to get food. So I was disgruntled.

And then Dani posted about WL.

Now WL is one of the resorts on my list of "No – but never say never" resorts. AsSpo used to head that list and I love it so there you go. BWI was also on the list. So my No list has turned into a "try it once" list.

So I started looking at WL. Hard. And pricing out Poly, AKL, CR Tower since as usual, no Garden wing rooms were available, and also flirting with BWI standard room, YC, and Swan and Dolphin. Oh, and CSR, also on my No list.

See what I don’t post on the RC thread? LOL

If I posted every time I changed my mind, I would never get off the thread!

I love all the changes...and the result...CR GV. PERFECT

 

[kaffinito]

Would have been fun to read all those changes!!! Never considered Riverside?

The thing about the Lodge, I think, is for those of us who are iffy, we would probably not be thrilled if our room was at the end of one of the very long narrow hallways and a hike to the buses, food court and water launch.

Now, without Christmas decorations I might feel very different about the resort - the decorations really are gorgeous....the whole place had this warm, homey, Christmasy feel...loved it...and boy, was I surprised! So ya never know...like you, I've learned never say never when it comes to a Disney resort (except for one mod and an value for me.)

I'd like to try it someday just to cross it off the list, but I'll probably do CL there (7th floor ) so that's a loonngg way off! I still can't do a balcony over five stories up.

Which BTW is why the CR Tower rooms are right out for me. They start at the 6th floor and the walkway to the rooms is over the monorail.

I still have a mod and a deluxe on my No list, and the FW cabins to go yet.

I love all the changes...and the result...CR GV. PERFECT

 

[kaffinito]

My Christmas Miracle

so there I was, trolling for resorts.

I figured that I should book one of my No’s for this trip, either WL, CSR, or FW Cabins. I wasn’t sold on the WL though – judging by the food court menu I would have to book standard and go to CR for my Chicken Caesar Salads. Not a thrilling idea, but manageable.

So there I was, Christmas Eve, one week before my trip, checking prices online as usual, knowing that gosh darn it! I had to make a decision soon! So I bounced around on the website, and as usual popped in CR just for giggles. Just so I could see that once again I would either have to get over my fear of heights and stay in the Tower, or go without CR.

And then a Christmas Miracle happened.

CRO released a lot of new rooms for the AP discount. And one of them was CR Garden Wing, Standard View. My personal holy of holies. The room that I have been trying to get for five long years. And there it was – on the website. And I had the money (for a change) to actually book it.

So what could I do? I didn’t even hesitate – after my excited heaves wore off – I clicked on BOOK NOW and finally got the room that I have been wanting! Total, $691.00 with discount.

I hope I like it – five years is a long time to wait for one measly room – but if I don’t at least I can cross CR off my list, right?

And I don’t have to do a No resort.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

WONDERFUL!!!

Maybe they will bump you to a GV instead of std - if you don't care about view at all then you'll be fine, but if you do.... I would add two requests - ground floor and nice view!!

I would not do that walkway from CR to BLT - if it was enclosed, then I might, but it is open I have a fear of heights too. No higher than 5th floor for me, but prefer
3rd floor - it is perfect! It is just high enough from the ground floor (which I don't like either), but high enough to feel up, but not high...clear as mud??

 

[pas130]

My Christmas Miracle

CRO released a lot of new rooms for the AP discount. And one of them was CR Garden Wing, Standard View. My personal holy of holies. The room that I have been trying to get for five long years. And there it was – on the website. And I had the money (for a change) to actually book it.

So what could I do? I didn’t even hesitate – after my excited heaves wore off – I clicked on BOOK NOW and finally got the room that I have been wanting! Total, $691.00 with discount.

I hope I like it – five years is a long time to wait for one measly room – but if I don’t at least I can cross CR off my list, right?

You WILL like it!!!

 

[kaffinito]

I was having trouble picking my NYE venue as well.

My choices were Atlantic Dance Hall (75.00 VIP ticket)
Narcoosees (149.00 dinner and fireworks)
Citywalk (139.00 strolling buffet and 7 dance halls)

In the end I picked Atlantic Dance for closeness and price. I scored a regular ticket but wanted a VIP ticket which were not available when I called.

