1st Trip (of many!) as Mr. & Mrs.--the TR-- UPDATE 2/4: Epcot WS on Speed! 5 posts!! - The DIS Discussion Forums

stacikristine · 09-29-2009, 10:47 AM

We’re Back! And we had the time of our lives!

Hi everyone, I’m Staci. For those of you who read my PTR, you already know that. For those of you who didn’t follow along, Welcome! Here’s the link in case you’d like to go read the prequel to our trip story: Click Here for PTR.

As you can see from the title, this was my husband’s and my first trip to the World as Mr. and Mrs. We were married last December, and just took a small honeymoon since we got married only a few days before Christmas and wanted to be back home for our first Christmas together. We knew we’d be taking a small honeymoon, so we decided last October to start planning a trip to Disney World for this September.

This leads me into a little background on the Cast:

Staci, 22—that’s the Mrs. (me)! As many of you know, I’m a graphic designer for a legal services company. I also do freelance design. I’m an obsessive planner. I just love fitting all of the details together like a puzzle. Insane? Maybe.

I think this is one of the reasons I love Disney World so much. There is just SO MUCH to plan! And let me tell you, I had it planned down to the last pair of socks in our suitcases!

I also just love all of the details at Disney World and how everything works together to provide such great opportunities for amazing vacations. When I’m not psychopathically planning, I love helping my hubby with the youth kids at church, reading, watching The Office & 24, and spending time with family. This was my fourth trip to the World. I don’t remember my first trip at all—I was two. My second trip wasn’t until I was 15. I went with my family and my uncle and his family. We stayed at Fort Wilderness and even though it poured every day, we loved it! I went again in October 2006. It was the girls and Pawpaw trip. I went with my mom, sis, grandparents, aunt, cousin, and her two girls. We stayed at POP Century and had a blast! Let’s just say I was excited beyond all measure for our trip to finally start!

Michael, 22—that’s the Mr.! Michael works as a youth and music minister for our church. Even though it can be very challenging at times, he loves his job and we both love hanging out with the kids. He loves playing the guitar (and I love listening to him play) and is very talented at making highlight videos. While I’m more of the obsessive event planner, Michael is more of the obsessive orderer. For example, all of our vacation video is already labeled with the day, place, what, and clip number. Together, we make quite the vacationing pair.

But we have TONS of fun at it! I mean, who doesn’t have fun once they admit they’re a nerd?!

When he’s not putting his iTunes in order, Michael also loves watching The Office & 24 (he got me hooked on both), reading (though he doesn’t like to admit it) and interpretive dancing in the car. We laugh a lot! Michael had only been to Disney World once before. He was 9 and stayed in the Contemporary. While he was excited about our trip, he didn’t really get the hype like I did. He was more excited to be away from work and the world for a week than go to Disney World. I think it’s safe to say that is NOT how he feels anymore! He’s already talking about our next trip!

Here’s a pic of what we’re really like:

And this is us being a little more civilized:

When we started planning our trip, we planned to stay at POP Century. I really enjoyed it last time, and we knew it’d be in our price range. However, I bought The Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide online and found out about all kinds of new savings, including renting points from DVC owners. In fact, that’s what brought me to the DISboards in the first place! I ended up renting points and staying at a Deluxe Villa for less than what it would have cost us to stay at POP!

We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House in a DVC Studio. I can’t even tell you how much we loved this resort! (But more on that later) We had the Disney Dining Plan and Park Hoppers.

Our trip dates were September 20-26, 2009. We drove down to Dallas (from Oklahoma) on the 19th to stay with my aunt, and then left for Walt Disney World early Sunday morning.

I’m so excited to share ALL about our trip with you all! It was absolutely fantastic, and it’ll be a lot of fun to re-live!

Thank you all for reading!!

