Pinch me, did it REALLY happen????? - All wrapped up, and yes, it DID happen!

[franandaj]

Are you seriously nuts?




Those of you who dont know me and our History must be thinking, she owns DVC, why wouldnt she be going?

Well without belaboring the subject heres the short version

October 2011 10 day trip planned, booked, ADRs set, F&W Deminars and Wine Tasting Dinners booked. 2 days before departure. Canceled. Pixie dust ensues and points were magically placed back in the account.

December 2011 Trip rebooked at a different resort for Christmastime instead of F&W. ADRs made, airline reservations rescheduled. One month before departure. Canceled. Paid $$$s for frequent flyer miles to be put back in account.

May 2012 New 8 day trip scheduled with a friend. ADRs set, DME scheduled, One day prior to departure. Canceled. Points in holding.

October 2012 Reschedule of previous years trip, including US/IOA, VWL & BCV. ADRs set, but didnt bother booking any deminars as the prospect of this trip looked even more unlikely. One month out. Canceled. Points did not go into holding!

Why all the cancellations you ask? Well evidently this problem can be traced back five years or longer. The long and short is that Fran has vasculitis in her left leg. This condition caused Venous ulcers to form inside her leg and burst open. We didnt realize what was going on in 2011 and it wasnt until March 2012 that she began treatment at the Wound Clinic. Normally these things have about a 16 week recovery period, give or take. She has had two debridement surgeries in the last year, and the wounds are almost all healed. One giant step was made when I overcame my squeamishness last summer and started to change the dressing on her wounds. With me playing nurse we could at least travel for 2 weeks or less as long as I did the dressing changes daily. She feels really bad about all these cancellations, but really what kind of a spouse would I be making her travel when she is in such pain and feels so horrible?

So here we are less than two weeks away. Normally by this point, I am obsessively planning my day to day stuff, suitcases are almost packed, notebook is prepared with printed confirmations. However Im finding it hard to believe that this trip is actually going to happen and therefore hard to get motivated to get ready. I decided to bail on my PTR which has been a work in progress for over two years now and dive into a new PTR that will evolve into my TR!

For those of you who have followed me on my journeys in the past youll know that me and my partner Fran are obsessive Disney lovers. Weve been DVC members for over five years now and as much as we love going to WDW, it seems that we end up using our points at DLR more than we get to the East Coast. Our last visit was in May of 2011, but that was more for educational purposes as we attended the D23 event and spent two full days of the 4 ½ day trip in a convention hall listening to seminars. My last real Disney World Vacation was in January of 2010 when we took my parents for their first trip. As you can see, it has been a very looooooong time since I have had a proper relaxing trip to the world and have every intention of making the most of it.

For those who have followed my trips, you know that we take things pretty slowly. No park commandos here. For us its more about soaking in the ambience, sipping some tasty cocktails and most of all, the food! We come back to the room every afternoon for a nap This is the two of us on our last vacation. It was a little over a month ago. We took one of the last Mexican Riviera Cruises on the Disney Wonder. Heres a shot of us from that trip.



Being an obsessive planner, even without the drive and gumption that this trip will really come to fruition, I have some pretty detailed plans. Heres what I have so far.

Day 1 Monday January 28th, 2013
Fly from LAX to MCO
Arrive 4PM, Pick up Rental Mini Van
Check in at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, CL room
Dinner in the Lounge or Jakes American Bar, or the Orchid Lounge or the Sushi Bar.
Dessert on Club Level
I was really hoping that we would have a refrigerator in our room. I might have to pull the refrigerator for medical needs card. Technically insulin is supposed to be kept chilled. Here are the amenities from staying at the Club Level:

300-thread-count, 100% cotton bed linens
32" Flat Panel Television with HD channels
iHome clock radios with iPod docking stations
Lather skin and body care products made from the most unique, natural ingredients
Two dual-line telephones (one cordless) with voicemail system
On Demand in-room movies and video check-out fees apply
Keurig Coffee Makers featuring Emeril's gourmet coffee and assorted teas
Separate bath and vanity area in most guest rooms
100% combed, ringspun cotton terry towels, plus hair dryer and make-up mirror
Iron, ironing board and In-room safe
Refreshment pantry including soft drinks, snacks, candy, nuts, etc. for purchase
In-Room wireless high-speed internet access (charges apply)
Complimentary high speed internet access (HSIA) in public areas.
Smart room technology for automated heating and air conditioning

And Club level amenities
Access to our 2,000 square foot lounge
Additional room amenities: evening turndown service, and cotton signature bathrobes
Free access to health club, The Gymnasium
Personal concierge services to help with all your vacation needs
Complimentary coffee, tea, and soft drinks throughout the day
Continental breakfast served each morning (7:30 am - 10:00 am)
Afternoon snacks (12:00 - 3:00 pm)
Hot & Cold Hors d'oeuvres and Complimentary beer and wine, along with $5 cocktails (4:30 pm - 6:30 pm)
"Sweets Hour" each night (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
Lounge Open daily 7:00am - 9:30pm

Day 2 Tuesday January 29th, 2013
Use our Early entrance to Islands of Adventure to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Breakfast on Club Level
On Our Way
WWoHP Part 1
Part 2
Definitely enjoy a Butterbeer
Shopping
HoneyDuke's
Zonko's
Lunch at Three Broomsticks or not.
Not sure what to do the rest of the afternoon
Dinner is at 7PM at Emerils Tchoup Tchoup.

Day 3 Wednesday January 30th, 2013
Use our Early entrance to Islands of Adventure to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Go to the Titanic Exhibit and shopping.
Check out of the hotel at 11AM and head to Kidani
Check in at Kidani, Make arrangements to use DME for Thursday.
Shopping at Publix
Lunch somewhere
(OK, now youll think Im crazy, but I plan to stuff a frozen Prime Rib in my luggage when we leave home. Bagged up tightly in several layers to avoid spillage, and this is why the fridge is important at Universal. You see when purchasing my on sale Prime Rib this past Christmas I was horrified to find that I still had three from last year, so I decided this was a good use for one of them.)
Roast Prime Rib, Potatoes and Green Beans for dinner while watching the animals.

Day 4 Thursday January 31st, 2013
Visit AK in morning
Safari Part 2, Safari Part 3
Festival of the Lion King
FOTLK Part 2
Snacks and Dinosaurs
Return Rental Car to MCO, take DME back to Kidani
View the Animals from the Balcony
Dinner @ Sanaa 6:45PM

Day 5 Friday February 1st, 2013
Breakfast in the room
Head over to Epcot on Busses
Ride a few rides
See a farm
Heading through World Showcase
Lunch at Le Chefs de France
Return to Kidani for the Culinary Tour
Stroganoff and Green Beans for dinner with leftover Prime Rib
Today I booked the nighttime safari for the two of us!

Day 6 Saturday February 2nd, 2013
This is our day to wing it, maybe hot breakfast in the room
Who knows what else?
Turns out we go to AK
And get lost in things
Hanging at the Resort
Dinner at Fultons 6:30PM

Day 7 Sunday February 3rd, 2013
Switch day for resorts.
Quick breakfast in the room
Check out of Kidani
Head to DHS
Lunch at Sci Fi Dine In Theater 12:55PM
Rides
Check in at BLT
Dinner will be Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches, mashed potatoes & gravy
Wishes from our MK view room

Day 8 Monday February 4th, 2013
This might be another day for a hot breakfast in the room
We will head over to the MK on this day and check out the new Fantasyland including Be Our Guest, Little Mermaid Ride and Storybook Circus.
Maybe slip in a ride, part 2
Try to get in for lunch at Be Our Guest for some soup
Some more around the MK, and a Dole Whip
Afternoon nap in the room
Dinner at Ohana 6:40PM

Day 9 Tuesday February 5th, 2013
Well see what we have left for breakfast in the room
Surprise Trip to DHS
Park of the day is Epcot (after DHS)
Lunch reservations at Via Napoli
Another stop and back to the resort
No other plans
Dinner well be winging it, leftovers, QS, wow! The spontaneity!

