Is it December Yet?? Cancelled with a Heavy Heart!

[DizNee Luver]

Woo Hoo!!

 

[tofubeast]

Hoping you get that letter soon. Fingers crossed.

 

[BDL]

Hoping you get that letter soon. Fingers crossed.

Same here. Wishing you all the luck I can.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hoping you get that letter soon. Fingers crossed.

Same here. Wishing you all the luck I can.

Thank You Both!! We're actually looking at a back up plan if we don't see that money in the next few weeks~~switching to Disneyland. I found flights for $81 per person/each way......that's cheap!! The real stickler with the WDW trip is the flight prices and securing them before we don't have any options.

I've talked to my son who is at WDW and he'd be more than happy to fly out to meet us at Disneyland......so this may end up being the way we go.

I'm disappointed......as I've put a ton of time and research into this trip.....but I also feel things happen for a reason. If we're meant to go to WDW, our check will show up this week or next........if it doesn't, I think we'll need to cancel. At least Mike is for going to DL instead if this doesn't work out. The kids haven't been since 2010 and there are lots of changes.....especially to DCA.

I appreciate all the well wishes and will keep you updated!

 

[smile4stamps]

Laurie! Don't give up hope on the flights yet! You may have to become OCD like me but cheap(er) flights can be found!! I actually got a $50 credit last week on my return flight as the price dropped. I also was able to switch my departure flight to the flight I REALLY wanted (so I can be on the same flight as my hubby) for only $20 more (The price dropped $80-$120 from the fares I had been seeing for the same flight) and that was just a week out!! They will still be more expensive than the DL flight but it's still possible to find good deals even close to the dates.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Laurie! Don't give up hope on the flights yet! You may have to become OCD like me but cheap(er) flights can be found!! I actually got a $50 credit last week on my return flight as the price dropped. I also was able to switch my departure flight to the flight I REALLY wanted (so I can be on the same flight as my hubby) for only $20 more (The price dropped $80-$120 from the fares I had been seeing for the same flight) and that was just a week out!! They will still be more expensive than the DL flight but it's still possible to find good deals even close to the dates.

I've been pricing flights at least once a week.....and no changes but noticing less options! There are more reasons in thinking this might not happen, but trying to stay positive and will just wait to see what the cards hold for us.

I really need a Disney-fix after this year, so as long as I get that.....life will be good!

 

[smile4stamps]

I've seen everything in the last week with my airfare searches! I've even seen flights say "Sold Out" and then come back with lower than ever prices!! It's so weird!

But I agree, going to DL would also be a good trip!! And probably a little less stressful for you since you've been there many times before!

 

[DizNee Luver]

I've seen everything in the last week with my airfare searches! I've even seen flights say "Sold Out" and then come back with lower than ever prices!! It's so weird!

But I agree, going to DL would also be a good trip!! And probably a little less stressful for you since you've been there many times before!

Yup, just a waiting game at this point......totally pointless if the IRS doesn't get excited about sending my money........heck, it's been since Valentine's Day.....no need to hurry!

 

[6Smiles]

Hi Laurie -

Hope your trip still come through for you. We are still going but have had to considerably downsized it, however the downsized trip is almost fully funded. I ordered our photopass+ CD and am just waiting for it to come in. I will no by the end of the week what our exact dates are but still have my full ressies just in case. I hope that you will have your letter by the end of the week so you can continue with your WDW trip like you've been planning.

Kris

 

[debrapagliasotti]

I am still very hopeful that the money comes through. Darn IRS

However, I am glad that DL @ Christmas would be an option if for some reason the money doesnt get here in time.

Still crossing all crossables that WDW is in the cards.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hi Laurie -

Hope your trip still come through for you. We are still going but have had to considerably downsized it, however the downsized trip is almost fully funded. I ordered our photopass+ CD and am just waiting for it to come in. I will no by the end of the week what our exact dates are but still have my full ressies just in case. I hope that you will have your letter by the end of the week so you can continue with your WDW trip like you've been planning.

Kris

Thanx!! I've downsized our trip a ton and we'd still be watching every penny.....hate doing trips like that.....want to go, have fun, be spontaneous (to a point). Mike and I are concerned about the twins and how they will handle this trip. We can't just go across the street if they're having major meltdowns......it would be loading everyone up and leaving the parks and driving to get to the resort. We're actually thinking of doing a WDW trip just as a couple....maybe for our 30th (in 2014) Anniversary. Would love to take the kids, but the closer we get to this trip......the more the anxiety rises on whether the twins could handle the long flights, the parks, the time change (3 hrs), etc. The last big trip they did was to Disneyland in 2010 and we had lots of adults to switch off to take baby duty at the hotel. Michayla had a rough time and we haven't taken them since.......