Up Next:
An extra passenger?
Frozen Custard
Pretty, Pretty Disney Princess

I've included a quick link to the different installments...I'll update this when I have a new post:

1. Day 0: Traveling to Dallas
2. Day 1: Flight to Orlando & DME
3. Day 1: AKL Check-In and Room
4. Day 1: Exploring Animal Kingdom Lodge
5. Day 1: DownTown Disney
6. Day 1: Video of AKL
7. Day 2: Epcot Future World
8. Day 2: Epcot Future World
9. Day 2: Break from Epcot
10. Day 2: Coral Reef and Epcot
11. Day 2: Spectro and Wishes
12. Day 3: Disney's Hollywood Studios opening and first ride
13. Day 3: Disney's Hollywood Studios morning and afternoon
14. Day 3: Disney's Hollywood Studios and end of Day
15. Day 4: Magic Kingdom Rope Drop
16. Day 4: Magic Kingdom Morning
17. Day 4: Magic Kingdom late morning, and a fun break!
SO SORRY!!!!!
18. Day 4: Dinner and Magic Kingdom Evening
19. Day 5: Keys to the Kingdom Tour!
20. Day 5: MK Afternoon and a Magic Moment!
21. Day 5: Epcot World Showcase Late Afternoon
22. Day 5: Epcot World Showcase on Speed!

princess_momma · 09-29-2009, 11:14 AM

I'm here! And first!

princess_momma · 09-29-2009, 11:21 AM

I wish I could say I was the extra passenger! Can't wait to read your update!! And I wish I had known about renting points earlier. Oh well!! There's always next time. Glad we both found the Dis anyway.

And to get back to your other thread, I will definitely have to look into that!! I was looking in the Orlando and while the cost of living is pretty much the same, the exact same job I'm doing there STARTS at more than I make now (after 2 raises!) But I also do need to go back to school and stuff...so I don't know if I'm going to be moving before or after that. Pretty much the thing that keeps me here now is my mom watching Landon. Daycare is SO expensive!! It can cost as much as rent for a small apartment!!

But I have some research to do

pinkpixie0920 · 09-29-2009, 11:34 AM

I can't wait to read about your trip! I have been so busy with work, coaching cheerleading, and just plan life that I don't think I really have a lot of free time to write a trip report unfortunately. I looked for you while were there but I was sad we never ran into each other. Our trip turned out great and I can't wait to hear all about yours!

crocko · 09-29-2009, 12:14 PM

I'm here, too!

Excited to hear about the trip!
"extra passenger"? Hmm....several possibilities come to mind.....(although, I don't think you spent any time in jail, so I'll rule one of them out)

deslynnpatterson · 09-29-2009, 12:22 PM

i am just joining in to read your TR!! count me in

deslynnpatterson · 09-29-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkpixie0920

I can't wait to read about your trip! I have been so busy with work, coaching cheerleading, and just plan life that I don't think I really have a lot of free time to write a trip report unfortunately. I looked for you while were there but I was sad we never ran into each other. Our trip turned out great and I can't wait to hear all about yours!

I see you are from Pittsburgh PA Pixie-- I am too

What part of Pittsburgh are you from?

BippityBoo · 09-29-2009, 01:46 PM

Woohoo

Are you going to update soon? Cant wait to see your room. Is renting DVC points a money saver? I don't know anything about it. SO happy to be here

Leleluvsdis · 09-29-2009, 03:22 PM

Waiting for more

Tnkrbelle565 · 09-29-2009, 03:29 PM

Reading along

heaven2dc · 09-29-2009, 03:44 PM

I'm definitely joining in for this one! First of all congratulations on your marriage last year - you are a beautiful couple!

I always love hearing how people discover how much they can save by renting points from a DVC owner. I've stayed twice last year at BWV and got a boardwalk view in December 2008 for a one-bedroom villa and paid so much less than staying at a value resort or even moderate (thanks to the DVC owner for a great rate on points!

)

Can't wait to hear all about your trip and see lots of pics and maybe some videos

Dancegrl624 · 09-29-2009, 03:48 PM

I'm here Staci! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!!

LilAnn · 09-29-2009, 09:08 PM

Yay! You've started the TR! Count me in!