Day 10 Wednesday February 6th, 2013
Last day
Breakfast Booked only 1 week out!
Part 2
Grand Floridian Construction and Hidden Mickeys
DTD BalloonWoD Shopping
Absolutely no plans other than Dinner at Narcoosees at 6:10PM

Day 11 Thursday February 7th, 2013
Rope drop at MK
Enchanted Tales with Belle (in the queue)
Enchanted Tales with Belle (the attraction)
Winnie the Pooh Interactive queue
The ride and leaving WDW
Catch DME back to MCO and fly home

Please feel free to come along and join the ride. There will be plenty of food porn and other unique views on our laid back approach to the world! Looking forward to generating some excitement that this trip WILL actually happen!

[PrincessInOz]

Am I first? Dang....I was hoping for LAST.

[lisaviolet]

You will be going! I command it.

Like I have any magical powers. So I'm here. Life is still hard and nuts. But one trip link to find = Lisa has a chance. (AND I'll actually push it on day one!)

Honestly Alison - I wish I had money or power OR BOTH to jump on a plane to experience one of those in suite meals that are way better looking most Disney pictures.

Well that sounds like I'm totally flirting with you -* in suite*.

My apologies to Fran.

Here's to a spectacular trip Alison. You both more than deserve it.

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by franandaj

(OK, now you’ll think I’m crazy, but I plan to stuff a frozen Prime Rib in my luggage when we leave home. Bagged up tightly in several layers to avoid spillage, and this is why the fridge is important at Universal. You see when purchasing my “on sale Prime Rib” this past Christmas I was horrified to find that I still had three from last year, so I decided this was a good use for one of them.)

Oh my goodness, this had me

Apparently Fran isn't the only shopper in your house! What about packing it in an insulated tote bag and then using ice at RPH if you need to? Still, playing the fridge for medical reasons sounds like a very good idea.

I take it you were able to use the points in holding for DLR/GCV?

This is why I've broken down and purchased the trip insurance.

[lisaviolet]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Oh my goodness, this had me
.

It IS hysterical.

[ACDSNY]

Woo hoo it's finally going to happen! I'm still over the Prime Rib.

[rentayenta]

I see nothing abnormal about packing a roast. I also had 20+ bags of groceries and a full carry on full of food.

Wow! When I see it in print, I feel a little proud.

[PrincessInOz]

Originally Posted by franandaj

Holy Cow, Batman!!! That's a lot of meat!


Enjoy. I look forward to seeing the food porn from this trip.

[lisaviolet]

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

Enjoy. I look forward to seeing the food porn from this trip.

Me too!

[dolphingirl47]

Checking in. Your plans sound great. I hope that everything will work out.

Corinna

[nunzia]

Looking forward to it since we all just got our land legs back after the cruise report I really want to see Harry Potter also but since I hate flying Florida is far, far away. Looking forward to Harry opening (someday) at Universal CA. Wish the train went to WDW easier so until I figure out a way to visit I will live through your report. Hope it goes off without a hitch!

[TruBlu]

I'm in! Anybody that travels with a suitcase full of meat has my full attention!

[Leshaface]

I'm here, and you WILL make this trip happen!

[franandaj]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

I'm in!

Nice beef.

Your plans look great. Can't wait to live vicariously.

Thanks! Glad you could make it!

Originally Posted by Hawleys

Hold up...you're CHECKING the roast?!?! What if your luggage gets lost! Why not take it in your carry on in an insulated bag with ice? We bring fresh fish from Seattle to Oakland that way all the time.

