4 + 1 = happy memories? I hope so! NEW: Final thoughts!

I hope she heals quickly. Make her rest!!! Some people have such a hard time allowing others to take care of them. I hope she isn't like that.

Hello! I hope Laura heals quick too! She already seems a tiny bit better tonight. We just finished a marathon game of Disney Monopoly since our other plans for today got shot. But this was a lot of fun too. We're together as a family (Jeff is home from school for the weekend) and that's all that matters. Thanks for the well wishes!
 
My first venture into the magic of Disney was in the late 70's. I grew up in Jacksonville and even though WDW opened in 1971, I didn't first enter the park until 1976 for Grad Nite. (I'll save ya the trouble of doing the math - I just turned 49 yesterday!) I knew nothing at all about Disney before making that trip other than some fond recollections of watching "The Wonderful World of Color" on television as a child.

Grad Nite was fun but most of the night was spent watching a concert in front of the castle by KC & The Sunshine Band and shopping (I still have a stuffed Donald Duck I bought that night). I went on a grand total of one, yes one, ride that night - Its A Small World! I don't remember exactly who I was hanging around with but they must have been as clueless as I was. We didn't see any rides!!! I was used to amusement parks where you can see the ride function and know exactly what it was going to do or not do before deciding if you wanted to go on. I am a certified ride chicken now but back then I was probably worse and didn't want to get in a ride vehicle, enter a building and not know what was going to happen next! I don't know how, exactly, I ended up on Small World but I assume it looked relatively safe and calm!

After graduation I started working for State Farm and got a notice one day that there would be a "State Farm employee day" at Walt Disney World. My mom and I talked about it and decided we should go! My parents divorced when I was 16 and I'm an only child. This would be the first time we ventured away from home just the two of us. Remember we were just going from Jacksonville to Disney World, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes away. If memory serves me correctly it took us about 5 hours to get there!!!!! We stopped in Daytona for lunch and I think stopped once more to go to the bathroom!!!! Memories of that first trip always make us laugh now!!! We stayed at the Contemporary and paid around $60 per night. We were in love hook line and sinker with all things Disney.

Mom and I made many more trips to Disney World. We stayed at the Contemporary several times before trying the Polynesian and loved it there even more. All our future trips were at the Poly until it became too expensive (when it reached around $150 per night - how nice would it be to pay that now!) On one trip we heard about something called a "Moonlight Cruise" and thought it would be fun to go out on a boat in the lake. We both remember freezing to death and feeling very out of place because all the other passengers seemed to be romantic couples! Our favorite place to eat was the Crystal Palace (cafeteria). We remember Epcot being built and having the option to take the monorail over to see its construction (we didn't - I could kick myself - but we thought the whole concept of Epcot sounded dumb - oh and yeah, this "dumb concept" turned into our favorite park.)
 
A few years ago we traveled to Disneyland with my BIL & SIL and their family. If I had written a trip report for that vacation it would have been called "NEVER, NOT EVER AGAIN." Looking back I realize I need to accept a good share of the blame for things going wrong but certainly not all. We have a great time on our trips and I'm sure they do on theirs but our vacationing styles do not mix. We never argued or had harsh words on the trip but when we got home we spent a lot of time apart in order for things to get back to normal between us.

Funny. I began my pre-trip report about a week ago and I mentioned the same thing about my mom and my sister-in-law. I could have written that unwritten TR too!
 
Funny. I began my pre-trip report about a week ago and I mentioned the same thing about my mom and my sister-in-law. I could have written that unwritten TR too!

And I would imagine, like us, the trip seemed like a good idea before leaving home? At home these family members told us they spend about $1,000 a month eating out. But once we got to S. Calif. everything cost too much and they wanted to take sandwiches from the grocery store into DL so they wouldn't have to spend money on food. We scrimp and save at home so we don't have to pinch every penny on vacation! We drove to Calif. in two cars and by the time we got there, DBIL and SIL were in a raging fight! That is just a small part of it. On my part I have a hard time realizing not everyone likes to go at a commando pace. We love them dearly but wouldn't travel with them again (at least to Disney) for anything.