I hope you had a fabulous time! Can't wait to see how all of your outfits and planning turned out!

ibedancin824 · 09-29-2009, 10:05 PM

Count me in

khertz · 09-29-2009, 10:27 PM

YAY!! Needless to say, subscribing. Can't wait for some PICS!!!

09-29-2009, 10:47 AM	#1
stacikristine DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Oooo-klahoma... Posts: 1,322	1st Trip (of many!) as Mr. & Mrs.--the TR-- UPDATE 2/4: Epcot WS on Speed! 5 posts!! We’re Back! And we had the time of our lives! Hi everyone, I’m Staci. For those of you who read my PTR, you already know that. For those of you who didn’t follow along, Welcome! Here’s the link in case you’d like to go read the prequel to our trip story: Click Here for PTR. As you can see from the title, this was my husband’s and my first trip to the World as Mr. and Mrs. We were married last December, and just took a small honeymoon since we got married only a few days before Christmas and wanted to be back home for our first Christmas together. We knew we’d be taking a small honeymoon, so we decided last October to start planning a trip to Disney World for this September. This leads me into a little background on the Cast: Staci, 22—that’s the Mrs. (me)! As many of you know, I’m a graphic designer for a legal services company. I also do freelance design. I’m an obsessive planner. I just love fitting all of the details together like a puzzle. Insane? Maybe. I think this is one of the reasons I love Disney World so much. There is just SO MUCH to plan! And let me tell you, I had it planned down to the last pair of socks in our suitcases! I also just love all of the details at Disney World and how everything works together to provide such great opportunities for amazing vacations. When I’m not psychopathically planning, I love helping my hubby with the youth kids at church, reading, watching The Office & 24, and spending time with family. This was my fourth trip to the World. I don’t remember my first trip at all—I was two. My second trip wasn’t until I was 15. I went with my family and my uncle and his family. We stayed at Fort Wilderness and even though it poured every day, we loved it! I went again in October 2006. It was the girls and Pawpaw trip. I went with my mom, sis, grandparents, aunt, cousin, and her two girls. We stayed at POP Century and had a blast! Let’s just say I was excited beyond all measure for our trip to finally start! Michael, 22—that’s the Mr.! Michael works as a youth and music minister for our church. Even though it can be very challenging at times, he loves his job and we both love hanging out with the kids. He loves playing the guitar (and I love listening to him play) and is very talented at making highlight videos. While I’m more of the obsessive event planner, Michael is more of the obsessive orderer. For example, all of our vacation video is already labeled with the day, place, what, and clip number. Together, we make quite the vacationing pair. But we have TONS of fun at it! I mean, who doesn’t have fun once they admit they’re a nerd?! When he’s not putting his iTunes in order, Michael also loves watching The Office & 24 (he got me hooked on both), reading (though he doesn’t like to admit it) and interpretive dancing in the car. We laugh a lot! Michael had only been to Disney World once before. He was 9 and stayed in the Contemporary. While he was excited about our trip, he didn’t really get the hype like I did. He was more excited to be away from work and the world for a week than go to Disney World. I think it’s safe to say that is NOT how he feels anymore! He’s already talking about our next trip! Here’s a pic of what we’re really like: And this is us being a little more civilized: When we started planning our trip, we planned to stay at POP Century. I really enjoyed it last time, and we knew it’d be in our price range. However, I bought The Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide online and found out about all kinds of new savings, including renting points from DVC owners. In fact, that’s what brought me to the DISboards in the first place! I ended up renting points and staying at a Deluxe Villa for less than what it would have cost us to stay at POP! We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House in a DVC Studio. I can’t even tell you how much we loved this resort! (But more on that later) We had the Disney Dining Plan and Park Hoppers. Our trip dates were September 20-26, 2009. We drove down to Dallas (from Oklahoma) on the 19th to stay with my aunt, and then left for Walt Disney World early Sunday morning. I’m so excited to share ALL about our trip with you all! It was absolutely fantastic, and it’ll be a lot of fun to re-live! Thank you all for reading!! Up Next: An extra passenger? Frozen Custard Pretty, Pretty Disney Princess I've included a quick link to the different installments...I'll update this when I have a new post: 1. Day 0: Traveling to Dallas 2. Day 1: Flight to Orlando & DME 3. Day 1: AKL Check-In and Room 4. Day 1: Exploring Animal Kingdom Lodge 5. Day 1: DownTown Disney 6. Day 1: Video of AKL 7. Day 2: Epcot Future World 8. Day 2: Epcot Future World 9. Day 2: Break from Epcot 10. Day 2: Coral Reef and Epcot 11. Day 2: Spectro and Wishes 12. Day 3: Disney's Hollywood Studios opening and first ride 13. Day 3: Disney's Hollywood Studios morning and afternoon 14. Day 3: Disney's Hollywood Studios and end of Day 15. Day 4: Magic Kingdom Rope Drop 16. Day 4: Magic Kingdom Morning 17. Day 4: Magic Kingdom late morning, and a fun break! SO SORRY!!!!! 18. Day 4: Dinner and Magic Kingdom Evening 19. Day 5: Keys to the Kingdom Tour! 20. Day 5: MK Afternoon and a Magic Moment! 21. Day 5: Epcot World Showcase Late Afternoon 22. Day 5: Epcot World Showcase on Speed! __________________ DH & Me PTR AKV2009 1st Trip as Mr. & Mrs.(Lots of Pics!) The Real Trip Report: 1st Trip (of many!) as Mr. & Mrs. 2009 Animal Kingdom Villas 2006 POP Century 2003 Fort Wilderness Campground 1989 Off-site Last edited by stacikristine; 02-04-2010 at 01:03 PM.