Also, a huge hurrah that this trip may finally happen.

And finally, subbing.

I'd have to check it. Although it does add an extra 5-6 lbs to our already overpacked suitcases.

We can't fit it in our carry ons. Between the bag of meds, our computers, my "purse" and all that we barely make it on the plane. That reminds me I will have a question for you all later on purses/Dooney bags and how to pack carry ons....

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Well, you might be at the freezing temp at 30K feet but then again, you could be in an air conditioned cargo hold and there is no way to know. Worst case you are at fridge temp. I'd wrap it with the frozen gel pack kind of ice sheets, stick it in a insulated tote and then in my luggage. And then yeah, you want it to thaw out but ideally not really start till you get it in the fridge at RPH. DVC is great about sticking cold stuff in the fridge right away even if your villa isn't ready, theoretically if it's still mostly frozen when you land, it'll defrost at RPH in the fridge (I'd definitely ask for one as you don't want it to spoil and refreshing the ice would be a total pita) and can go straight to the fridge at the villa.

It is economical, I'm just cracking up. Between Jenny's giant bag of marshmallow fluff and all that, you both put me to shame in the food packing category!

That's a good thing to consider! I will definitely pack it up good in an insulated bag with ice packs that are falling apart so that I can jetison them at the resort.

Originally Posted by rentayenta

I see nothing abnormal about packing a roast. I also had 20+ bags of groceries and a full carry on full of food.

Wow! When I see it in print, I feel a little proud.

You are definitely an overachiever! I couldn't carry on any more than our normal compliment though, it's hard enough to travel with our meds and other stuff, much less a roast!

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

Holy Cow, Batman!!! That's a lot of meat!


Enjoy. I look forward to seeing the food porn from this trip.

Hey that's got to last us all of 2013! That's like one a month plus the last of the 2012 roasts. We ate one already and will eat the other in WDW!

Originally Posted by nunzia

Looking forward to it since we all just got our land legs back after the cruise report I really want to see Harry Potter also but since I hate flying Florida is far, far away. Looking forward to Harry opening (someday) at Universal CA. Wish the train went to WDW easier so until I figure out a way to visit I will live through your report. Hope it goes off without a hitch!

They have been rumoring that there will be a Harry Potter land in CA, wonder what part of the working studio they will demolish for that? Probably doesn't matter now since all the filming has been outsourced to Canada anyways. Fran has talked about driving to WDW, she likes road trips. Hope I can provide you some vicarious living! Yes I do hope that this goes off without a hitch!

Originally Posted by TruBlu

I'm in! Anybody that travels with a suitcase full of meat has my full attention!

I can't believe what a topic of conversation my meat has become! I hope it lives up to it's glory! Glad to have you aboard!

Originally Posted by lisaviolet

Me too!

I know you love the food porn!

Originally Posted by dolphingirl47

Checking in. Your plans sound great. I hope that everything will work out.

Corinna

Thanks! Glad to have you here!

Originally Posted by dgbg100106

A little late But I am here!!!!

Better late than never! We haven't even broken out the germ killer yet!

Originally Posted by Leshaface

I'm here, and you WILL make this trip happen!

Thanks, today it seems even more like it's happening than yesterday. I'm glad I started this Pre Trip report! The moral support is helping. I have a few more ideas to help get me in the spirit. I hope I have the time (in addition to finishing my Destination D trip report!)

[TruBlu]

Originally Posted by franandaj

That's a good thing to consider! I will definitely pack it up good in an insulated bag with ice packs that are falling apart so that I can jetison them at the resort.

I make my own! It keeps me from yelling at my kids when they accidentally throw them away!

You just need rubbing alcohol and water. I double bag it in case it leaks. I think I use 1 part alcohol to 3 parts water... Guess they haven't been throwing them away lately! You just want enough alcohol to keep the water soft after it freezes. They get super cold & work great! :

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