I am still very hopeful that the money comes through. Darn IRS

However, I am glad that DL @ Christmas would be an option if for some reason the money doesnt get here in time.

Still crossing all crossables that WDW is in the cards.

I'm hoping they come thru too.....otherwise we won't be going to Florida or California. Just annoying this is taking so long.

 

[mnmrmustard]

Hey Laurie, sorry about the Photobucket weirdness – I hate it when sites “upgrade” a product into uselessness

Sherry had some interesting points on DLR at Halloween. We went in mid-October in 2009 and I did notice it was kind of hard to find the villains I was expecting to see during the day. They had them out at the M&G spot near IASW but the times were pretty limited. And although I really enjoyed the Mickey’s Trick or Treat Party I was expecting more out of it than I got – especially with the parade.

For clarity I’d still do it again just for the near “walk on” for rides like Soarin’ and Cali Screamin’ and interact with all of the baddies, especially the pirates! That and seeing all of the great costumes people come up with. Overall so very worth going during Halloween for the decorations, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, and of course the NBC theme of the Haunted Mansion.

I do agree about the need for a “value resort” option down there. We really enjoyed staying at the Disneyland Hotel last time, but it was certainly pricey.

So sorry to hear about the struggles with Michayla and hope the insurance approves the outside therapy.

What a bummer that WDW might not work out, but WOW on the $81 per person tickets to get you to DLR!!! I hope the IRS doesn’t keep dragging their feet on that check!

Although that 2014 WDW trip as just a couple could be a nice change of pace for you and Mike. Roxy and I did that for my 42nd birthday last year and it was a wonderful trip. Not having to worry about kids or other family and just setting your own pace and direction for fun is so very nice if you can swing it.

Good luck with whatever happens with this - sending lots of P&PD your way!

 

[lovethattink]

Whichever you decide, land or world, it's still Disney and that's a win-win!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hey Laurie, sorry about the Photobucket weirdness – I hate it when sites “upgrade” a product into uselessness

Sherry had some interesting points on DLR at Halloween. We went in mid-October in 2009 and I did notice it was kind of hard to find the villains I was expecting to see during the day. They had them out at the M&G spot near IASW but the times were pretty limited. And although I really enjoyed the Mickey’s Trick or Treat Party I was expecting more out of it than I got – especially with the parade.

For clarity I’d still do it again just for the near “walk on” for rides like Soarin’ and Cali Screamin’ and interact with all of the baddies, especially the pirates! That and seeing all of the great costumes people come up with. Overall so very worth going during Halloween for the decorations, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, and of course the NBC theme of the Haunted Mansion.

I do agree about the need for a “value resort” option down there. We really enjoyed staying at the Disneyland Hotel last time, but it was certainly pricey.

So sorry to hear about the struggles with Michayla and hope the insurance approves the outside therapy.

What a bummer that WDW might not work out, but WOW on the $81 per person tickets to get you to DLR!!! I hope the IRS doesn’t keep dragging their feet on that check!

Although that 2014 WDW trip as just a couple could be a nice change of pace for you and Mike. Roxy and I did that for my 42nd birthday last year and it was a wonderful trip. Not having to worry about kids or other family and just setting your own pace and direction for fun is so very nice if you can swing it.

Good luck with whatever happens with this - sending lots of P&PD your way!

I'd like to check out the parks at Halloween time, but Christmas is by far my favorite time of year to go. I think going for Halloween would work better if we didn't have the twins. I'm not sure how they would handle the villians. I know Addy & Anthony would love seeing them and the trick or treating at DL.

We had set up this WDW trip last December, even before Derek got accepted into the College Program down in Florida. We really wanted to go, thinking this might be the only chance we had at it. Once Derek went to work at WDW, we knew we needed to go.....we figured he wouldn't be coming home. (but he's since figured out he's not a fan of Florida) Now knowing there's not chance he'll stay down there......we don't feel we HAVE to go. I'd like to take the family, since we've never been there......but with that unfamiliarity, we also run into problems when it comes to the twins needs. So doing a couples only trip for our anniversary in a year & a half seems like a good option.

I'm curious to see how the twins will do on a short flight and at DL this year. If they do well and can handle the over stimulation, not sleeping at home and flying......we may be able to try a bigger trip like to WDW.

Whichever you decide, land or world, it's still Disney and that's a win-win!!

I agree!! We love our little park out west and feel comfortable being there. I just want our money to show up so we can make our decision and move forward. (I'm pretty sure at this point we're going to California)

I'm just so ready for a little Disney happiness.....this year has been so hard!!!

 

[smile4stamps]

I'd like to check out the parks at Halloween time, but Christmas is by far my favorite time of year to go. I think going for Halloween would work better if we didn't have the twins. I'm not sure how they would handle the villians. I know Addy & Anthony would love seeing them and the trick or treating at DL.

