40 is a FANTASY! Chunkeymonkey & Chubbyhubby STAR WARS cruise and POLY Feb 2016 TR Link Added!!

[LizardQueen8]

Hi Su-Lynn! I read your last TR and just loved it! Then I saw this one starting and I just had to comment because I'm spending my 40th birthday at Disney too! We will be at WDW for the Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side. I am only running the 5K with my DH but since it was on my birthday weekend, and it was Star Wars, I felt it was meant to be! I'm super excited since I was able to get BOG breakfast (your TR kind of sealed the deal on that one) on my actual birthday! Can't wait!!!

I think we need to start a club for people choosing to forget about turning 40 by spending it as Disney .

 

[misssullyinc]

Ahhhh! I've always wanted to do a Disney cruise. Following you so I can live through you haha.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Hi Su-Lynn! I read your last TR and just loved it! Then I saw this one starting and I just had to comment because I'm spending my 40th birthday at Disney too! We will be at WDW for the Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side. I am only running the 5K with my DH but since it was on my birthday weekend, and it was Star Wars, I felt it was meant to be! I'm super excited since I was able to get BOG breakfast (your TR kind of sealed the deal on that one) on my actual birthday! Can't wait!!!

Thank you!! Thanks for reading! Wow that is awesome! It's so exciting to spend your b-day someplace special!
Mmmm, BOG breakfast! We do have it booked for our next trip too! Can't wait to eat that baguette with bacon and brie again!

I think we need to start a club for people choosing to forget about turning 40 by spending it as Disney .

I totally agree!

Ahhhh! I've always wanted to do a Disney cruise. Following you so I can live through you haha.

Thanks for following!! The cruise is definitely a splurge well worth it. I'm sure you'll have the opportunity to go one day!

 

[chunkymonkey]

The Force Awakens...with a headache

So who here was glued to the TV during Monday night football to watch the new Force Awakens trailer during halftine? Well, I certainly was because I wanted to know the exact moment to buy tickets online! So, it came as a surprise when my friend texted me that tickets were already up for sale and it was only the beginning of the 1st quarter of the game! WHAT!?! Jeez, I guess "official" timeframes aren't exactly official after all.

So I raced upstairs to my computer to Fandango.com. What was my result?

EPIC FAIL

Tried AMC Theaters website.

EPIC FAIL AGAIN

Tried all the apps on my phone.

EPIC FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL

Nothing was working!

I had a lot pressure...opening day of Dec 18 is DH's 40th birthday. I knew that I somehow had to get tickets on this day. It would just make the day complete. I was really trying to get tickets to this one theater in New York City, the IMAX near Lincoln Center. It's the only true IMAX in the area (outside of the museum) and it makes watching movies sooooooo awesome. We saw some epic movies here like The Dark Knight rises, Avatar, and The Avengers.

I kept trying and trying, on the websites and on the apps. I found the apps worked better. They get me to the screen where you select seats, and then the whole thing crashes but at least that was further than what I had gotten at a computer.

So I tried for 45 minutes, and then finally was able to purchase tickets not for the 18th, but for the 19th. And not at the IMAX theater I wanted but for a faux-Imax theater in New Jersey close to where we lived. I bought 4 tickets because I knew my brother-in-law really wanted to go and my sister (Chunkytwin2) will ultimately be dragged a long. I was planning to watch it twice in theaters anyways, but I wasn't going to give up hope of getting the darn tickets on DH's birthday in the IMAX.

I just kept trying and trying...

...and finally, after 2 hours...I got what I wanted


I got 2 tickets for the IMAX in New York City for DECEMBER 18th.
They are exactly where I wanted to sit as well (back row).
Only downside is that it's at 2pm on a weekday but hey, I was planning to take that day off anyways!

EPIC WIN!!

It was an annoying headache-inducing experience. They obviously were not prepared for the amount of traffic they would be getting. But now I can breathe sigh of relief. DH's birthday is gonna be awesome! Some other plans I have for Dec 18th: Spend a night in the city at a 5-star hotel, have a nice dinner somewhere, and maybe drinks with friends.

