A Jolly Holiday with Masseys: THE TRIP REPORT - WDW Dec2019

[vamassey1]

Oh my goodness Michelle and Vanessa what brilliant news! Danielle is such a sweetheart to be treating her big sister to a trip and just shows how you've raised your kids right Vanessa! Proud mum moment right there. I'm delighted for you all. It will make the trip all the more special and hey I've done WDW pregnant and not only survived but thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Granted it was an April trip and I was more than 2 decades younger (1997) but honestly I loved it. Had more sit down breaks than normal and more ice-cream than normal (because what else would one do while sitting down in the Florida sun)
You will have so much fun. Can't wait to hear how you get on

I'm very proud of my girls and their big hearts and strong bond.

We will be taking it slower for Michelle and ice cream breaks sound perfect. I know of at least 3 different kinds I want to try in MK alone.

Your alone time in MK sounds just perfect to me Vanessa. I love taking time to notice all the smaller details at Disney-my boys not so much You got some great photos.
Love your disney bounding and your photos with Snow White are class.

Thank you! I did enjoy my me time and the MK details.

 

[vamassey1]

I love it!!! YEAH!!!!

We do too!

You raised great girls!!!!

That will be such a nice trip!

Thank you! All we can do is hope, pray and set a good example.

 

[pkondz]

I know the news keeps showing how bad Covid is spreading but there are also lot of people finally getting the vaccine. I'm hoping we turn the corner soon.

We need to get around that corner so fast, people get whiplash!

 

[vamassey1]

We need to get around that corner so fast, people get whiplash!

From your mouth to God's ears.

 

[Steppesister]

Trying to get one more round of catch-up while I have a minute. So much going on and have to read and comment while I can. I will check in as I have moments between now and the move!!

 

[vamassey1]

Trying to get one more round of catch-up while I have a minute. So much going on and have to read and comment while I can. I will check in as I have moments between now and the move!!

I know you're very busy getting ready for your move. While I'm counting down my trip to Disney you're doing the same for your move.

Good luck!

 

[vamassey1]

Happy Sunday to everyone. I hope everyone had a good weekend. I've been very busy getting ready to host our monthly Book Club meeting. Now that I have finished with that I'm moving onto getting ready for our trip. Time to to start packing.


Since the reason for my trip is to see Danielle I think it's time for another updated on her DCP.

I left off with Food and Wind in full swing. Danielle has pretty much had Friday's and Saturday's off for several weeks up until this past week. She has park touring alone down pat. She started Friday July 30th at Epcot so she could complete Emile's Fromage Montage and get the special cheese cake ice cream and glass. I really want to do this next month too.



She hopped over to the MK and caught the Flag Retreat and got the Backside of Water ice cream that had just come out.




She gave both treats very high marks and they are on my wish list.

With 2 days off back to back she usually plays one day, then rests, grocery shops and washes on the second day.

The following Friday on her day off she went to the Poly with Meredith. They met with some other bloggers and waited 2 1/2 hours to get into Trader Sam's. They both said the wait wasn't too bad. They used the time to tour around the Poly and eat at Captain Cook's. Danielle had the noodles and said they were delish. They really enjoyed Trader Sam's and said it was worth the wait.










She has been expanding her horizons and making new friends. She now does things with her old roommates and their new roommates, her new roommate and her new roommates friends and also friends from work. She joined her friends from work for a big "Jungle Cruise" watch party. It really helps that most of the CPs live in the same big complex.

CPs received an email asking if they wanted to go to an information session to extend and be part of the opening crew for the Star Cruiser Resort. She signed up and the sessions start while we're still there visiting. I don't know which day she will be attending. The CPs have also received the official email asking if they want to extend in their current positions. They have until October to respond. A CP can only be on the program for 1 year. I don't know what she's going to do yet.

When she was off 8/13 she finally did an open to close park day at DHS with Meredith and another blogger. They rode Rise and had dinner at Sci-Fi. This was her first visit back to Sci-Fi since she was 3 years old. Of course she did not remember the visit only the pictures.





Continued. . . .

 

[vamassey1]

More photos.





It looks like they hit all the main attractions. I don't have a photo but I know Danielle smoked both girls the 2 times they rode Toy Story Mania. Meredith was a little salty about it on her vlog.

On Sunday 8/15 she worked the Alps. This is one of the booths that was not scheduled to open until October 1st. Yes, she knew in advance they were opening the booths early but she could not tell anyone.