We had set up this WDW trip last December, even before Derek got accepted into the College Program down in Florida. We really wanted to go, thinking this might be the only chance we had at it. Once Derek went to work at WDW, we knew we needed to go.....we figured he wouldn't be coming home. (but he's since figured out he's not a fan of Florida) Now knowing there's not chance he'll stay down there......we don't feel we HAVE to go. I'd like to take the family, since we've never been there......but with that unfamiliarity, we also run into problems when it comes to the twins needs. So doing a couples only trip for our anniversary in a year & a half seems like a good option.

I'm curious to see how the twins will do on a short flight and at DL this year. If they do well and can handle the over stimulation, not sleeping at home and flying......we may be able to try a bigger trip like to WDW.



I agree!! We love our little park out west and feel comfortable being there. I just want our money to show up so we can make our decision and move forward. (I'm pretty sure at this point we're going to California)

I'm just so ready for a little Disney happiness.....this year has been so hard!!!

I love your OR tickers!! I'm sorry the IRS has made this so difficult and yes you should have a trip this year!! Also a couples only trip to WDW sounds good!! That way you and Mike can enjoy all the nice restaurants (you see how my mind goes right to the food?!?!)

 

[DizNee Luver]

I love your OR tickers!! I'm sorry the IRS has made this so difficult and yes you should have a trip this year!! Also a couples only trip to WDW sounds good!! That way you and Mike can enjoy all the nice restaurants (you see how my mind goes right to the food?!?!)

It's been ridiculous.......I thought last year's 26 wks was bad......we're way past that now.......

That was the thing Mike was looking forward to the most, was walking & eating his way around Epcot.......so he would have gone right to the thought of food too!! I like the idea of a couples only trip......I just feel guilty when I don't include the family......but we could use a break!

 

[mnmrmustard]

I'd like to check out the parks at Halloween time, but Christmas is by far my favorite time of year to go. I think going for Halloween would work better if we didn't have the twins. I'm not sure how they would handle the villians. I know Addy & Anthony would love seeing them and the trick or treating at DL.

We had set up this WDW trip last December, even before Derek got accepted into the College Program down in Florida. We really wanted to go, thinking this might be the only chance we had at it. Once Derek went to work at WDW, we knew we needed to go.....we figured he wouldn't be coming home. (but he's since figured out he's not a fan of Florida) Now knowing there's not chance he'll stay down there......we don't feel we HAVE to go. I'd like to take the family, since we've never been there......but with that unfamiliarity, we also run into problems when it comes to the twins needs. So doing a couples only trip for our anniversary in a year & a half seems like a good option.

I'm curious to see how the twins will do on a short flight and at DL this year. If they do well and can handle the over stimulation, not sleeping at home and flying......we may be able to try a bigger trip like to WDW.

Yes, the villains would probably be a bit much for the twins. Christmastime is just a happier experience without and scary surprises. And now you know that Derek won’t make FL his home it takes pressure off for visiting WDW while he is in the program. A co-worker of mine’s daughter is in the program as a Photopass photographer at DHS and they are always so busy that it would make it hard for him to spend quality time with you anyways.

Yay for the concept of the couple’s trip, I hope you can work towards that and have a nice break from the daily family ups and downs.

How long is the flight down to LAX from Portland? Hopefully they will handle it okay along with the parks themselves. I can tell you that the flights back east aren’t easy since most of them involve at least one stopover, usually SLC or SFO. SLC is nicer since it gets you closer to Orlando instead of SFO. Still, the long leg to MCO can take a good 5 ½ to 6hrs. It is a long time to be stuck in a seat.

 

[Sherry E]

Laurie -

Even though you did the brief holiday trip to DLR last year, and even though you've never been able to experience Halloween Time, I'm definitely glad that it sounds like you'll be making another holiday visit to DLR before doing a Halloween Time trip.

If you had told me back in 2007-2008-2009 that you were planning a trip to specifically enjoy the Halloween festivities, I would have said go for it! Right now - until DLR adds some things back in to the Halloween mix - it's slim pickins! I think you'll get more bang for your buck with another holiday trip.

Hopefully by next year or by 2014, Halloween Time will be better.

One person just posted on the DLR forum that Halloween at DLR "is a bust" because he was expecting something more on par with the holiday season, and instead he said he can barely even tell what season it is at DLR right now, with the exception of some orange bunting on Main Street and the Carnival/Ranch area back in Frontierland.

Another person in my Halloween Superthread said that she won't go back - the actual party wasn't worth it for her and what few decorations she saw didn't leave enough of an impression.

I've read other reviews along these lines too - not to mention the fact that all of the Halloween parties (even the ones that were not on Friday nights) have been extra, extra crowded, by most accounts. There are only 3 party nights left (maybe now only 2 party nights) that are not sold out - and that is unheard of at this point in October. I think it's partially because of the Villains being made more exclusive to the party.

