A Dream is a Wish my Visa Makes.... stories & pictures from shopping & laughing

[JOCELYNM]

Hello Jessica!!!

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading your Trip Report!!
I am from Southern Mass too...we love going to Sam Diego's in Plymouth on our motorcycle!!!

Disney is my absolute FAVORITE place to go!!!!!!! I just can't get enough! I have been doing trip with my Mom since I was 12....WOW...over 25 years now!! eekkk...just gave up my age!

Your photography is beautiful! Would love to see more of your work...are you on FB?

I have been on the DIS boards since 1999...just love these boards! And happy I found someone so close!!!

I have never done a Trip Report before....I better get on that, eh?

Have a Disney Day

 

[JMat]

Subscribing! I love your photos and love your TR! Your family knows how to ham it up for the camera and seems to be so much fun!!

Thank You! Lots more phots and stories coming - of course... and you're right, my brother and husband know how to work the camera. Glad to have you - I'm really excited to be reading your TR as well. The backseat video was hilarrrioussss!

Hello! I'm here.. and will hopefully catch up in the next few days. Thanks for subbing my new ptr! You and your hubby are a cute couple!

Thanks! I am unfortunately one of those people who loves taking pictures of everyone else, but when it comes down to myself- I like one out of every 50 pictures! Bah. Either way, im flattered you think we're cute! Hes a great guy

That was a very fun update! I love the picture of your dad with the Mayor! And Kris' Give a Hoot tee, of course!... actually, I love all of the pictures!

DONT POLLUTE! As if I've ever even seen a piece of loose garbage in Disney. You'll have to let me know if Ben gets any more funny TShirts for your upcoming trip... and keep me posted on your DVC experience. Kris and I are considering buying one as well in the not-so-distant future... would you and Ben consider having dinner or a drink with us and talking about your buying experience & tips when you get back??

Signing on! Sounds like a great trip. We love the WL. My DH is a wedding band musician in the RI/Boston area. It would be fun if you guys did any of the same weddings! His band is called Studio C.

Thats crazy! We shoot in Boston and Newport often, ill send you a PM with our studio name and Blog link. (Heck, ill send it to whomever wants it!) But it would be great to network and get his name! Im so sick of lame DJs. Thanks for joining in... WL is definitley one of my most favorite places!

Your photos are amazing!
And I'm enjoying the stories too.
Sounds like a great time!

super cute puppy.

Also love the office remodel! Cute with the pink pencils. And love the plaques and notebooks with the Disney quotes.


I'm originally from the Boston area - so the R s ah fah losah's shirt cracked me up!

Welcome ovah heah! oh.mi.gawhd, r's AH fah losah's! The Puppy is growing super fast - and im due to put up another picture of him. Hes eaten approximately 900 stuffed animals and poo'd more cotton than the Peter Cottontail himself. (that doesnt make sense.... /sigh) Pink pencils I found super cheap at Target & Michael's crafts! Glad you like them. Disney quote stuff is from the Hallmark store near me. Thanks for jumping in!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! AMAZING cards...

Belle is the Princess I relate to most as well! How did he do that? Kris is a genius! And I bet deep down, he missed those pink candles as much as he did you!

Thanks love It was a great Birthday, all things considered. First day of Spring too!! However, you wouldnt know it around here - its a frozen tundra He did miss me! There were some flowers on the table when I came home, and after a hot shower I spent most of my day in bed, beginning most of my sentences with "Oh yeah, so while I was in Italy... " Im surprised he didnt kick me out! How are you over there? Im going to pester you until you start your TR so I have a place to chat with you again!

Happy Birthday for last week! love the card from DH

Emma x

Thank You!! He's a real digital genius. Come to find out he has a crafty & creative side after all!

Favorites: first Colosseum photo - those lights give it a really cool effect!
The cute couple - she is so happy! I love the church and the 2 wedding photos as well.

Love that your translator had fun with the crowd, it probably added a lot of energy to the shoot to have the passers by all involved in that way

We created a pretty big scene. Its funny how mob-mentality works. You could see people pulling out their cellphones to take pictures and text their friends. They also created a semi-circle type "no walk zone" without being asked, as if sub consciously "If im 50 feet away, I wont be in any of the photos" made sense.