09-29-2009, 11:14 AM	#2
princess_momma DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,189	I'm here! And first! __________________ Kimmy (19) , DS (1) Thanks, Tinkgurl and Vallie! Our First TR: September 2009

09-29-2009, 11:21 AM	#3
princess_momma DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,189	I wish I could say I was the extra passenger! Can't wait to read your update!! And I wish I had known about renting points earlier. Oh well!! There's always next time. Glad we both found the Dis anyway. And to get back to your other thread, I will definitely have to look into that!! I was looking in the Orlando and while the cost of living is pretty much the same, the exact same job I'm doing there STARTS at more than I make now (after 2 raises!) But I also do need to go back to school and stuff...so I don't know if I'm going to be moving before or after that. Pretty much the thing that keeps me here now is my mom watching Landon. Daycare is SO expensive!! It can cost as much as rent for a small apartment!! But I have some research to do __________________ Kimmy (19) , DS (1) Thanks, Tinkgurl and Vallie! Our First TR: September 2009

09-29-2009, 11:34 AM	#4
pinkpixie0920 Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 253	I can't wait to read about your trip! I have been so busy with work, coaching cheerleading, and just plan life that I don't think I really have a lot of free time to write a trip report unfortunately. I looked for you while were there but I was sad we never ran into each other. Our trip turned out great and I can't wait to hear all about yours! __________________ Brian NancyAce Wizard ~Oct 2006-CSR ~ Nov 2008(Honeymoon)-WL~Sept 2009-Beach Club Villas~

09-29-2009, 12:14 PM	#5
crocko Disney Family Trip - Sep. 17-26, 2009 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Moore, OK Posts: 853	I'm here, too! Excited to hear about the trip! "extra passenger"? Hmm....several possibilities come to mind.....(although, I don't think you spent any time in jail, so I'll rule one of them out) __________________ The Books Kids Love to Read 9/17-9/26 2009 WDW Pre-Trip Report 9/17-9/26 2009 WDW TRIP REPORT I've been Boo'd by chicagoshannon

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09-29-2009, 12:22 PM	#6
deslynnpatterson we will be married for 5 years:) and will be spending it in disney:) Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA steeler country:) Posts: 597	i am just joining in to read your TR!! count me in __________________ 2004- POP, 2005-POP, 2006-POP, 2007- ASMU, 2008- ASMU, ASMU FREE DINNING AGAIN SEPT 2009 me- DH- http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2215957 -princess and a pirate enjoy there 5 year wedding anniversary disney style.. PTR! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2295275- trip report- everyday is a " great big beautiful tomorrow" because we are in DISNEY!!

