Well imagine my surprise!June 2009 PTRw/pics 7/7 pg. 76 NEW TR started link on pg. 76

[dddisrunner]

We are back! Hello! For those of you just joining us for the first time, this will be our 3rd pre-trip/trip report! I LOVE writing them and enjoy sharing our trips with all of you! We are a nutty bunch and I put ALL the details in these reports, the good, the bad and yes ladies and gentlemen THE UGLY! Our trip is far off and I tried to wait but I couldn't, I just couldn't! Our trip will be from June 21-July 5, 2009! Yes 2 WHOLE WEEKS!! Here is our crew........







First is me Diane, I was a stay at home mom, but that party ended! I now work for our public school district as a permanent substitute. I was hoping for a regular position but the district only hired 1 new teacher for this year and ....it wasn't me. I am a loving wife(well mostly) to my husband of 10 years Bryan and mom to our wonderful boys Matthew and Eric! I am the Disney planner extrordinaire and live for all things Disney.




Bryan, my DH hardworking Father and husband. Has been known to be heard saying "We are not coming back for a few years" when leaving Disney after our trips! As I will explain in a minute, he has become an even bigger sucker for the mouse than me! Last but not least Bryan is a MAJOR New York Giants fan! He even tried to get Mickey to wear his hat!




Next up son #1 is Matthew 8 years old and in the 3rd grade! LOVES Disney World! Rock and Rollercoaster and Expedition Everest are his favorites! Matthew is a foodie too! He loves planning where we will eat and claims he wants to be a chef in Epcot when he grows up! Matthew loves to learn about anything. He watches the Discovery channel and the History channel with his dad whenever he gets the chance. He is sensitive and sweet and would give you his last cookie!




Son# 2 Eric will be 7 this weekend. He is in 1st grade and the POLAR opposite of his brother! A Star Wars fanatic and thrill ride junkie! Lists Tower of Terror and Expedition Everest as his favorites. Eric is not afraid to say EXACTLY what is on his mind! A sweet boy at heart with a boxers exterior! Eric loves the New York Mets, especially David Wright, he also loves to read and make pictures for the Disney characters! He is my baby and he is growing up WAY to fast!




There is our crew for this journey! So now to the background information! This will be our 3rd trip onsite. Our first was in 2007 and we stayed at Pop Century and we loved it, we searched very unsuccessfully for the dream team, which was well documented in my TR! Our second trip was last year and we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge! Boy were we impressed! The lodge was gorgeous! We had a VERY magical trip filled with MANY dreams!

We were family of the day at the Magic Kingdom, where we got to take this AMAZING picture!



We won Dream Fastpasses TWICE in the same day!



We also won dream laynards in between our 2 dream fastpass wins!

It was an amazing trip!







After our amazing trip Bryan turns to me and says "I am serious this time, but it will be at least 5 years until we come back". I was upset but didn't say anything. Fast forward 2 months. I am reading the DIS as I always do and see that there is an amazing DVC buy in opportunity! I simply say "Guess what Bry?" "There is some great incentives to buy into DVC right now!" I expected no response, but he says "really, what" I then begin to foam at the mouth and talk at 95MPH hoping that the faster I speak the more interested he will be! Well, he does some research about it and then tells me to CONTACT the guide! OMG did he really just say that? Well after some questions and crucnching numbers we decided to

GO FOR IT!! We are so excited! We purchased at AKV! So much for 5 years! You can guarantee that Bryan and I laugh about that quite often! Part of our incentive was "bonus points" we will be using them to stay at Saratoga Springs for the first 10 nights and then we will move over to the AKLV for the last 4!

So Diser's I need your help! We have ADR's to plan....

Will we go deluxe or choose the regular dining plan! We have 2 whole weeks to plan so subscribe and lets have some fun!