People don't like the crazy "you can only meet one Villain at a time in the tent" thing in the daytime either.

Whereas, with the holiday season, it's already pretty detailed and extensive, as you know, and this year should be even more so with the Cars Land & BVS decorations. Plus, you never got to see the gingerbread house in Storytellers Cafe or the fun window displays along Main Street last year! I can't even recall if you saw the teeny decorations on the Storybook Land ride - did you?

 

[DizNee Luver]

Yes, the villains would probably be a bit much for the twins. Christmastime is just a happier experience without and scary surprises. And now you know that Derek won’t make FL his home it takes pressure off for visiting WDW while he is in the program. A co-worker of mine’s daughter is in the program as a Photopass photographer at DHS and they are always so busy that it would make it hard for him to spend quality time with you anyways.

Yay for the concept of the couple’s trip, I hope you can work towards that and have a nice break from the daily family ups and downs.

How long is the flight down to LAX from Portland? Hopefully they will handle it okay along with the parks themselves. I can tell you that the flights back east aren’t easy since most of them involve at least one stopover, usually SLC or SFO. SLC is nicer since it gets you closer to Orlando instead of SFO. Still, the long leg to MCO can take a good 5 ½ to 6hrs. It is a long time to be stuck in a seat.

We fly Portland to John Wayne/Orange County......a nice, close and smaller airport. I no way would fly into LAX.....I'd be freaked out by the size of it!!! The flight is about 2 hrs 15 mins. Not to bad really.......so I think it would be much better to try them out on that length vs the 5-6hr at one time (and plane changes) flights..... The other nice thing about flying into Orange County is it's about a 20 min taxi ride to Disneyland!!

Laurie -

Even though you did the brief holiday trip to DLR last year, and even though you've never been able to experience Halloween Time, I'm definitely glad that it sounds like you'll be making another holiday visit to DLR before doing a Halloween Time trip.

If you had told me back in 2007-2008-2009 that you were planning a trip to specifically enjoy the Halloween festivities, I would have said go for it! Right now - until DLR adds some things back in to the Halloween mix - it's slim pickins! I think you'll get more bang for your buck with another holiday trip.

Hopefully by next year or by 2014, Halloween Time will be better.

One person just posted on the DLR forum that Halloween at DLR "is a bust" because he was expecting something more on par with the holiday season, and instead he said he can barely even tell what season it is at DLR right now, with the exception of some orange bunting on Main Street and the Carnival/Ranch area back in Frontierland.

Another person in my Halloween Superthread said that she won't go back - the actual party wasn't worth it for her and what few decorations she saw didn't leave enough of an impression.

I've read other reviews along these lines too - not to mention the fact that all of the Halloween parties (even the ones that were not on Friday nights) have been extra, extra crowded, by most accounts. There are only 3 party nights left (maybe now only 2 party nights) that are not sold out - and that is unheard of at this point in October. I think it's partially because of the Villains being made more exclusive to the party.

People don't like the crazy "you can only meet one Villain at a time in the tent" thing in the daytime either.

Whereas, with the holiday season, it's already pretty detailed and extensive, as you know, and this year should be even more so with the Cars Land & BVS decorations. Plus, you never got to see the gingerbread house in Storytellers Cafe or the fun window displays along Main Street last year! I can't even recall if you saw the teeny decorations on the Storybook Land ride - did you?

That's too bad that Halloween time has gone down hill this year! Could you imagine being so excited about going because it's your favorite time of year (like Christmas is to me) and getting there to see a very scaled back version! I read where you wrote that all but 3 parties are sold out!! Holy Cow....that's crazy!!! I'm actually worried about them going to a Christmas party......if they had that this year and our plans being so up in the air....we might miss out on getting tickets. Which would mean we would miss out on a lot of special things.

I did get on the Storybook ride to see the miniatures.....SO CUTE!! I'm actually getting excited at the thought of going back there this year so I can share it with my family!! (and WE have the HMH.....ha ha!)

 

[mnmrmustard]

We fly Portland to John Wayne/Orange County......a nice, close and smaller airport. I no way would fly into LAX.....I'd be freaked out by the size of it!!! The flight is about 2 hrs 15 mins. Not to bad really.......so I think it would be much better to try them out on that length vs the 5-6hr at one time (and plane changes) flights..... The other nice thing about flying into Orange County is it's about a 20 min taxi ride to Disneyland!!

I've heard great things about flying into John Wayne but haven't been able to swing it yet. But I'm used to airports so no biggie there. Very nice that it is such a short taxi ride to DLR.

Hopefully the twins will do well with the flight down there and it will help acclimatize them to the concept of flying