PTR Oct 2010 - An Aussie returns: Back home and TR started (11/02)

[DisneyFirefly]

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

In any PTR, invariably the fairer of us Dis-ers will start to cast our minds towards more practical aspects of the planning process. I am, of course, talking about accessories....namely, bags and shoes.

Often times, there may be fierce debate over the type of bag that one should bring to the World. Afterall, one needs to make sure that aside from being able to store the 101 different items that a woman or mother needs to carry into the World, the bag must above all else....be stylish!

This debate literally splits the Dis-ers firmly into two camps. The camp of Vera Bradley and the camp of the Baggalini. It would seem that barely a week goes by without some Dis-er or another posting survey after the survey asking the same things.

• Which bag do you prefer?
• Which bag is better?
• Which bag is more practical?
• Which bag holds more?

And it would seem that there are a lot of Dis-ers posting a discount codes from one on-line store or another for purchasing either the VB or the Baggalini at a ridiculous 30 - 50% off RRP.

Me? I enviously sit by the sidelines playing ping-pong with the posts and the surveys, unable to fully participate or appreciate the depth of the discussions....because, at this stage, no on-line retailer offering a discount ships to Oz; and even if they did, the postage would be astronomical. So, I have to admit that no matter how much I wish it were different, I do NOT own either the VB or the Baggalini bags (not yet)!

But consider this ladies.....most of you go to the World for at least 5 days. With a discount of 50% off RRP, you can BUY BOTH BAGS!!! There is certainly enough discounts posted in advance of your trips that you could find the money to purchase the other bag!

And then, the only issue will be which bag to use at which Park. Imagine the amounts of debate that could ensue on this topic!!

I will add that it is pleasing to note that the dedicated Dis-ers all agree on one thing regarding both makes of bags....whether you get a VB or a Baggalini, the colour of choice is DisBoard LIME GREEN.

With the bag debate over, one could then spend time contemplating the much more weighty issue of what our feet should be wearing at the World. The choices seem to come down to:

• Walking sandals
• Sneakers
• Crocs
• Something else imminently impractical!

Afterall, it is important to keep those ticklish flat bottom stumps of ours happy if we are to survive 8 - 10 miles of walking a day every day for the length of the vacay.

Me? I'll stick with my sneakers and crocs and walking sandals......whether I bring the something else imminently impractical or not will depend on which bag I use.

The shoes are in the bag!

You know, I think I'm the only woman on the Dis who cares more about my laptop bag than my park bag?

[PrincessInOz]

Originally Posted by DisneyFirefly

You know, I think I'm the only woman on the Dis who cares more about my laptop bag than my park bag?

I think you might be right!

And right now, I seem to be caring more about a Trick or Treat Bag!

[DisneyFirefly]

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

I think you might be right!

And right now, I seem to be caring more about a Trick or Treat Bag!

I did some poking online and will be doing a little trip shopping once the summer's over, including for a new laptop bag. I have some other financial obligations to take care of first, including paying off the trip

Well, like I said, if you want to order that Mickey ghost bag, you're more than welcome to ship it to my house to save on shipping I'd fly it down for you

[PrincessInOz]

Originally Posted by DisneyFirefly

I did some poking online and will be doing a little trip shopping once the summer's over, including for a new laptop bag. I have some other financial obligations to take care of first, including paying off the trip

Well, like I said, if you want to order that Mickey ghost bag, you're more than welcome to ship it to my house to save on shipping I'd fly it down for you

Thanks for the offer....but right now, I'm still trying to get DH to organise his business trip so that I can start spending money on things like air fare for ME! I still haven't started my planning YET (and don't know how much its going to cost me to get to WDW)!!

[DisneyFirefly]

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

Thanks for the offer....but right now, I'm still trying to get DH to organise his business trip so that I can start spending money on things like air fare for ME! I still haven't started my planning YET (and don't know how much its going to cost me to get to WDW)!!

Ah, okay Well, keep it in mind

[PrincessInOz]

Movement; real slow!

DH has contacted his corporate TA and is getting quotes for flights and accommodation organised (I hope)....I'll be able to book soon!

[DisneyFirefly]

[PrincessInOz]

So far, I've:
1. Gotten my vacay ticker organised.
2. Planned my (not) trip to coincide with F&W and MNSSHP, thanks to my DH's work.
3. Subbed in to a few other Dis-ers going around the same time as me.
4. Worked out my snack back-up plan for each park in the unlikely (not) event that I don't find enough to keep my taste buds interested at F&W.
5. Firmed up my arrangements to kick start a healthy preparation for the World.
6. Organised (not) ADRs with my friends in about 30 posts.
7. Decided that I'm not going to overly plan this trip and make it more a go-with-the-flow-wing-it-sort-of-thing (NOT!!)
8. Accepted that I'm never going to be sporting a Baggalini or VB bag at the World; but will (not) be taking more footwear with me for the 8 - 10 mile daily hikes.

