*Believing Is Just The Beginning* Sept PTR NEW 6/11!!!

[Marsheliz]

OMG, I don't know how I skipped over the why but I did.. I am just so sorry and don't even know what to say... Wow... I am sorry that you had to go through all that. I do understand what you mean about life being non-existent in Disney, I totally understand that. With my mom passing in April, it is so nice to have something to look forward too and I cant wait to get back to where reality doesn't exist and just focus on my family. Hugs to you!

 

[Blessedwithboys]

I don't know what to say, I am so sorry, sending tons of hugs your way. That must have been so difficult to go through, you are one strong woman.

Awe well thank you! How sweet are you. My faith got me through the thick of it.
I was not sure if I should share it but it is part of our family story now

 

[Blessedwithboys]

Hey Jaisa!

I am so glad that you decided to do a PTR!! Great Start! As a mom of two young boys myself, I love little families with two boys.. As much as I wanted ( and still do) a girl, I love having two boys.

I am booked at CBR but I would be lying if I told you that I didn't think about switching to a value some days.. I have stayed at POP before but I was only 15 so I vaguely remember it.

OMG, I don't know how I skipped over the why but I did.. I am just so sorry and don't even know what to say... Wow... I am sorry that you had to go through all that. I do understand what you mean about life being non-existent in Disney, I totally understand that. With my mom passing in April, it is so nice to have something to look forward too and I cant wait to get back to where reality doesn't exist and just focus on my family. Hugs to you!

I am so glad you are here!!!

Having two little boys is just special! Especially when you have them kinda close like ours are. They just give off this really awesome energy, right?!

Its that Disney bubble we all talk about! It makes things just a tad easier when you have those Disney rose colored glasses on

 

[SAT887]

Hi Joining in! You have a beautiful family I'm sorry for the hard time you had to go through : / however it's great that you seem to be open, coping and doing well- however !

 

[Blessedwithboys]

Hi Joining in! You have a beautiful family I'm sorry for the hard time you had to go through : / however it's great that you seem to be open, coping and doing well- however !

Welcome!! I am glad you are here
Thank you for the sweet comments. We know that despite all we went through this year we have been blessed as well!

 

[Marsheliz]

I am so glad you are here!!!

Having two little boys is just special! Especially when you have them kinda close like ours are. They just give off this really awesome energy, right?!

Its that Disney bubble we all talk about! It makes things just a tad easier when you have those Disney rose colored glasses on

Oh yeah, totally agree about having two boys is so special.. They love their mamas and I cant wait to have those rose colored glasses on!

 

[monkey30]

Joining in! We will be there the week before you.

Hugs, I understand the whole Magic bubble, and wanting to just be in it!

 

[Blessedwithboys]

Joining in! We will be there the week before you.

Hugs, I understand the whole Magic bubble, and wanting to just be in it!

So glad you are here!!! I am heading over to your PTR as well!

 

[Blessedwithboys]

So finally onto our H! How are we getting there?! I am sure this part, though sometimes the most boring part of most trip reports will be super interesting. We are DRIVING 1010 miles with a 5 year old and a 2 year old is a small SUV!! Sounds super fun right
We were not initially going to drive you see, we tend to start out sensible and the longer we try to pretend we are sane individuals the harder it gets we break and fall into our ridiculous, insensible, nutty ways yet again. Hey what can I say we keep it interesting.
Last trip we flew out of a tiny airport about 45 minutes away. Security lines were non-existent, staff was friendly and prices were cheap. So obviously we wanted to fly out of this airport again. But with the federal budget cuts the airport was to shut down in June, the airline decided to keep it up and running but we thought the safer bet was not to fly out of there in fear of canceled flights, etc. After pricing out Pittsburgh International flights, with parking we were flabbergasted to see the price Pair the price with long security lines, crowded boarding areas and just pure commotion we were not thrilled.
My husband suggested we drive. I was at first against it. All I could think about was 15-17 hours in the car with the kids. DH started pointing out all the pluses. We could take what we want no baggage fees or packing restrictions (this cost me an entire day of repacking last trip) no pricey garden grocer order, ability to drive to the park or an ADR if we felt like it, the ability to leave a day earlier (driving through the night) and get there way earlier than we would with our flight! EXTRA Disney day YES PLEASE! Also if we drove we would have the ability to see friends in Louisville that we have not seen in a year and who just purchased a new home!! I priced it out. Saw 400.00 total for gas (according to the AAA calculator) and I was convinced! I imagine our gas will come in much lower as we have a grocery perks fuel program and all summer I am saving our points to kick the trip off with hopefully a free tank of gas.
I am sure the kids will handle the drive well... right?.... I mean look at these precious faces........