I can't wait for the kick-off to 40!​

 

[bcwife76]

Wow, well your persistence at least paid off!!! Sounds like it's going to be an epic 40th for your dh as well!! What a good wife you are

 

[soniam]

We were trying to get tix forever too We were trying to get tickets to our local Alamo theater, but for xmas day. We are leaving the country on the 18th and won't return until xmas eve. So, what better way to spend your xmas meal than watching Star Wars Plus, there probably won't be any food in the house I got online about 8:10 after checking the SWW 2016 thread here on DIS. I thought it was supposed to start at half time too We tried from about 8pm until 12:30am, when we finally got tickets. We had to go through Fandango, because Alamo's site never came back up. Luckily, I got the time, 3D, location, and day I wanted and was even able to purchase special Star Wars pint glasses that Alamo is having made. We only have 1 IMAX theater (besides a museum) in town, and I don't think it's a real IMAX. Plus, they don't serve food. Glad you finally got yours too. It sounds like he will have an awesome birthday.

 

[LindseyJo22]

Congratulations on your Force Awakens tickets! We didn't even try -my husband wants to see it, but I don't think he wants to worry about the crowds and pre-purchasing tickets and all that So we'll see it eventually!

I loved your TR from your most recent trip - it sounded like so much fun! So I'm following along here, dreaming of the day when I can also take a Disney cruise!

 

[kastoney]

Our world just got way smaller. My hubby is turning 40 on Dec 19th!!!!! I already have dinner reservations for that night and was trying like a crazy woman to get Star Wars tickets on the 18th as a little pre party and can't find anything within like a 40 mile radius. So happy you were successful! Hoping I can make up for it with copious amounts of food and alcohol!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Wow, well your persistence at least paid off!!! Sounds like it's going to be an epic 40th for your dh as well!! What a good wife you are

Yeah it was a really annoying process but I guess since I had the patience to stick with it (although for not much longer) I finally was able to get through. WHEW. Thanks, but yeah the state of my house doesn't lend itself to the "good wife" factor, haha.

We were trying to get tix forever too We were trying to get tickets to our local Alamo theater, but for xmas day. We are leaving the country on the 18th and won't return until xmas eve. So, what better way to spend your xmas meal than watching Star Wars Plus, there probably won't be any food in the house I got online about 8:10 after checking the SWW 2016 thread here on DIS. I thought it was supposed to start at half time too We tried from about 8pm until 12:30am, when we finally got tickets. We had to go through Fandango, because Alamo's site never came back up. Luckily, I got the time, 3D, location, and day I wanted and was even able to purchase special Star Wars pint glasses that Alamo is having made. We only have 1 IMAX theater (besides a museum) in town, and I don't think it's a real IMAX. Plus, they don't serve food. Glad you finally got yours too. It sounds like he will have an awesome birthday.

Yay! You and me both...for hours I tried. I was about to give up. But good thing we didn't. That's cool that you have special pint glasses. I'm not even sure if we have anything special. Maybe a poster or sticker. But the pint glass sounds so much better!.

Congratulations on your Force Awakens tickets! We didn't even try -my husband wants to see it, but I don't think he wants to worry about the crowds and pre-purchasing tickets and all that So we'll see it eventually!

I loved your TR from your most recent trip - it sounded like so much fun! So I'm following along here, dreaming of the day when I can also take a Disney cruise!

Yeah probably best to wait for the hype to die down eventually! I'm sure it'll be in theaters for a long time.

Thank you!!

Our world just got way smaller. My hubby is turning 40 on Dec 19th!!!!! I already have dinner reservations for that night and was trying like a crazy woman to get Star Wars tickets on the 18th as a little pre party and can't find anything within like a 40 mile radius. So happy you were successful! Hoping I can make up for it with copious amounts of food and alcohol!

Wow that's so cool!! It was a pain getting those tickets. Probably best to wait until the hype dies down. It will probably be a more enjoyable experience too. I'm expecting a lot of cheering and yelling in the theater on opening day so I probably won't be able to hear half the movie.

 

[Dugette]

Yay! So glad you were persistent and got what you wanted! I know that Dug and his best friend were trying all the websites, apps, etc. too. They had many near-misses, but also finally got tickets for opening day. Not the theater they planned, but actually a really nice one that's not too far away, so it worked out. Your DH's birthday celebration day sounds great!