Hey chicky!!

Ok....those pictures...I have no words....stunning, breathtaking, gorgeous...I guess I do have some words

Secondly...when Jasmine gets married...girl you are the official photographer!!! I will give you lots of advanced notice and you can stay with us!!!

When Jasmine gets married - all you need to get me is a plane ticket! Im in Canada in no time flat! Unless of course, she decides to get married at the Grand Floridian... in which case Im bringing 2 other photographers and we're having a FIELD DAY! In any case, I am humbled (as always) by the attention and gracious things people say. I really love what I get to do. We can trip to WDW and ill call it a DISmeet! Tax Free for work of course

what lens did you use for most of your Disney trip. DOF is really great!! They are really great pics!

Thank You! All of the images were shot with a fisheye lens. HA! Gotcha I really enjoy the Canon 24-70mm. For vacations (depending on where Im going) I also like the 16-35mm and the 85mm. However, the 24 seems to satisfy my wide open shots, as well as details (if I walk close enough!) since the lens I like & use for weddings is a very heavy 70-200mm - vacations get a lighter lens for walking & carrying. If you're really trying to just take pretty photos though- go for the 85mm 1.2 - it is WONDERFUL.

Can you tell I enjoy talking about this?

Hello Jessica!!!

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading your Trip Report!!
I am from Southern Mass too...we love going to Sam Diego's in Plymouth on our motorcycle!!!

Disney is my absolute FAVORITE place to go!!!!!!! I just can't get enough! I have been doing trip with my Mom since I was 12....WOW...over 25 years now!! eekkk...just gave up my age!

Your photography is beautiful! Would love to see more of your work...are you on FB?

I have been on the DIS boards since 1999...just love these boards! And happy I found someone so close!!!

I have never done a Trip Report before....I better get on that, eh?

Have a Disney Day

Sam Diegos is fantastic!!! Thats so funny, we have probably been there at the exact same time and never even knew it. The bar upstairs is fun during the summer. I am on Facebook. I also work for a studio that keeps an active blog, so I can Private Message you all of that info!

Youre into the DISboards for the long haul ('99) and still have not written a TR? My friend, you have to get on that! Its one of the best things Ive done. So many friends and stories and tips. I wouldnt trade it for anything - and I compulsively check it and comment on others... its worse than facebook for me! Just today I read all about Disney Family Night theme parties... im thinking of doing one myself when my parents get home. /sigh I digress... its nice to meet you - especially since we're so close. I keep meeting people in the area - a DIS-Date may be in our future!

 

[Joyciemc]

Italy pictures are bee-yoo-tiful! Just gorgeous!
Happy belated birthday, and I'm sorry you had to spend it away from DH... but those cards he sent are fantastic. I especially love Sawyer's commentary in them

Ben and I would love to get together and discuss Disney things (we talk about other things, too... on occasion ) Ben is the go-to guy for the pros and cons of DVC. We sat in that office FOREVER while he figured out if it was worth it. And he has done all the figurin' and plannin' to get the best use of our points.
Let's make plans!

 

[JMat]

Im chatty this evening... as a result, im on a posting binge. Enjoy

During our last stay on property (during this trip report...) DH & I had a conversation with my parents about the few pros and cons (<-- WHAT Cons!?) about buying into the DVC. We ended up going to the meeting and taking a look at some units, then leaving with some paperwork to crunch some numbers. We realized very quickly that this was a great idea for us... for several reasons:

1) We travel to Disney at least once a year, sometimes more often than that. Having a point system to cover these trips is a no brainer
2) Points can be used, banked, borrowed against & gifted to others. This is fantastic
3) If we buy in with my parents, we can get DOUBLE the points and all share from the same bank.
4) You can accrue points during a year in which you are not traveling, thus leaving you with the option to have 2yrs of time
4.a) DH & I are starting to consider the pitter patter of disney feet around our house. Therefore, if we buy in soon- we can save up the points for the year of no travel and have a full blown fiesta the next year with some giant condo

Harsh Reality: This costs money. Lots of money. Not just "Rainy Day, im going to buy jeans I had a bad day" money.