I will look for your TR!
 

Instead of sending out our usual e-mail question, I sent out an "assignment" last week. The assignment was to write a song about our vacation to the tune of "Its A Small World". Laura and I worked together, Jeff and Kelsee were a team and Paul was on his own. Our finished products ranged from "well that was nice" and "good effort" to hilarious (Jeff and Kelsee's version). I'll share theirs below!

Theres a guy named Paul,
and he's kind of tall,
when he needs a bathroom,
we'll find a stall,
drop the lid, lock the door,
drop his pants to the floor,
we'll be waiting down the hall.

Then there's mom all giddy,
and shedding tears,
acting like a kid,
going back some years,
don't slow down, we'll be late,
dinners here, clean your plate,
listen to how our mother cheers.

Next theres Kels, she's thrilled,
and in quite a shock,
she is snapping pictures,
around the clock,
look at her, she's so fine!
Jeffrey says, "She is mine!"
her big smile you just can't block.

There's a goofy grin,
that won't leave his face,
when he sees Splash Mountain,
he's on the chase,
Kelsees right by his side,
lets get on the next ride,
Can you keep up with Jeff's pace?

Laura's such a sport,
and a load of fun,
and a wheelchair means,
fun for everyone,
"Jeff slow down", she'll declare,
as she's pushed, here and there,
grab a churro on the run.

What a trip that's only for our family,
this is so exciting and magically,
We have all found the parts,
being kids in our hearts,
all together we will be...

(Chorus)
Making memories, having fun,
sharing laughs with everyone,
we'll be sad when it's all done,
it's the greatest trip of all!!!
 
I've really enjoyed your 'question and answer' with your family....that makes it a lof of fun!! :goodvibes

I'm sorry about everything your daughter has had to go through.....and I'm glad the doctors report was good a few weeks ago...hope everything continues to get better!!!! :dance3:

Hope you guys have a great trip...only 21 days left for us....it will be my first time at the park during Christmas and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! :yay:

Have a great weekend :upsidedow
 
I've really enjoyed your 'question and answer' with your family....that makes it a lof of fun!! :goodvibes

I'm sorry about everything your daughter has had to go through.....and I'm glad the doctors report was good a few weeks ago...hope everything continues to get better!!!! :dance3:

Hope you guys have a great trip...only 21 days left for us....it will be my first time at the park during Christmas and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! :yay:

Have a great weekend :upsidedow


Glad you enjoyed the Q&A! It has been so fun! I've saved all the answers so I'll use them with photos when making a scrapbook of our trip. The hardest part has been coming up with enough questions to ask!

Thanks for the good wishes for Laura! Hopefully she can stay well for this upcoming trip!

What are the dates of your trip? It must be really close now!!! I hope you have a magical time!!!!!!!!!
 
Sorry to have neglected my trippie! So busy!! I do have a funny little story to share.

In high school Jeff dated the same girl ("M") for a couple of years. She worked as a checker at the grocery store so I would see her occasionally.

I was always friendly.

She always has a look on her face like she's smelling something bad! :eek: LOL!

Last year M's family went to Disney World for the first time. Even though they weren't a couple anymore, I e-mailed "M" a couple of times offering to help if she had any questions because she (this girl who just graduated high school) was planning everything and totally in charge of the trip! She didn't accept or want any help, which was fine. I did ask her why they weren't staying onsite and she said they weren't "made of money".

When I saw her in the grocery store after their trip last year I asked how things went and she responded with a snarky "I don't know how you can stand to go every year!"

Fast forward to last week.

"M" is now away at college and not working there anymore but her younger sister "K" is. "K" has always been sweet and nice.

"K" asked if we were going to Disney World at Christmas again and I said yes. She said "so are we!!!"

My first thought was oh no, this can't be good. The old girlfriend and the new girlfriend at Disney World at the same time!!! I asked when they were going and she said they would be there December 27th - January 3rd and I breathed a sigh of relief because we will be gone by then.