 

[TruLovesKiss]

Joining in! I just finished (binge) reading your last TR, which I absolutely loved by the way- I was hooked!... so I had to check out this PTR to hear all about your next trip. I was super excited to read that you may be going at the same time as us... and then super bummed when you decided to switch your WDW portion of your trip until after your cruise. Probably a very smart decision on your part (boo for Presidents week/Princess race weekend crowds )

OK, off to read all about your plans.

 

[purplelover88]

I'm late to the party but I'm all caught up now. Sounds like the makings of a great trip. It's a requirement for every disney fan to spend their big milestones at some Disney destination and you hit it out of the park with a cruise and a week at the Polynesian. I totally understand the more restaurants than meals but with me it's more sit down meals than money haha. I can't wait to hear the rest of the plans!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Yay! So glad you were persistent and got what you wanted! I know that Dug and his best friend were trying all the websites, apps, etc. too. They had many near-misses, but also finally got tickets for opening day. Not the theater they planned, but actually a really nice one that's not too far away, so it worked out. Your DH's birthday celebration day sounds great!

Yeah it was crazy! I guess I kind of expected it that's why I was ready to hop online at any minute, but I guess so did everyone else! Hopefully they will be prepared once the next film comes out! I hope it's worth the effort! But judging from all the trailers and stuff, I think I love it already!

Joining in! I just finished (binge) reading your last TR, which I absolutely loved by the way- I was hooked!... so I had to check out this PTR to hear all about your next trip. I was super excited to read that you may be going at the same time as us... and then super bummed when you decided to switch your WDW portion of your trip until after your cruise. Probably a very smart decision on your part (boo for Presidents week/Princess race weekend crowds )

OK, off to read all about your plans.

Hi and welcome! Thank you! Thanks so much for reading!
Oops, yeah we had to switch our dates, it was just too expensive to go that week with the airfare and lodging, plus everyone says to not go that week, LOL. Although frankly, there is no uncrowded time at WDW anymore, even the "slow" times are getting to be packed...
Darn we'll miss each other! Good luck with the Princess Half! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on that week!

I'm late to the party but I'm all caught up now. Sounds like the makings of a great trip. It's a requirement for every disney fan to spend their big milestones at some Disney destination and you hit it out of the park with a cruise and a week at the Polynesian. I totally understand the more restaurants than meals but with me it's more sit down meals than money haha. I can't wait to hear the rest of the plans!

Yay welcome! I know, I'm super excited! I was over the moon when we were able to stay at the poly. I'm going to have to do DVC from now on! Although it can be a bit of a process to rent points, it will hopefully be very worth it!

I'm so excited about all the meals I've planned. And so many new ones too! Morimoto, Jock Lindsey's, Skipper Canteen, and even Victoria and Alberts! I want to eat it all now!

 

[purplelover88]

I'm going to have to do DVC from now on! Although it can be a bit of a process to rent points, it will hopefully be very worth it!

I love renting DVC points! In my experience it is totally worth the extra effort. I love staying at the deluxe resorts but don't love the price tag and this is a great compromise. I have done it in the past with great results and have it arranged for two different resorts for my December trip.

 

[chunkymonkey]

I love renting DVC points! In my experience it is totally worth the extra effort. I love staying at the deluxe resorts but don't love the price tag and this is a great compromise. I have done it in the past with great results and have it arranged for two different resorts for my December trip.

Me too! Love deluxes except for the price tag. I'm glad I get to do this with DVC points now.
I'm glad everyone has had good experiences!

 

[KathyM2]

Wow!! That sounds so amazing!! Movies, hotel...what could be better than that!!! Way to go!! Also, love reading about the special Star Wars merch on the ship...though I do think that perhaps Disney is going a tad overboard with the exclusive "only so many exist" etc to exaggerate demand and get people shopping...but..they are so good at it so what can you do lol

 

[chunkymonkey]

Wow!! That sounds so amazing!! Movies, hotel...what could be better than that!!! Way to go!! Also, love reading about the special Star Wars merch on the ship...though I do think that perhaps Disney is going a tad overboard with the exclusive "only so many exist" etc to exaggerate demand and get people shopping...but..they are so good at it so what can you do lol

Thanks! Yeah, his birthday will be pretty epic...at least I hope so!