So- when K got home from work last night, we decided rather than sit in front of the TV, we were going to do a project. We were going to make a bank to keep our "DVC" cash in. Somewhere where I could stash 50 bucks in tips from weddings this summer, or he can tuck a $20 in when hes feeling compelled. We even have a barometer on the side to track how far we have to go. I was so proud of us, I took pics with my cellphone

Front: With a fiver' from each of us!

Back: Thank. You. Cricut.

I was so proud of us, I made him a little card while he was away at work and left it on his desk... he liked it

So- anyone have any advice for the DVC? Saving money, things we must know? Additions to the Mickey Bank???

 

[Shannon84]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures, oh my gosh!!! Thank you for sharing those!!

I have toyed with the DVC idea myself, I think your bank is a great idea and so cute I have stayed with friends in their DVC room before and it was AMAZING...they still rave about DVC and they bought in a few years ago

 

[Moonies]

Thank You! All of the images were shot with a fisheye lens. HA! Gotcha I really enjoy the Canon 24-70mm. For vacations (depending on where Im going) I also like the 16-35mm and the 85mm. However, the 24 seems to satisfy my wide open shots, as well as details (if I walk close enough!) since the lens I like & use for weddings is a very heavy 70-200mm - vacations get a lighter lens for walking & carrying. If you're really trying to just take pretty photos though- go for the 85mm 1.2 - it is WONDERFUL.

Can you tell I enjoy talking about this?

Oh my goodness! Are all those yours! So many pretty lenses! (disclaimer, I've been playing with cameras since I was a baby and I graduated Radio and Television Arts with tons of camera buffs both at school and work, so while I may not be ready for a DSLR yet, I can't wait to get my first one).

 

[Queenofallthings]

DVC FUND....I LOVE IT!!!! When we went on what has become our annual trip in to the world in 2008 my sister and her hubby had been tossing around the idea of DVC. Once we checked in to the resort on the Saturday they stopped at the DVC kiosk.....they were being picked up at 8am on Tuesday...let's not waste time people!! I assumed we (me and Jas) would just take the girls to the park and they would meet us once all was said and done. Nope....they wanted me there....the more ears to listen the better...and oh yeah...I'm a banker They needed those skills also! They signed nothing that day...we took everything back to the resort, Jasmine took the girls to the pool and we crunched numbers and what would be best. They made a follow up appt on the Thurs to purchase this was when they told us they would be buying enough points to be able to stay in a 2 bedroom every second year so that Jasmine and I could always come with them Yup...that's when the bawling started...I seriously love my family

I asked them if they ever regretted their decision to purchase and these were their exact words....."regret...we're looking at buying more points With the prospect of future little disney feet running around, I think it's a fantastic idea....

I am so happy at just the thought of it for you.....

 

[merbobear]

Im chatty this evening... as a result, im on a posting binge. Enjoy

During our last stay on property (during this trip report...) DH & I had a conversation with my parents about the few pros and cons (<-- WHAT Cons!?) about buying into the DVC. We ended up going to the meeting and taking a look at some units, then leaving with some paperwork to crunch some numbers. We realized very quickly that this was a great idea for us... for several reasons:

1) We travel to Disney at least once a year, sometimes more often than that. Having a point system to cover these trips is a no brainer
2) Points can be used, banked, borrowed against & gifted to others. This is fantastic
3) If we buy in with my parents, we can get DOUBLE the points and all share from the same bank.
4) You can accrue points during a year in which you are not traveling, thus leaving you with the option to have 2yrs of time
4.a) DH & I are starting to consider the pitter patter of disney feet around our house. Therefore, if we buy in soon- we can save up the points for the year of no travel and have a full blown fiesta the next year with some giant condo

Harsh Reality: This costs money. Lots of money. Not just "Rainy Day, im going to buy jeans I had a bad day" money.

So- when K got home from work last night, we decided rather than sit in front of the TV, we were going to do a project. We were going to make a bank to keep our "DVC" cash in. Somewhere where I could stash 50 bucks in tips from weddings this summer, or he can tuck a $20 in when hes feeling compelled. We even have a barometer on the side to track how far we have to go. I was so proud of us, I took pics with my cellphone

Front: With a fiver' from each of us!

