2014 - The best is Yet to Come - planning for the Anniversary Trip

[Luvchefmic]

WOW what a hassle the whole adventure with the snow and getting over to take care of the dogs You must have been so afraid of what you and Cale would find when you first opened that door Glad it wasn't a complete disaster The kids here are left in crates when we're not here Lily & Belle ( the Pointer sisters ) share one The oldest Fantasia & Midgee share one and everyone else has their own Longest they had to be in was 16 hours the day I got hurt I was so worried about them and felt so guilty They were so good I couldn't believe it when I finally crawled into the house I think there was only one " accident" I was so grateful not what I pictured at all

Decision on the Poly and the backhoe view that would have been a BIG mistake to stay there The only way I would is if they dropped the price down to a value during the duration even then I would probably pass

Get talking to J and set those plans in motion !

 

[sewmess]

I just love your posts and your humor - they both crack me up...

Room with a back-hoe view... Hahaha - but it's true...

I sure hope you are able to pick a resort that goes well with your trip... Whether it's CBR or CR.

I agree completely about FD - or the dining plan in general. I love being able to go and not have to worry about what we are eating and not having to calculate our dwindling funds all the time. Our 2008 trip was much the same, it's the last time we paid OOP for dining, and it was so stressful to make sure we had enough $$ leftover for food for the remainder of the trip. I LOVE having everything paid for before we go, so we can just leave the world behind and enjoy our 7, 8, 9, 10 days of magical bliss.

Sending pixie dust for some great discounts for your time frame.

D~

Yeah, we can handle a parking lot view, a pool view, a wild-crazy-super-excited-kid view, but a huge-pile-o' dirt or back-hoe view is right out. Although the CM might get a kick out of us visiting: we have a retro tv station and it re-introduced us to the classic Hawaii 50 which let to the modern 50. While I was doing my research I discovered the the concierge level's club room is the King Kamayamaya room and the references to both of the shows would probably be flying fast and thick.

WOW what a hassle the whole adventure with the snow and getting over to take care of the dogs You must have been so afraid of what you and Cale would find when you first opened that door Glad it wasn't a complete disaster The kids here are left in crates when we're not here Lily & Belle ( the Pointer sisters ) share one The oldest Fantasia & Midgee share one and everyone else has their own Longest they had to be in was 16 hours the day I got hurt I was so worried about them and felt so guilty They were so good I couldn't believe it when I finally crawled into the house I think there was only one " accident" I was so grateful not what I pictured at all

Decision on the Poly and the backhoe view that would have been a BIG mistake to stay there The only way I would is if they dropped the price down to a value during the duration even then I would probably pass

Get talking to J and set those plans in motion !

I was really surprised at how little there was to clean up. They really are good dogs. I know that B & J had fully crate trained one of their dogs, but then they got a puppy who chewed through part of her crate and they kind of gave it up.

I might tolerate a back-hoe view if it were value priced. Maybe.

Cale did talk to J&B apparently (he and B hang out on Saturday mornings) and the plan is to meet up for an overlapping stay, because J works at a college and isn't sure she'd be able to get time that early in the school year.

 

[disneychic2]

Hi Ruth! I just read your whole report and look forward to hearing more about your next trip. Sounds like work is really busy for you. I hope you're enjoying it more. It's funny, but you have been on my prayer list for so long and now I realize I didn't know the half of it! Of course I remembered about Cale's brother, but the rest of the stuff you went through…wow! Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and I'm glad I got to see a photo of you and Cale. You are both adorable!

 

[sewmess]

Hi Ruth! I just read your whole report and look forward to hearing more about your next trip. Sounds like work is really busy for you. I hope you're enjoying it more. It's funny, but you have been on my prayer list for so long and now I realize I didn't know the half of it! Of course I remembered about Cale's brother, but the rest of the stuff you went through…wow! Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and I'm glad I got to see a photo of you and Cale. You are both adorable!

Welcome!
Yeah, last year was epic - and not in a good way.
Cale is adorable. I'm .... me. Never did like how I looked in pictures and now I've added so much chunk that it's like looking at a picture of one of my sisters.

If I ever get the time (or add DIS to my phone) I'll have more updates: both life and planning. Because we are planning a little bit at a time.