I asked her where they were staying and she said she didn't know because "M" was their "travel agent" and handles everything!

I said "just so you know, the week between Christmas and New Years is the busiest time of the whole year."

Her face just dropped.

I so wanted to say "your travel agent should have told you" but I used amazing self-restraint and didn't!

"K" said "are you serious? I hate waiting in lines!"

I said "well don't wait in lines, use fast pass" and she looked totally bewildered.

I told her I was sure they would have a wonderful time in spite of the crowds and to just get to the parks early but I said "that's why we are leaving Disney on the 23rd."

Oh, I also said I was surprised they were going back so soon because from what her sister had said it didn't sound like she liked it very much. She said when they were there last time they enjoyed it very much but didn't understand why people kept going back but as soon as they got home all they could talk about was how soon they could return.

I think they are in for the shock of their lives when they see wall to wall people on this trip!!!! I find that sad for the nice sister "K" but quite amusing for the know-it-all snarky sister "M" who refuses any help! :rolleyes1
 
Hi Liz!!!! :wave: I found that you are writing a report thru a post of yours on the codes board (the amex swan/dolphin thread) that I accidentally posted this to and removed it - oops!! :rolleyes1

Kels seems very cool, I'll bet your "plus one" is going to be great! Seeing Disney through her eyes is going to be really special for all of you!

Looking forward to seeing pics! My DS18 met a wonderful girl since our last trip (he was just getting to know her while we were at Disney last Dec via many many cell phone calls). She wants to go to Disney with us in the worst way, she has never been to Disney (you know I'm gonna get her there!).

Yay, you are going back! My DH and I went in Sept for 8 nights and I did a quick trip back for the Halloween party only in Oct for 3 nights w/my sister and youngest DD. Next trip (hopefully) is May w/DD27 (who has never been to Dis with us).

I'm happy to see that you are writing a report, and glad Laura is OK, - how is her ankle? It is wonderful that Jeff still likes Disney. He is going to love being there with Kels. :lovestruc

No Christmas trip for me this year, so I am glad that I can come along with you thru your report. :cool1:

Have you seen the new christmas castle pics posted on the main wdwinfo page? Breathtaking!
-mary
 
Hi Liz!!!! :wave: I found that you are writing a report thru a post of yours on the codes board (the amex swan/dolphin thread) that I accidentally posted this to and removed it - oops!! :rolleyes1

Kels seems very cool, I'll bet your "plus one" is going to be great! Seeing Disney through her eyes is going to be really special for all of you!

Looking forward to seeing pics! My DS18 met a wonderful girl since our last trip (he was just getting to know her while we were at Disney last Dec via many many cell phone calls). She wants to go to Disney with us in the worst way, she has never been to Disney (you know I'm gonna get her there!).

Yay, you are going back! My DH and I went in Sept for 8 nights and I did a quick trip back for the Halloween party only in Oct for 3 nights w/my sister and youngest DD. Next trip (hopefully) is May w/DD27 (who has never been to Dis with us).

I'm happy to see that you are writing a report, and glad Laura is OK, - how is her ankle? It is wonderful that Jeff still likes Disney. He is going to love being there with Kels. :lovestruc

No Christmas trip for me this year, so I am glad that I can come along with you thru your report. :cool1:

Have you seen the new christmas castle pics posted on the main wdwinfo page? Breathtaking!
-mary

Hi Mary! :wave: So good to hear from you again! That is awesome that you have been back to WDW two more times!

Laura's ankle is back to normal now. At this point I'm hoping everyone can stay well. We leave TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY!!! It seemed like it was forever and now I have so much to get done!

The castle pics are gorgeous! I can't wait to see it!! And glad your DS has met a nice girl!! Our boys are growing up!!

Hope to make this trip report worth reading! :goodvibes
 
You know how irritating it is when you are in line at the grocery store and the person in front of you pulls out a wad of coupons that take forever for the cashier to scan?

Hi. That would be me with the coupons. If you're a DISer I'll let you go in front.

