A Grand Christmastime Birthday Celebration!

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I've never done an official PTR before, so forgive me if this is a hot mess! LOL!

Who's going?

• Me: 42, single mother of three horses, two dogs, and two cats. High school teacher by day, obsessive Disney vacation planner by night.
• My Dad: 72, retired, spends his days remodeling the house room by room and doing a fabulous job. Loves music and food and is both a talented musician and cook!
• My Mom: just turned 74, retired from the state but still working full-time because she's not a "sit at home" type. Loves Disney, especially Goofy.

When are we going?

• December 2017. Target dates are Sunday the 17th through Wednesday the 20th, subject to DVC availability. Mom's 75th birthday is December 23rd, and we will be celebrating it early at Disney!

Where are we staying?

• If all goes well, we'll be staying in a studio villa at the Grand Floridian! We'll know in a couple of weeks when the 11-month reservation window opens! Contract is signed, 50% deposit is paid, and now we wait for the wonderful owner to work her magic! Our first choice is a standard view, but lake view is also an option.

What are we going to do while there?

• Have already purchased 3-Day Park-Hoppers, so we can go wherever we want whenever we want.
• Candlelight Processional (with Tutto Italia dining package) is a must!
• An evening at Animal Kingdom to experience Avatarland and Rivers of Light and possibly Tiffins.
• Lots of good eating on the Deluxe Dining Plan (table service breakfasts and signature dinners)
• Possibly Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam dessert party if it's still a thing next year and Santa Goofy is involved. Mom insists on meeting him.
• Enjoying the World Showcase and all of the Holidays Around the World stuff.
• Possibly MVMCP, but that depends on the schedule/calendar and whether we think it will be worth it.

The best part is, in a few weeks (hopefully!) the hotel will be paid in full. Park tickets are already paid in full. Flights are basically paid in full (Southwest RR points waiting to be used). All that's left is the dining plan, and I hope to have that paid for (using discounted Disney gift cards) by March!

I've been saving and selling on eBay and earning credit card sign-up bonuses like crazy since September to pay for this trip. Working on my last sign-up bonus right now, and that should enable me to pay off the Deluxe Dining Plan! It's been a lot of fun, and I'm so glad I can do this for my folks, especially Mom!

I will update as each piece of the puzzle falls into place!