Planning news: we both have officially gotten our time off requests approved

 

[Luvchefmic]

Planning news: we both have officially gotten our time off requests approved

and THAT is more than 1/2 the battle That's WONDERFUL news

 

[disneychic2]

Yay for approved time off!! Makes it more real for sure.

 

[DMGeurts]

Yay for getting your time off!!!

D~

 

[sewmess]

So, Cale turns to me this about a week ago and goes something akin to "I'm really not happy about not planning on being in Disney for your birthday."

Me: "But it's our 10th Anniversary, it's okay for me not to be there on my birthday."

Cale" Yeah, but it just feels wrong."

This week he pumps it up a notch: "They think it's our anniversary anyway, and I really like being at Disney for your birthday."

I don't remember if I actually said anything, but I know I was beginning to think "You're just not used to having to get me a real birthday present and would just be happy with the way things always are."

And the Star Wars weekends were mentioned too. And we did a little research there - not to bad, provided we stuck to value resorts and ONLY did the SWW stuff. Which got him thinking and worrying that he wouldn't be satisfied with just the SWW activities, knowing that there were three other parks we didn't even look at.

Then there was this weekend:

Cale: "What say is your birthday on this year? (Saturday) Okay, how about two five day trips? Go down on Tuesday or Wednesday and then come home as usual on Sunday? It would also eliminate the split stay, as we'd do CBR in September and then CR in October, or whatever."

Me: "I've already got the time off in October, don't you think that asking for two weeks is pushing it?"

Cale: "See, I think I'd be able to swing it better. And two trips in one year isn't unpresidented: 2008.

Me: "Spring and Fall." but I was starting to think.

So I checked it out. It's a little more $$ and a lot would depend on any FD offers.

But that's on the table now. As well as a Star Wars Weekend and then September or October.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Sounds like decisions decisions I LIKE Cale's way of thinking ( KNEW I liked him....you too of course ! ) Have a blessed Easter tty soon

 

[DMGeurts]

Oooh - so TWO trips? That'll be AWESOME!!!!

D~

 

[disneychic2]

 

[sewmess]

Happy Easter and joyous spring!

Cale got me Birnbaum's Disneyworld 2014 Guide for Easter. It got passes around at Easter dinner at my In-Laws. Specifically J.

Well, we thought that Cale was set for October, but they just updated the apparatus with which they clock in & request time and he has to re-submit. He's not thrilled about that.

On planning end: I was running some scenarios on the WDW website and it kicked me off. I felt like I was at work - our POS/reservation system is temperamental and I like to say it hasn't really been a day unless it's kicked me off at least once!

 

[sewmess]

So, many things have happened planning wise...specifically Free Dining was announced. We did not have the foresight to get married within the specified time frames, but my birthday WAS! It was early enough swap days off and so.....

We're booked for September: Sat through Sat, CBR with FD!

And I just finished ADRs to make sure we get those specific places we Must Have and then filled in. We don't have anything new this year, but the traditional are firmly in place, start (Tony's) and finish (Liberty Tree) in MK; Birthday Breakfast at Crystal Palace; Yak & Yeti AK day and some old favorites are back with Restaurant Marrakesh and Garden Grill.

It's a little more than I like (but it always is) but MUCH less than the October trip would have been, so I can't complain too much.

 

[DMGeurts]

Yay!!! Congrats on getting FD... I ADORE FD!!!!!!!!!!! <---- Yes, I did yell that.

Your ADRs sound great... No trip is ever complete for us with out Breakfast at CP and TH... But we love Garden Grill and LTT too... Sadly LTT didn't make the cut this year - as much as it pains me, but since we only do lunch there, and we only have ONE day we will be in MK for lunch time, ANnnnnd we already have CP breakfast and BoG dinner that day - well, there is just no way we could stuff another meal in there. Sigh. And, besides - we go for the freedom pasta, and well, I don't eat pasta anymore. LOL

I am so very excited for you Ruth - it's going to be a fanatstic trip! So many of my good friends will be there in Sept... So, are you going to overlap with Tess and Mo? I believe they are there early Sept?

D~

 

[Luvchefmic]

yeah for FD and your ADRs Being a Sept baby too what are the dates you'll be here ? Would be nice to get together again Any plans for MNSSHP ? I am thinking about it as Fred has never been

Fred & I were going to stay at CBR too but due to unforeseen circumstances had to cancel staying I haven't cancelled the ADRs yet, we'll see

 

[sewmess]

Yay!!! Congrats on getting FD... I ADORE FD!!!!!!!!!!! <---- Yes, I did yell that.