PTR INDEX

pg. 1 post 1 &2 Introduction
pg. 1 post 13 What "we" are celebrating
pg. 2 post 26 Eric's Birthday/ SSR requests
pg. 4 post 49 Questions/postcards
pg. 5 post 61 Dining Bummer
pg. 5 post 67 Disney Day
pg. 6 post 87 SSR ressie part 2
pg. 7 post 102 Updated Dining
pg. 9 post 121 Black Friday Deals
pg. 10 post 140 Christmas gift preview
pg. 11 post 152 Craziness/Disney, Disney everywhere
pg. 11 post 161 & 162 Bryans Surprise and NEW TRIP ADDED
pg. 12 post 172 ADR widow changes
pg. 13 post 181 X-Mas/Disney Books HUGE RESORT NEWS
pg. 14 post 205 SWW changes/ Poor Eric
pg. 15 post 217 Refurbs, refurbs, refurbs
pg. 16 post 233 Airline charges rant
pg 17 post 242 FINAL DINING PLANS
pg. 17 post 254 IRONY
pg. 18 post 260 Decisions and advise needed
pg. 18 post 270 Interesting possible
pg. 19 post 285 Craziness
pg. 21 post 303 Watching and waiting..............
pg. 21 post 309 Fun stuff
pg. 22 posts 319 & 320 Disney on Ice
pg. 23 post 331 Always wanted to do this...
pg. 23 post 338 It figures!
pg. 24 post 351 little teasers
pg. 24 post 358 Big update!
pg. 26 post 376 holiday weekend and making adr's
pg. 27 post 391 BIG NEWS....airfare & additional day!
pg. 27 post 407 Additional day accomodations
pg. 28 post 417 HELP! Itinerary issues! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=28
pg. 29 post 424 New schedule w/ DHS worked in! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=29
pg. 29 posts 432 & 433 Snow day and checking things off the list! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=29
pg. 31 post 454 planning update! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=31
pg. 32 post 470 little bits and pieces of planning! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=32
pg. 33 post 489 exciting news and trip purchases! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=33
pg. 34 post 507 countdown is on! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=34
pg. 35 post 519 big day tomorrow! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=35
pg. 36 post 529 ADR'S made! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=36
pg. 37 post 549 changes and help needed! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=37
pg. 39 post 576 birthdays and dining complete! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=39
pg. 40 post 595 mini update! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=40
pg. 41 post 613 flight change and spring break! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=41
pg. 42 a special Easter blessing!http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=42
pg. 44 Let the countdown begin!http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=44
pg. 45 NYC mini TR started! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=45
pg. 45 & 46 NYC mini TR finished! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=46
pg. 47 Exciting changes! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post31437744
pg. 48 Finally something for boys!!
pg. 49 Questions for the experts and FUN plans! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post31533680
pg. 50 DHS plans! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post31588628
pg. 51 Update, NO MNSSHP! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=51
pg. 51 Update, MK plans! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post31664912
pg. 53 Struggles and good news! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....0#post31748420
pg. 54 Counting down! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post31776695
pg. 54 PLEASE HELP! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....0#post31810850
pg. 55 Decisions, Decisions! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post31859331
pg. 56 1 MONTH! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....6#post31911296
pg. 57 1 month celebration! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post31921839
pg. 58 AK plans and getting closer! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....0#post31962450
pg. 60 3 Weeks and recent activity! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post32041557
pg. 60 part 1 Mary Poppins! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....6#post32082316
pg. 61 NYC Mary Poppins, part 2! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post32098156
pg. 62 Budget and packing lists! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....6#post32148366
pg. 63 Epcot plans and packing! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post32174472
pg. 65 Single digits baby! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post32237044
pg. 67 6 days baby! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....995087&page=67
pg. 68 Let the packing begin, 5 days! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post32276572
pg. 69 4 days left!! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post32292399
pg. 69 3 DAYS!!! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post32307416
pg. 70 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, 2 DAYS!! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post32324150
pg. 71 We leave TOMORROW!! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post32340752
pg. 72 LIVE from the airport! http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post32359275

[dddisrunner]

We can't formally make our reservations for SSR yet because we have to wait until 7 months out, which will be November 21! We can't make our ADR'S until December 23rd! Yes the day before Christmas Eve! I am so excited to be sharing all this planning with all of you!! Coming up next..........

Will we get our SSR ressie?
Our current list of restaurants
Possible itinerary
and the list goes on and on!!!

[kaysmommie]

Hi Diane
I'm here I found your link! Congrats gain on the DVC. Bryan really said 5 years? My said 2010 for the next trip. I won't even worry about it since I booked a bounceback just in case for next year . So waht are your AKV plans. Are you getting a 1 bedroom or a studio? I loved the AKV when I saw it on the tour. Also liked the BLT alot too. But for the 160 extra points would definately buy inot AKV if we do.

[addicted2dizney]

Hi Diane,
So glad you are starting a new PTR! Hope you and your family are doing well!
Dana

[IluvXU]

Another trip report from a great writer and fun family. Cannot wait to experience the DVC through you. Sorry about the teaching job, but it sounds like you work everyday. Maybe next year!