Back: Thank. You. Cricut.

I was so proud of us, I made him a little card while he was away at work and left it on his desk... he liked it

So- anyone have any advice for the DVC? Saving money, things we must know? Additions to the Mickey Bank???

I love the bank, totally cute! One thing that might help you save up more: Every time you guys are feeling inclined to go for an "extra" (clothes you don't really need, an expensive meal out..or even little things like going out for ice cream) ask yourselves "What is more important...this or DVC?" If the answer is DVC then toss that money you would have spent into your bank. Now you should still allow yourself little luxuries here and there, but the point is to cut back on the non essential spending by constantly reminding yourself of your goal!

You can also give yourself little reminders - a mickey head tucked in with the cash in your wallet will do the trick!

 

[JenAusty]

I'm finally all caught up! And I must say you are an amazing photographer! I love all your "capture the magic" disney photos. I also love photography.. I've never had a class and I only do it for fun.. but I do try to be creative. I got a new camera for my Bday/Christmas.. and it doesn't have special lens but I still try.

Look forward to more disney magic caught on camera!

 

[CreightonsMomma]

How have I missed all of these updates??? Gosh, all those pictures from Italy and the wedding are so incredible. Wow. I've said it before and I'll say it again (and not only because i've been missing ) You are amazing!!!

I have been thinking about tossing around the idea of buying into DVC. I'm still looking for that money tree though.

So glad to see lots of updates and I can't wait to read more!

 

[ProudMommyof2]

A friend of mine just bought resale DVC for a much reduced price. THat might be something to look into.

 

[Joyciemc]

Love the DVC bank! Good incentive to save!

When we bought, the whole reason we went to the tour was to get the gift card (don't remember how much it was... $200, I think?) with no intention of buying. But after a loooooong time of Ben doing maths, we came to the conclusion that we should buy!
He's the one with all the good advice... but one of the things we did was buy points at the available home resort with the cheapest annual dues. Cause you can still stay anywhere, and for us there was no sense in paying more per year just because of our 'random' home resort. Of course, because it was Bay Lake Towers that we bought and to stay there costs higher points, we may never actually stay at our home resort. But that's ok with us.

 

[JMat]

Italy pictures are bee-yoo-tiful! Just gorgeous!
Happy belated birthday, and I'm sorry you had to spend it away from DH... but those cards he sent are fantastic. I especially love Sawyer's commentary in them

Ben and I would love to get together and discuss Disney things (we talk about other things, too... on occasion ) Ben is the go-to guy for the pros and cons of DVC. We sat in that office FOREVER while he figured out if it was worth it. And he has done all the figurin' and plannin' to get the best use of our points.
Let's make plans!

Thanks doll! That sounds like a perfect idea... You're leaving in less than a month I'm beyond excited for you. Plus when you get back, the weather around here will *hopefully* be warm and you'll be in the zone to talk about your experience. The hard part will be deciding where to eat...

Please tell Ben hi for me & thanks for reading - We're very excited to finally get together with you both... but we should probably make sure they dont show up wearing the same shirt!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures, oh my gosh!!! Thank you for sharing those!!

I have toyed with the DVC idea myself, I think your bank is a great idea and so cute I have stayed with friends in their DVC room before and it was AMAZING...they still rave about DVC and they bought in a few years ago

Thank you SO much. "LOVELOVELOVE" is usually a good sign! Im very good with goals and expectations, rather than "We'll save for someday" - so Kris and I sat down and figured out a plan. To avoid a ridiculous sum of money sitting in our kitchen, we're going to empty the bank every 500 dollars or so, and deposit it into a separate account. Can you imagine if someone walked away with all those mickey dollars? Id die!

Oh my goodness! Are all those yours! So many pretty lenses! (disclaimer, I've been playing with cameras since I was a baby and I graduated Radio and Television Arts with tons of camera buffs both at school and work, so while I may not be ready for a DSLR yet, I can't wait to get my first one).