I like a bargain. No, I love a bargain! Travel bargains are my favorite!

The penny pinching, bargain hunting side of me wasn't happy with our plan for December 30th to spend one night at the All Stars at a price of $160 per night. That just didn't sit right.

And I did entertain the idea of using Starwood points and staying at the Dolphin free but it seemed like a waste to use 10,000 points for only a few hours.

So plan C was born.

When we leave Florida to come back to Utah (12/31) our plane leaves at 7 AM. So we have to be at the airport like 5 AM. Crazy. My mom said she didn't want us driving in the middle of the night and leaving her house at 2:00 AM so she insisted we spend the night of the 30th in Orlando.

I did a lot of research and asked a lot of questions on the DIS about what was a good hotel near the Orlando airport. I really wanted the Hyatt Regency actually IN the airport but even with an AAA rate it was $170 per night including tax so that was out of the question. Still I thought how great that would be because we could return the rental car on the 30th and just walk to our gate the next morning.

Did more research and was encouraged to look into Priceline or Hotwire.

Scary.

Again more research on www.betterbidding.com. On Hotwire there were three 3.5 star hotels in the Orlando Airport area with the amenities listed. I checked www.tripadvisor.com and all three got great reviews so I knew if I ended up with any of them I would be okay. I checked each hotel's website to see what the cheapest I could get a room on my own and they were all over $100. There was the Hyatt Regency in the airport, Sheraton Suites and Rennaissance something.

This is a long story huh? Are you still with me?

I wasn't familiar with how Hotwire works so maybe you aren't either. They tell you the star rating and the price. Then you find out what hotel you got after you commit to buy. You don't bid like Priceline.

When I started considering making a purchase the price was $79 plus tax for the 3.5*. Then it came down to $59 so I made the reservation hoping I hadn't missed anything and I got a good place.

Immediately it came up that I got the HYATT REGENCY IN THE ORLANDO AIRPORT!!!!!!!!!!! I know my mouth dropped open!!!!!!!!! I am sooooooooooo THRILLED!!!!!!!!!!! My total for the one night is $73.13, almost $100 savings over the AAA rate!!!!!!!!!

And when I changed our car rental reservation to return it the night before it took $10 off so its like getting the Hyatt for $63!

I so love a bargain!!!
 
I have not been brave enough to use hotwire, but that price makes me want to give it a try! Great job from another grocery store coupon shopper.
 
I have not been brave enough to use hotwire, but that price makes me want to give it a try! Great job from another grocery store coupon shopper.


It helped knowing that any of the hotels I could have gotten had good reviews! Otherwise I don't know that I would have been brave either!

I didn't use coupons for years and only started recently! It takes a little time but it saves so much. I use www.pinchingyourpennies.com to get organized. Have you ever tried that site?
 
It helped knowing that any of the hotels I could have gotten had good reviews! Otherwise I don't know that I would have been brave either!

I didn't use coupons for years and only started recently! It takes a little time but it saves so much. I use www.pinchingyourpennies.com to get organized. Have you ever tried that site?


I don't use any sites, but I take part in a coupon exchange. A couple of friends and I cut out every coupon in the Sunday paper. We keep what we want and pass the others on. It's a great way not to waste coupons and to get duplicates of things you use without buying more ads.
 
I don't use any sites, but I take part in a coupon exchange. A couple of friends and I cut out every coupon in the Sunday paper. We keep what we want and pass the others on. It's a great way not to waste coupons and to get duplicates of things you use without buying more ads.


I started out cutting every coupon but now I just put them in folders with the date. My friend at work does a coupon exchange but I haven't gotten in on that (yet)! Happy couponing!!
 
I'm giving our itinerary one last go over and printing it out because I'm not leaving that sucker home again! (Now watch I'll leave something really important home this time!)