So on to my other note of PTR business.... the 500 bucks are we nuts.... yep we are thinking about costing ourselves another 500.00. EEP!
I must justify our thought process first right??
So our resort. We should have never stayed at AOA for our first trip. I am not good with change. When I like something I like it. I don't want a different brand, or color etc. We are booked at Pop this time with FD, its a great deal. In theory has what we want fun atmosphere, one bus stop, decent price. But really I am just not over the moon about it. I have been trying to pshyce myself up with photos and reviews( the reviews have been a tad deterring in some ways) and all I can think of it how can we get in a suite at AOA. None of the mods really appeal to me. It just isn't 'us' and really our heart lies across the bridge. So last night my DH got a call to do a transport run for his work. Basically 15 hours of pure overtime. He took it, looked at me and said "Book a LM room at AOA I just made you 500.00" Its not a suite but at least we will be at AOA!!! Our Pop ressie was about 500.00 cheaper than a LM standard at AOA and that 500.00 was holding me back. I was thrilled. I was jumping up and down AOA just has 'it' for us. We love it there. The zero entry pool with the spray pad is fantastic. The themeing is amazing, the buses were fantastic. We love the grounds. It is just home for us for now. Maybe another trip we will try something new! I am making it a point to explore Pop this trip to see if we feel it there!!!

So I totally realize this post has convinced you all that we are totally unreasonable people!​

 

[SAT887]

I wish we could drive! We are about 24-26 hrs away (in NH) we are driving to NC this week which is about 14-15 hrs


Yay for the LM room!! We always end up splurging on vacation. It's vacation after all

 

[Blessedwithboys]

I wish we could drive! We are about 24-26 hrs away (in NH) we are driving to NC this week which is about 14-15 hrs


Yay for the LM room!! We always end up splurging on vacation. It's vacation after all

I guess I should be thankful we have the option to drive! You are right 24-26 hours would not be doable. Have a fun time in NC!!!!!
I am super excited to be back at AOA! It is a splurge but not a ridiculous one and still within our original budget! I can't wait to try them out I think my 2 year old will flip when we shower him the Nemo pool he is a Nemo fan big time!!!

 

[SAT887]

I guess I should be thankful we have the option to drive! You are right 24-26 hours would not be doable. Have a fun time in NC!!!!!
I am super excited to be back at AOA! It is a splurge but not a ridiculous one and still within our original budget! I can't wait to try them out I think my 2 year old will flip when we shower him the Nemo pool he is a Nemo fan big time!!!

I want to go purely for the Nemo pool!! I heard you can hear them underwater . Well on my journey if I find anything that helps with our ride I will let you know! (My kiddos are 4 & 2)

 

[Marsheliz]

that picture of the boys is too adorable!! Handsome!!

Can you book a LM room with free dining? I didn't know you could or that is where we would be!!! Give me some insight bc now I want to switch!

 

[Blessedwithboys]

that picture of the boys is too adorable!! Handsome!!

Can you book a LM room with free dining? I didn't know you could or that is where we would be!!! Give me some insight bc now I want to switch!

No Marcie you can't... that's why it is kind of a dumb choice. But since we were staying at Pop we were paying to upgrade dining as it was and the difference was 507.00 between going to AOA LM with ddp and getting FD at Pop. Maybe not the best way of spending 500.00 bucks but we really want to be at AOA!!! Price it out and see how much it would be! I am a terrible influence! For most people it probably makes no sense but for us it is where we love!