NO my friend, they are definitely not mine! Im so sorry if I led you to believe that Thats actually the Canon lens library. I get very excited about two things: Disney Vacations, and giant pieces of glass I can stick on my camera so that is just the array of lenses available. I only have a few. I would have more lenses, if I took less vacations to see Uncle Walt - and .. well... thats just not going to happen.

Any luck opening that Mickey Mail yet?!?

DVC FUND....I LOVE IT!!!! When we went on what has become our annual trip in to the world in 2008 my sister and her hubby had been tossing around the idea of DVC. Once we checked in to the resort on the Saturday they stopped at the DVC kiosk.....they were being picked up at 8am on Tuesday...let's not waste time people!! I assumed we (me and Jas) would just take the girls to the park and they would meet us once all was said and done. Nope....they wanted me there....the more ears to listen the better...and oh yeah...I'm a banker They needed those skills also! They signed nothing that day...we took everything back to the resort, Jasmine took the girls to the pool and we crunched numbers and what would be best. They made a follow up appt on the Thurs to purchase this was when they told us they would be buying enough points to be able to stay in a 2 bedroom every second year so that Jasmine and I could always come with them Yup...that's when the bawling started...I seriously love my family

I asked them if they ever regretted their decision to purchase and these were their exact words....."regret...we're looking at buying more points With the prospect of future little disney feet running around, I think it's a fantastic idea....

I am so happy at just the thought of it for you.....

What a touching story! I come from a close family myself, and its so nice to hear things like that. I would often feel guilty as a kid - because some of my friends came from a fighting family or they hated their siblings. Eric is one of my closest friends, and we do a lot together. I cant imagine having it any other way. I'm sure that years from now he'll be taking his wife and kids to Disney... and sharing our points! Hope you have a fantastic weekend & we'll chat soon. I hear there might be some Pixie Dust headed your way...

Congrats for booking flights!!! WOOOOO

I love the bank, totally cute! One thing that might help you save up more: Every time you guys are feeling inclined to go for an "extra" (clothes you don't really need, an expensive meal out..or even little things like going out for ice cream) ask yourselves "What is more important...this or DVC?" If the answer is DVC then toss that money you would have spent into your bank. Now you should still allow yourself little luxuries here and there, but the point is to cut back on the non essential spending by constantly reminding yourself of your goal!

You can also give yourself little reminders - a mickey head tucked in with the cash in your wallet will do the trick!

I LOVE that idea. I can be impulsive, so a tiny mickey head or small reminder might be a great idea in the wallet. Then, get home and tuck that 20 bucks in the bank. Maybe ill laminate one Alien Green for all my DISboard friends Thanks for the advice!

I'm finally all caught up! And I must say you are an amazing photographer! I love all your "capture the magic" disney photos. I also love photography.. I've never had a class and I only do it for fun.. but I do try to be creative. I got a new camera for my Bday/Christmas.. and it doesn't have special lens but I still try.

Look forward to more disney magic caught on camera!

Thank you so much! Anyone can take an amazing photograph... sometimes its just seeing the little moment on the side rather than going for the "Everyone LOOK AT ME AND SAY MICKEY" style! One of the things I love best about the newest campaign for 'making memories' is that they're real people. Real, shaky home video cameras like my parents used - and the videos were never captured with the intention of going on TV... just families losing their brains in excitement! Moral of the story: rock that camera girlfriend. Photography is a love affair with details and moments as much as it is whatever gear you're using. We cant slow time down, but we can freeze it. Use your new camera all the time, and im always here if you need anything!

How have I missed all of these updates??? Gosh, all those pictures from Italy and the wedding are so incredible. Wow. I've said it before and I'll say it again (and not only because i've been missing ) You are amazing!!!

I have been thinking about tossing around the idea of buying into DVC. I'm still looking for that money tree though.

So glad to see lots of updates and I can't wait to read more!

If you find the money tree... let me know where it is! Im working almost 50 weddings this year, and im hoping some money tree grows into my DVC bank as a result. (that didnt make sense.) Regardless... the DVC board here helped me a lot with info, and staying excited. The idea of raising that kind of money seemed kind of daunting - however it is doable. I'll motivate you if you help me!!! Thank you for your kind words, Italy was a blast and ill post more pics of that wedding very soon.