Thought I would share what we're doing and when we're doing it! I don't think I ever mentioned we aren't all on the same flight. Jeff, Laura, Paul and I are together but Kelsee is flying in from another state and we will meet her in Orlando. Jeff and Kels haven't seen each other since Thanksgiving so I'm sure it will be a nice reunion. :hug:

December 15 – Saturday


Fly to Orlando

We arrive 6:50 PM and Kels arrives around 8:00. Paul, Laura and I will get the luggage and rental car and head to All Star Music, leaving Jeff behind to wait for Kels. They will pick up her luggage and take Magical Express to AS Music. Hopefully that all works without any glitches!

Check in All Star Music - Hoping they will let me check in both rooms so when Jeff and Kels arrive everything is done (and no, they aren't in the same room!)

Eat dinner at the food court and since it will be probably 10 PM by then, we need to get to bed so we'll be ready for tomorrow!
 
Chances are anyone reading this is going to say to themselves there's no way we'll get everything done that's listed here! I know that but I like to plan an optimistic itinerary and we just go from there!

December 16 - Sunday

Leave All Star Music (8 AM at the latest hopefully)

Check in Wilderness Lodge - Try for Flag Family any day but 20th

Leave luggage with Bell Services if rooms aren’t ready.

Rub Humphrey’s nose for good luck!!

Take GREEN FLAG boat to MAGIC KINGDOM (Hours 9 AM – 7 PM)

Space Mountain

Buzz Lightyear

Tomorrowland Transit Authority

Splash Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain

Magic Carpets of Aladdin – only if line is not long

LUNCH TIME?? Remember to eat at 11:30 to avoid long counter service lines!!

Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial

Haunted Mansion

Tiki Birds

Philharmagic

Pirates

Jungle Cruise

Laugh Factory

Carousel of Progress

Hall of Presidents


Castle Lighting Ceremony & Wishes

Take boat to Wilderness Lodge. Get settled in.


DINNER: Whispering Canyon Cafe

Watch Electrical Water Pageant – approx. 9:45 PM
 
December 17 - Monday

Spend the day at EPCOT - mainly focus on seeing World Showcase entertainment.

Until WS opens, do what we can:

Soarin

Listen to the Land boat ride

The Seas with Nemo (if the line isn't horrendously long)

Turtle Talk w/ Crush (opens 9:45)

Living Seas exhibits

Imagination pavilion

Test Track


World Showcase: Enter WS as close to its 11:00 opening as possible.
Have lunch in Mexico, Norway or China.


WS Schedule:

Mexico:
Gran Fiesta boat ride
In the back of Kidcot station is an area to send videos via e-mail

Norway:
Malstrom boat ride

USA:
Voices of Liberty - Shows: 12:30 - 1:15 - 2:00 - 2:40 - 3:10 - 4:15 (15 min.)
American Adventure (30 min.)
National Treasures exhibit
Gingerbread house

Japan:
Miyuki - 1:40 - 2:30 - 3:40 - 4:30 - 5:15 - 6:15 (20 min.)
Drummers - Shows 1:05 - 2:00 - 2:50 - 3:25 - 4:15 - 6:00 (15 min.)

France:
Serveur Amusant - Shows: 12:45 -1:35 - 2:25 - 3:05 - 3:55 - 4:40 (20 min.)
Impressions De France (18 min.)

Canada:
Off Kilter - Shows: 1:00 - 2:00– 3:00 – 4:00 – 6:15 (30 min.)
Holiday storyteller - 4:30

DINNER @ LE CELLIER - 5:10

If we are out in time, head over to Christmas tree for lighting ceremony (6:00).

Head back to American Pavilion and get in line for Candlelight Processional which begins at 8:15.

See Gingerbread House and National Treasures exhibit if we haven't already.

Illuminations (9:30)

Stop in Norway on the way out to use snack credits at Kringli Bakery. Save for breakfast tomorrow!
 


Disney Vacation Planning. Free. Done for You.
Our Authorized Disney Vacation Planners are here to provide personalized, expert advice, answer every question, and uncover the best discounts. Let Dreams Unlimited Travel take care of all the details, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Start Your Disney Vacation
Disney EarMarked Producer






DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest DIS Tiktok DIS Twitter

Add as a preferred source on Google

Back
Top Bottom