The Star Wars Day at Sea merchandise looked so cool, and of course I got caught up as you said with the "limited edition" hype, LOL.

 

[chunkymonkey]

PTR Update: Our 7th Anniversary, Halloween, and Villains Party

Today is our 7th Wedding Anniversary! We had a fairly low-key day, we had brunch at one of our favorite restaurants in NYC, Nougatine by Jean Georges. It's a really nice casual version of the more fancy Jean-Georges which is right next door, with a lower price point. I highly recommend it if you're visiting NYC and want to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant without an exorbitant price tag.

This was us at brunch:

Here's one of the courses we had, a foie gras brulee with an apple jalepeno chutney. It was delicious!

We also had tuna tartare, a lobster burger, seared cod, and molten chocolate cake for dessert. Can't go wrong with that!

After lunch we went to see a Broadway show! We saw The Book of Mormon which was incredibly raunchy and absolutely hilarious. It's not for everyone though. Think South Park humor x 100.

And here's a picture from our wedding day 7 years ago! We got married in Temecula, California at Ponte Vineyards. Can't believe it's been 7 years.

We don't usually do anniversary gifts. We'd rather just save our money for a nice trip...so in just a few days, we'll be jetting of to Hawaii to celebrate in full! We'll be on Oahu for a week, staying in a condo in Waikiki. I'm looking forward to a week of laying on the beach, eating, swimming, and lots of fun! Stay tuned for a mini-TR!

Looking forward to this. I took this picture on a previous trip. This is Lanikai beach on the windward side of Oahu:

Yesterday was Halloween! I went to take some pictures of my nieces in costume. They were so cute, and they finally are at the age where they realize what Halloween is and what it is to trick or treat!

That's Eva on the left, she's 3, and Caylee on the right, she's 2. Their mommy's are twin sisters! (Chunkytwin1 and Chunkytwin2 if you've read one of my past TRs)

Chunkysis joined in on the fun too!

They had a great time! They loved dressing like princesses!

Chunkysis:

And here's me, borrowing Chunkysis's outfit and just looking incredibly uncomfortable in costume. LOL. I was not prepared to be in front of the camera today.

Also love this picture of Caylee. I love the leaves changing color, and there were a ton of pink leaves which matched her outfit!

On the Disney planning front...well some of you may have heard that there is a new event starting in January 2016, Club Villain at DHS! It happens once a week on Saturday, and is a ticketed dining event. Here's the description from the Disney Parks Blog:

"The first Club Villain will take place Jan. 16, with reservations opening today, when the mysterious Dr. Facilier is your host for the evening, welcoming guests and his friends from the “other side” to his parlor of mystical mishaps, with musical numbers and a wicked mix from his house DJ. Also stopping by to socialize are those divas of evil,Maleficent, Queen of Hearts, Cruella De Vil and the Evil Queen.​

Club Villain provides a spellbinding evening to enjoy fiendish concoctions from the Potions Bar, savor culinary delights from New Orleans and beyond, meet with the villains and dance the night away. Club Villain takes place select evenings for $99 per person, tax and gratuity included. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 90 days in advance online or by calling 407-939-3463. A separate ticket for admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required."

Sounds awesome huh? Except for the price tag. 99 bucks! But I guess it includes dinner and an open bar, which would be fine when I was younger and drank a lot but nowadays I don't drink that much and unlimited alcohol would be wasted on me. So, I'm probably going to skip this event. We only have one Saturday night in our plans, and I wasn't really planning on it being a park day. Plus, Chunkysis who will be staying with us at the Poly for one night after the cruise, will not be visiting any parks so she'd have to buy a one day park ticket plus the 99 dollars for Club Villain if she were to go. The character meets with villains does sound pretty fun though. Maybe if they have this another year.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and fantastic Halloween! I'll be back in a week and a half with a mini-TR of our trip to Hawaii!

​

 

[Hardheadedwoman]

Hey Instagram buddy! Following along, I can't seem to keep up with all your trip reports!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Hey Instagram buddy! Following along, I can't seem to keep up with all your trip reports!

Hi There! Yeah, I know, so much going on. LOL. Loved your Halloween outfit BTW. Too cute!