A friend of mine just bought resale DVC for a much reduced price. THat might be something to look into.

That is a good idea... I think the only hangup for DH & I was that it was an abbreviated deed. Meaning, instead of the full term, you bought whatever was left of the term from the original owner. Because we're young and not-yet parents... we'd like to own for as many years as possible.

Whats nice about resale though, is sometimes you can buy at a resort that is no longer offering units. Wilderness Lodge is our favorite home-base... however they are no longer for sale. /wwwaaaahhhh

Love the DVC bank! Good incentive to save!

When we bought, the whole reason we went to the tour was to get the gift card (don't remember how much it was... $200, I think?) with no intention of buying. But after a loooooong time of Ben doing maths, we came to the conclusion that we should buy!
He's the one with all the good advice... but one of the things we did was buy points at the available home resort with the cheapest annual dues. Cause you can still stay anywhere, and for us there was no sense in paying more per year just because of our 'random' home resort. Of course, because it was Bay Lake Towers that we bought and to stay there costs higher points, we may never actually stay at our home resort. But that's ok with us.

Sweeeeeet. I'm so excited to go hang out. I cant wait to hear all about your experience!

 

[JMat]

Welcome to the weekend No major plans for me. DH is working overtime this weekend on a project, so I'm headed out to take the dog for a run & finish up the grown up chores ive been neglecting around the house ... But tonight Im picking Mom & Dad up from the airport around 10 They're in Magic Kingdom now, and heading back home tonight. I cant WAIT to hear all about their trip with their friends. (remember? They went down to stay at Disney with another couple.) Well, My Dad's friend had NEVER been - so as a highlight, they emailed me a picture my mom took of his reaction to Epcot.

Its like you can hear his brain running a million miles an hour. "wooaahh"

And just for fun, since (selfishly) I miss him too: A picture of Kris & I from our last trip in October. Yes, we're out of focus. Dont blame me, I clearly wasnt taking the picture

Not necessarily my most attractive after being in 90 degrees all day... but never the less, its one of the few pics we do have from that trip. I promise to get better about this!

Back to stories from the trip ASAP. You still have a lot to see & hear!
xxoo

 

[Queenofallthings]

Those are both great pics....the first one is classic seeing it for the first time...the second....you guys are the cutest couple

 

[Jasmine1992]

Hi Jessica I thought it was about time that I spent some time on here and time posting too! I know my mom told you that my dream is to go to Italy and seeing your pictures makes me want to go right now I have subscribed to your TR so I look forward to talking to you

 

[Moonies]

NO my friend, they are definitely not mine! Im so sorry if I led you to believe that Thats actually the Canon lens library. I get very excited about two things: Disney Vacations, and giant pieces of glass I can stick on my camera so that is just the array of lenses available. I only have a few. I would have more lenses, if I took less vacations to see Uncle Walt - and .. well... thats just not going to happen.

Any luck opening that Mickey Mail yet?!?

We opened our Magical Express mail thinking it was our whole package! So after getting us all together (not an easy feat until exams are over) was a good practice run for the real stuff which is hopefully next weekend (when we'll definitely be all together).

I would choose Uncle Walt over glass any day

 

[JarrothsMom]

Thanks for the lens info. I think I am going to bring my 18mm-55mm and my 50mm 1.2. As much as I love my 70-200 it is so heavy to lug around. Your pictures are all amazing I really love the ones you did of the wedding in Italy..AMAZING!!!!

 

[Joyciemc]

Thanks for the lens info. I think I am going to bring my 18mm-55mm and my 50mm 1.2. As much as I love my 70-200 it is so heavy to lug around. Your pictures are all amazing I really love the ones you did of the wedding in Italy..AMAZING!!!!

Those are the two lenses I brought last trip, and probably will again this time. They worked out well for me (though I ended up not carrying my DSLR around as much as I had meant to!)

Jess- looking forward to hearing more about your trip!

Love the picture of your parents' friend- such a great reaction to the best park!

 

[pooksma]

What a great reaction shot!