[swwake]

I'm here!!!!!!!!! YIPPEEEEEE

[dddisrunner]

Originally Posted by kaysmommie

Hi Diane
I'm here I found your link! Congrats gain on the DVC. Bryan really said 5 years? My said 2010 for the next trip. I won't even worry about it since I booked a bounceback just in case for next year . So waht are your AKV plans. Are you getting a 1 bedroom or a studio? I loved the AKV when I saw it on the tour. Also liked the BLT alot too. But for the 160 extra points would definately buy inot AKV if we do.

Thanks for signing on Nichole! I will post the details about the AKLV part soon but we will be in a studio!

Originally Posted by addicted2dizney

Hi Diane,
So glad you are starting a new PTR! Hope you and your family are doing well!
Dana

Thanks Dana, glad to have you here! We are all doing really well!

Originally Posted by IluvXU

Another trip report from a great writer and fun family. Cannot wait to experience the DVC through you. Sorry about the teaching job, but it sounds like you work everyday. Maybe next year!

Hi Laura! thanks for signing on! How is baby Luke? How have the girls adjusted to life with a baby brother? Are you back at work? I was bummed about the job at first but I am working everyday and things look good for next year!

Originally Posted by swwake

I'm here!!!!!!!!! YIPPEEEEEE

Hi Susan! Thanks for your enthusiasm! Hope all is well with you guys!

[disneyhockeymad]

Hey followed your link from you (last) TR! If this is going to be anything like that one, which I'm very sure it will be, then I am definately on board!!
Can't wait to hear more!

[dddisrunner]

Originally Posted by disneyhockeymad

Hey followed your link from you (last) TR! If this is going to be anything like that one, which I'm very sure it will be, then I am definately on board!!
Can't wait to hear more!

Aww! Thanks for your sweet comments and I am glad that you are here!

[tmkinney]

Signing on................

[IluvXU]

Originally Posted by dddisrunner

Hi Laura! thanks for signing on! How is baby Luke? How have the girls adjusted to life with a baby brother? Are you back at work? I was bummed about the job at first but I am working everyday and things look good for next year!

I will be excited to hear about your plans.... and trip!

Luke is great. He had his two month appointment today...13 pounds! The girls have adjusted and we just take him on our adventures. Luckily he runs around with us well! I am off until the Monday after Thanksgiving, so another month. I hope he is sleeping a little longer by then.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you next year in the job department. I would think subbing everyday you know the kids well and get ideas from being in so many rooms.

[dddisrunner]

Originally Posted by tmkinney

Signing on................

Thanks for joining us! I am loving your report!

Originally Posted by IluvXU

I will be excited to hear about your plans.... and trip!

Luke is great. He had his two month appointment today...13 pounds! The girls have adjusted and we just take him on our adventures. Luckily he runs around with us well! I am off until the Monday after Thanksgiving, so another month. I hope he is sleeping a little longer by then.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you next year in the job department. I would think subbing everyday you know the kids well and get ideas from being in so many rooms.

I am so glad to hear everything is going well! 13 pounds that's great! I hope he sleeps better for you when you go back to work too!

[dddisrunner]

So once our purchase became official we were able to book our "home" resort which is the Animal Kingdom Villas! Kidani Village which is the new AKV is suppossed to be ready by May 1, 2009. When we intially called to make our ressie, we were so excited to book a savannah view! We had decided early on that we would book a studio to save some points for 2010. After a few weeks, I had been reading some posts concerning whether or not Kidani would be fully operational and would the pool area be completed (which looks amazing) So after all that Bryan and I discussed whether or not we should just move over to Jambo House(which is the AKL) so we decided that it would be best to do that. We booked a savannah view studio at the AKL. A few weeks past by and I started thinking again (gotta stop thinking) Do we really need a savannah view for just 4 nights? I was thinking that a standard view would be just as good and would save us 16 points, which is HUGE! The great thing about a standard view is that it is a guaranteed pool view but could be a partial savannah view! Once I found that out we decided to switch! So we are booked for 4 nights in a standard view studio at the AKL Villas!

Are you still with me?

The first part of our trip will be spent going to the parks and some down time. When we switch over to AKL we decided that we won't do any parks and just relax and enjoy the resort! That is the great thing about DVC, we know we can come back each year so the commando park touring can relax a bit!

We will be celebrating...Father's Day, Our 11th Anniversary and Bryan's birthday while we are there! The kids have requested to go back to Simba's Cub House too. We can DEFINITELY honor that request!

Coming up soon..........our Dining plan dilemma!!!!!!!!

[addicted2dizney]

sounds like fun! My friend who has the DVC is always "Playing" with her points! Lucky you! you have another way to "play with Disney" and figure out your vacations, to me that's half the fun!

[Trentmom]

Hi Diane

SO excited you started another pre trip, will be here for the journey