I think things are coming along nicely for my NOT trip....which turned out to be not so not afterall.

And in terms of a general step by step instruction for how to plan a trip to the World, that only leaves wardrobe to think about.

I've found that in general Dis-ers know how to dress for the World. This is a personal style thing and should you wish to dress like a real life mannequin or a bag lady, then the World is the place for you. Most people are so busy getting in line, eating or fighting with their families to notice what the fashion trends are.

Me? I'm a real light packer and my (not) fashion sense falls somewhere in between comfortable and covered up. I'm not into short shorts or mini skirts or skimpy tops. And when on holiday I tend to overpack on socks and unmentionables; and underpack on t-shirts and shorts. I might throw in something dressy just in case and in the last trip, have discovered that I should also include at least one dress (thanks again Franandaj and TokyoDina for talking me into this).
I hadn't really thought I'd (not) be doing anything different for this quick trip...afterall for 3 days at the World, I could wear my three tops on different days and no one would be any wiser. Plus, it also means that I would not need to check in any luggage and only travel with carry-on.

So, it was with some surprise that I found out that for the two MNSSHP nights that I'm planning on (not) attending with DisneyFirefly and LuvChefMic (and hopefully also meeting up with Manntra on one of those nights), my buddies were asking about my attire for the night(s).

Firstly, Halloween is so NOT an Australian thing....although lately, DS and his friends have taken to haunting the neighbours in search of lollies and chocolate.
Secondly, dress-up and me? I don't ever recall a time that I ever dressed-up!

DisneyFirefly had promised to bring me a unicorn horn....but I somehow think I may err on something more functional than a donkey suit.

I'm actually (not) thinking of black....A nice black top with a long black skirt. And if I get round to it, I might go looking for a cape or shawl or wrap to throw over. Assuming that I end up getting a suitable Disney hat, this may work???

Plus, DisneyFirefly is thinking about getting some glow sticks. I might (not) ask her to go shopping for some extras for me; should she decide to (not) get some. I figure with the glow sticks, I should now be suitably attired for the MNSSHP nights.

[DisneyFirefly]

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

Firstly, Halloween is so NOT an Australian thing....although lately, DS and his friends have taken to haunting the neighbours in search of lollies and chocolate.
Secondly, dress-up and me? I don't ever recall a time that I ever dressed-up!

DisneyFirefly had promised to bring me a unicorn horn....but I somehow think I may err on something more functional than a donkey suit.

I'm actually (not) thinking of black....A nice black top with a long black skirt. And if I get round to it, I might go looking for a cape or shawl or wrap to throw over. Assuming that I end up getting a suitable Disney hat, this may work???

Plus, DisneyFirefly is thinking about getting some glow sticks. I might (not) ask her to go shopping for some extras for me; should she decide to (not) get some. I figure with the glow sticks, I should now be suitably attired for the MNSSHP nights.

My family LOVES Halloween. It helps that my brother's birthday is two days before it, but we've always decorated and such for Halloween. It's just fun A couple of years ago, we did the back yard up like a horror movie and I had this little styrofoam cooler that I'd filled with ice and "blood" and stuck a prop hand in it, covered in fake blood. I also volunteered at a haunted house in high school, and my brother works for haunted houses every year.

You know, if it wouldn't make you broil, I'd offer my cape. It's black velvet with a burgundy silk lining. My mom bought it for me when I was in high school I'll definitely pick up some glow sticks for you, though

[PrincessInOz]

The way this is going....looks like I don't have to (not) pack either ....seems like you're bringing a cape, the glow wands .

Yes please for the glow wands. I'll reimburse you with some cash when we are face to face.

The cape sounds lovely; but I think you might want to save your bag space for yourself??

[DisneyFirefly]

Well, Southwest doesn't charge for luggage, as long as it's under 50 pounds. I'm not going to bring the big cape, though, because you would sweat to death in it. Plus, I think you're shorter than I am, and it's a little too long on me, so it'd definitely be too long on you. But again, it's really heavy. We use it for Halloween here because it's usually chilly and rainy.

[PrincessInOz]

Sounds like a good plan to me! And yes, I would (not) bet my bottom dollar that you are taller than me....most people are.

[DisneyFirefly]

I'm 5'9"... How tall are you?

[PrincessInOz]

5'4"...just.

[Luvchefmic]

Good Morning America Good Evening Aussie... As far as a MNSSHP "costume" (and considering your length of trip) I would just wear a Disney shirt of some kind (even buy the 2010 MNSSHP tshirt which will be for sale on Main St in the stores) and change into that. That's probably what Fred & I will do...too hot to wear anything elaborate.