So the only thing I had left to do was to call on December 28th to find out if a VIP ticket had popped up for Atlantic Dance Hall. Guaranteed fireworks viewing! The regular admission ticket has no coffee, desserts or fireworks. I can take a cab from AsSpo after I check in and take a smallish nap, and have a great NYE party. Or, I can go to MK first and try to get in… I might be able to, but there is only small chance. I’d rather have a VIP ticket in hand when turned away from MK for NYE, KWIM?

So my schedule is:

Check into AsSpo. Nap if I can’t get into MK. If no MK then head to Atlantic Dance via cab at 9:00 pm. Or maybe 10pm. Depending.

Celebrate NYE with fireworks of some sort. Go back to AsSpo and sleep.

Jan 1st 2012. Find out if I can get the Lions Packers game on my in room tv at AsSpo. If not, head out to ESPN Club for kickoff at 1:00 pm New Year’s Day. I shouldn’t have trouble getting a seat lol.

Watch my beloved Lions team get stomped by Green Bay, head out to AsSpo for another nap and a chicken Caesar salad for dinner. Go to MK that night for my rides and such.

Jan 2nd. Wait for a text message from The Hodge for a mini DIS meet. Plan is to meet up sometime on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th to ride the TTA and get a Dole whip. I am very much looking forward to it – he’s a Colts fan. And the Lions have a great record this year. And the Colts don’t. A Lions fan very rarely gets a chance to gloat.

So on the second I will head out to EPCOT in the am. Plan there is to ride Spaceship Earth and get a ham and cheese croissant in France for lunch. Unless I can do a walk up somewhere. Ooh! Or I can eat at the Garden place thingy in the Land. It’s very very good and I love the food there.

One day I will go to AKL and ride Kali. My thought is that if I can ride Kali then I can ride Splash. We shall see. If I can ride Splash then I can ride BTMRR.

The last plan I have is on the morning of the 5th. I will check out of CR (YEAH!) and go to GF Café for the Grand Floridian Burger. It has lobster, asparagus, and hollandaise sauce on it and I want to try it someday. Then it’s time to head back to CR (YEAH!) on the monorail (YEAH!) to gather my bags and meet Magical Express at 2:00 pm.

And that’s it, really. One of the days I will go in the hot tub somewhere, and if warm enough I will swim. I will take naps. I will NOT eat brownies for lunch. I will try harder to find good coffee, and I will not overload myself on Starbucks via.

And hopefully I can stop myself from packing my new espresso machine (the product of another fight with DH and a gift from him) in my checked baggage. Although how awesome would it be to have my espresso machine with me at AsSpo?

 

[kaffinito]

You WILL like it!!!

I hope so. Now I want to switch back to POFQ.

The money I would save would be nice...

And I might get lucky again for our next trip.

Besides, for some reason I want to stay at POFQ. And I really don't know why?

 

[kaffinito]

Well so I did call yesterday to put in my room requests for AsSpo and CR, and checked on that VIP ticket. And I got it so no trying to get into a closed to capacity park!

So I’m pretty happy about that for sure. Coffee, desserts, and guaranteed fireworks viewing.

And I decided to give up on packing the espresso machine. It won’t fit into my carry on so I would have to pay $50 to check a bag just so I could have espresso. Not a smart move overall. So I bought an electric kettle thingy that’s small enough for my carry on, and was round to enough to pack with some clothes ( for no wasted space) That and my Starbucks Mocha Via packets will keep me very happy at AsSpo.

So my packing list is:

eBags packing cubes for my clothes.

Camcorder (Had to order a new cord for it since I’ve lost mine again) for recording Osbourne Lights!

Camera – the good one this time. I want to take lots of crowd pics and pics of CR.

Underwear. I still haven’t gotten over forgetting my undies on that long trip of mine.

Packable down coat for when it gets cold on my trip

One bathing suit and one coverup. For the hot tub.

Laptop, Kindle Fire, and a nice pair of shoes for the NYE dance. Crocs of course, my dress Crocs. They are very cute, super comfortable, and will go with my NYE outfit.

And for the ultimate packer – I am wearing my bulkiest clothes on the plane. Including my bulkiest shoes.

I sure hope that kettle thing makes it through bag check!

And that's it folks! I'm ready to go on my trip now. I know I'll have a ton of fun and have a nice relaxing time.

I'll post live updates from my trip!

 

[pas130]

Oh Karen So glad you kept CR and you did an awesome job packing IMO

Have a safe trip, looking forward to the live update, and


Happy New Year!!!!