09-29-2009, 01:46 PM	#8
BippityBoo DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 627	Woohoo Are you going to update soon? Cant wait to see your room. Is renting DVC points a money saver? I don't know anything about it. SO happy to be here __________________ (Me) Katie (Dh) (DD-6) (DS-2) "It was the time of our lives!" TR Jan.10-15, 2010

09-29-2009, 03:22 PM	#9
Leleluvsdis Deer like to run into my car Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Rustburg, VA Posts: 1,459	Waiting for more __________________ 12 trips off-site while growing up; Shades of Green 7.2004 Graduation and 18th Birthday; Shades of Green 3.3007 Engaged in the castle with slipper n'all; Celebrating Mother's Day off-site May.2009 TR

09-29-2009, 03:29 PM	#10
Tnkrbelle565 DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2004 Location: North of Boston OR 1335 Miles from WDW Posts: 6,895	Reading along __________________ ME (Kristine) (33), DH (33), DD (6)1977-1982 yearly offsite,1989 offsite,1993 DLR ,9/04, 9/05, 9/06 POP 3/07-DLR ,9/07 and 9/08-AKL,2/09 and 10/09 POP, 5/10 AKV Tink Got Me My Very Own Sharpies- TR

09-29-2009, 03:44 PM	#11
heaven2dc DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,859	I'm definitely joining in for this one! First of all congratulations on your marriage last year - you are a beautiful couple! I always love hearing how people discover how much they can save by renting points from a DVC owner. I've stayed twice last year at BWV and got a boardwalk view in December 2008 for a one-bedroom villa and paid so much less than staying at a value resort or even moderate (thanks to the DVC owner for a great rate on points! ) Can't wait to hear all about your trip and see lots of pics and maybe some videos __________________ The "C" Family DM DS32 DD30 DS27 DS22 DS16 DGS2

09-29-2009, 03:48 PM	#12
Dancegrl624 DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 1,909	I'm here Staci! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!! __________________ Me- Meghan (27), DH-Tony (26), DD-Madison (7) Completed Trip Reports Heat,Headaches but So Much Fun! My June Birthday TR Wishes Do Come True!...a Birthday PTR A Surprise Fit for a Princess....The Trip Report (Starts on page 11, post 159 of PTR) A Surprise Fit for a Princess...A Pre Trip Report 1984-1st trip, 1987-offsite, 1991-offsite, 1992-Contemporary (won that trip!), 1997-ASMu, 2002-offsite (DH's 1st trip), 2006-offsite (DD's 1st trip), Jan 2009-offsite, June 2009- Birthday trip at Pop

09-29-2009, 09:08 PM	#13
LilAnn Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2009 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 168	Yay! You've started the TR! Count me in! I hope you had a fabulous time! Can't wait to see how all of your outfits and planning turned out!

09-29-2009, 10:05 PM	#14
ibedancin824 Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 131	Count me in __________________ August 2009 Trip Report:Got Sick, Rode Segways, and Celebrated a bithday in 6 nights trip report!!! I have been booed by Mickeystoontown

09-29-2009, 10:27 PM	#15
khertz Proud member of the WHO DAT NATION!! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Youngsville, LA Posts: 867	YAY!! Needless to say, subscribing. Can't wait for some PICS!!! __________________ Me: DH: Callie: Linus: JULY 1994 // Offsite & Universal Studios & Busch Gardens APRIL 1998 // All Star Music & Universal Studios FEBRUARY 2001 // All Star Music & Universal Studios MARCH 2003 // All Star Music & Universal Studios // Hard Rock Hotel FEBRUARY 2004 // All Star Music & Universal Studios // Royal Pacific & Sea World OCTOBER 2007 (Disneymoon!) // Port Orleans French Quarter & Universal Studios // Royal Pacific DECEMBER 2009 // Wyndham Bonnet Creek Pre-Trip Report More Fun Than Sitting At Home! Our Dec 2009 TR

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