 

[Marsheliz]

No Marcie you can't... that's why it is kind of a dumb choice. But since we were staying at Pop we were paying to upgrade dining as it was and the difference was 507.00 between going to AOA LM with ddp and getting FD at Pop. Maybe not the best way of spending 500.00 bucks but we really want to be at AOA!!! Price it out and see how much it would be! I am a terrible influence! For most people it probably makes no sense but for us it is where we love!

Oh okay... Did you try POR or POFQ? I can attest that POFQ is wonderful.... I hate for you to have to pay more to stay somewhere and then still have to pay for food... but, I understand you wanting to stay where you know you love. As you know, we are staying at CBR and though I am getting more excited, don't know why but I just wasn't thrilled about my choice at first.

 

[Blessedwithboys]

Oh okay... Did you try POR or POFQ? I can attest that POFQ is wonderful.... I hate for you to have to pay more to stay somewhere and then still have to pay for food... but, I understand you wanting to stay where you know you love. As you know, we are staying at CBR and though I am getting more excited, don't know why but I just wasn't thrilled about my choice at first.

I tried to book POR preferred to be in AB because it appealed to us! But there were none avaliable for dates. POFQ looks so nice if it were just hubby and I we would def. consider it.

I am so glad you are getting excited about CBR! You all are going to have a fantastic time! If we did CBR we would do pirate room and it is the same price for pirate room with FD as it would be for LM paying for dining! OH BOY!! I am confusing myself

 

[Marsheliz]

I tried to book POR preferred to be in AB because it appealed to us! But there were none avaliable for dates. POFQ looks so nice if it were just hubby and I we would def. consider it.

I am so glad you are getting excited about CBR! You all are going to have a fantastic time! If we did CBR we would do pirate room and it is the same price for pirate room with FD as it would be for LM paying for dining! OH BOY!! I am confusing myself

LOL, Well let me know what you decide. To me, Free dining is the way to go but to each their own.. I priced out what we would probably spend on food and snacks and with table services it's roughly 100.00- give or take each for four table services, ( maybe 400.00) 120.00 roughly for counter services and then drinks and snacks... YIKES... Big expense!

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

haha no, you are not crazy or nutty! My Nan always had a saying to my mom, she always told her she was a creature of habit, and you feel comfy at AOA. I am happy that you switched because deep down inside I know that is what you wanted. You will have a great time, and the splash pad and pool sounds good for the kiddos, especially at their age, they will appreciate and enjoy it.

About the drive...oy, we have done it..I think this will be the 3rd time from Jersey and in all honesty it isn't bad. Just get them tons to do for the drive. Go to dollar tree, dollar spot at target, looks for clearance toys and books, and give them your findings when they start to get a little bored. A little tip I will give is to buy colored pencils NOT crayons. One melted on the seat of my car and has been there for 3 years now well at least everytime I look at it I remember our trip right? The drive there is fun, its the drive back that stinks because you are no longer excited and you never want to go home after Disney right?

 

[Blessedwithboys]

haha no, you are not crazy or nutty! My Nan always had a saying to my mom, she always told her she was a creature of habit, and you feel comfy at AOA. I am happy that you switched because deep down inside I know that is what you wanted. You will have a great time, and the splash pad and pool sounds good for the kiddos, especially at their age, they will appreciate and enjoy it.

About the drive...oy, we have done it..I think this will be the 3rd time from Jersey and in all honesty it isn't bad. Just get them tons to do for the drive. Go to dollar tree, dollar spot at target, looks for clearance toys and books, and give them your findings when they start to get a little bored. A little tip I will give is to buy colored pencils NOT crayons. One melted on the seat of my car and has been there for 3 years now well at least everytime I look at it I remember our trip right? The drive there is fun, its the drive back that stinks because you are no longer excited and you never want to go home after Disney right?

We are really happy about the switch!! We were really feeling that bit of uneasiness staying elsewhere!

Thanks about the no crayon tip!!! I think we are probably about the same length of time away as you we live in western PA! Think Pittsburgh area Go Stillers!!
Do you all do the drive straight through? My hubs is dead set on driving through the night straight through! I know he can do it. Its me and the children I am worried about!

 

[Blessedwithboys]

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