Your ADRs sound great... No trip is ever complete for us with out Breakfast at CP and TH... But we love Garden Grill and LTT too... Sadly LTT didn't make the cut this year - as much as it pains me, but since we only do lunch there, and we only have ONE day we will be in MK for lunch time, ANnnnnd we already have CP breakfast and BoG dinner that day - well, there is just no way we could stuff another meal in there. Sigh. And, besides - we go for the freedom pasta, and well, I don't eat pasta anymore. LOL

I am so very excited for you Ruth - it's going to be a fanatstic trip! So many of my good friends will be there in Sept... So, are you going to overlap with Tess and Mo? I believe they are there early Sept?

D~

We're big fans of the FD as well. Every once in a while I get nostalgic and wish for the days where we shared a drink, but then I remember I don't like Diet Coke that much.

I don't think my dates overlap much, if at all. We go late September, but I'll have my eyes open for some of the DIS cool kids.

yeah for FD and your ADRs Being a Sept baby too what are the dates you'll be here ? Would be nice to get together again Any plans for MNSSHP ? I am thinking about it as Fred has never been

Fred & I were going to stay at CBR too but due to unforeseen circumstances had to cancel staying I haven't cancelled the ADRs yet, we'll see

We always go late September and will be there for the week of the 26th. We will definitely find time for MNSSHP!
Sorry you had to cancel CBR.

 

[disneychic2]

I'm so glad you're able to take advantage of the free dining and will be there for your birthday! And I think Raina, Trish and Terri will all be there toward the end of September. Unless of course I've got them mixed up with someone else which is entirely possible!!

Have you ever done MNSSHP? It is so much fun! Definitely worth the extra money. Are you planning to go while you're there?

Most of the ADRs are ones we love as well. Never been to Marrakesh, but it's on our list to try. So many restaurants so little time. People like Ruthie are lucky because they can pop in every once in a while just for dinner. That would be so fun!

I have GOT to get off the DIS and get something done! I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

 

[sewmess]

I'm so glad you're able to take advantage of the free dining and will be there for your birthday! And I think Raina, Trish and Terri will all be there toward the end of September. Unless of course I've got them mixed up with someone else which is entirely possible!!

Have you ever done MNSSHP? It is so much fun! Definitely worth the extra money. Are you planning to go while you're there?

Most of the ADRs are ones we love as well. Never been to Marrakesh, but it's on our list to try. So many restaurants so little time. People like Ruthie are lucky because they can pop in every once in a while just for dinner. That would be so fun!

I have GOT to get off the DIS and get something done! I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

We have done MNSSHP about 5 times - all started because in 2006 we were there on Oct 31 and I am a huge Villain fan. The only time I did not have a good time was entirely my own attitude problem. I had to go into a bathroom and give myself a serious talking too.

We tried Marrakesh on whim one year and fell in love with one of their desserts. I can never remember the name of it, but it's pastry and almonds and a honey/almond/custardy sauce. Cale got it but I ended up eating a pretty decent part of it.

Hah - hope you had good luck with that whole "getting off the DIS" thing.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Name of the pastry is Bastilla You are welcome It is DELICIOUS

Don't feel bad about us and no resort stay this year, we'll plan CBR another time
Don't know how $$ will be at the end of Sept but hopefully will get to see you & Cale again

Yes Lois is correct ( when money allows anyway ) it is very neat to be able to go over on a whim My friend/more like a son Doug and I have met down at Trails End at FW for breakfast more times than I can remember very last minute no ADRs


Happy Planning

 

[sewmess]

Well, we're toying with the possibility of swapping our Sunday Dinner at Garden Grill with our Thursday Lunch at Restaurant Marrakesh so we can do MNSSHP with fresher feet on Sunday, rather than middle of stay, day of AK on Tuesday. Nothing's decided yet and we're more concerned with getting a dinner at GG than lunch at RM because last year we found, while not Bastilla (thank you Ruthie!) Tangerine Cafe makes a pretty ymmy swarma!

Other than that, not much planning this week.

I want to extend a warm Happy Mother's Day to all of you. And a reminder to never EVER take your children for granted.