CPs are guaranteed 30 hours a week at least. When they brought back the CPs a lot of the first groups were assigned to Epcot Festivals like Danielle. They brought back too many for this so this group has pretty much been just getting the 30 hours which just pays their weekly rent and just a little for food. Danielle knew this program was going to cost her more so she does have some savings but would really not like to have to keep dipping into it. She asked to be trained for the stocking position a few weeks back. Stockers get longer hours and don't get asked if the want ER (early release) as often as the booth CPs. Festivals has been so over staffed that they often ask if the CPs want to ER. If the CP agrees then they don't get the 30 hours and that is on them. Disney also pays overtime different. You don't have to work 40 hours to get overtime. If you work more than 8 hours on a shift you get overtime for that day. Stockers get overtime. There are still lots of CPs getting way too many hours working at the other parks, especially in MK. Danielle got some OT when she worked the shift in DHS. She was thrilled when she finally got to start training for Stocking. She also earned 2 keys on the same day.


She had also earned 2 different keys back in June but I forgot to share. She only needs to earn the 5th key, inclusion. Of course the best thing is to earn all 5 at one time.

She is really enjoying Stocking. When she is doing a stocking shift she is bringing supplies to an assigned area of booths. It's physically harder since she's pushing supplies around but she has really been enjoying it. She said even though it is longer hours the day goes much faster. She is still doing booths but not all 5 days. She worked a booth today and will work one Monday and Tuesday.

The Epcot CMs and CPs stayed in the park to ride Test Track on National Coaster Day. I love that they get to do special things like this. This past Thursday she and her old roommates and their new roommates had "Rat Day". This was their Cast Preview of Ratatouille. They wore matching DCP shirts that one of the girls got for everyone. Danielle said they took an official backstage photo but won't have access to it until after the AP & DVC previews. She said the ride was just ok for her. She said it's a lot of screen stuff and you must wear 3D glasses. I have read where some people have motion sickness problems with it so I'm worried for when I ride it.



She has also had more roommate drama. She lost one roommate that self-termed within the first month. She was an older CP, I think in her last 20s and just didn't really like it. She lost another roommate this past week who was termed by Disney for not following rules. On the bright side she will be getting 2 new roommates tomorrow. The roommate she has left is the one she met on the FB group and shares a bathroom with. She really likes this roommate. They have so much in common.

There will be AP previews for Remy while we're there. The day sign ups started I tried to sign up online but I was part of a large group who kept getting an error message that did not recognize the AP. I sat on the AP line for 2 hours then had to give up. I had also started a chat and had pretty much given up on that but about 2 1/2 hours later someone finally came on. I explained my issue then they offered to put in for a slot request. I asked for the Monday, September 6th from 6-7. I was told I would get an email in a few weeks if it was honored. Last Saturday I finally got the email confirming. I will have to go alone since none of my travel party have an AP. I'm worried about motion sickness but I have to ride it at least once. I did Star Tours and Body Wars once so I have to try this.

I have made some meal changes for our trip since the addition of Michelle and Leah. I dropped the Plaza on Sunday and picked up Skipper Canteen. I have been trying desperately to add Leah to our Topolino's breakfast and Oga's but have had no luck. I was able to change Ale & Compass from 2 to 3 people.

Our overall plans are to hit Epcot on Saturday after we arrive. We want to stay till close and see Epcot Forever since none of us have seen it. Sunday will be MK with a break after our Skipper Canteen lunch. We really want to see HEA since it will be pretty much our last time to see it. Monday we will start with AK and leave once we've hit what is important to everyone. We will take a break and then go to Epcot for more F&W and for my AP preview. Michelle will be leaving Tuesday morning to go home. I'm still hoping we can add Leah to our Topolino's breakfast. We'll hit DHS after breakfast and stay until after Oga's. Back to our room to rest, change and get ready for Boo Bash. Wednesday is our departure day for Leah and I. We have breakfast at Ale & Compass and then it is up in the air until ME picks us up at 2:45. I'm hoping to visit Flamingo Crossing with Danielle to see her apartment. We may go to DS or visit some resorts cause I still want to try the Pork Nachos at Captain Cook's or go back to MK.

I'm also still processing the announcement about Genie. I'm on the fence but really hope it's not rolled out until after our trip. I'm not happy about paying for Fast Passes. We have been spoiled for so many years.

Michelle should get another trip update in this week so stayed tuned.

Thanks for sticking with us.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Danielle really seems to be making the most out of her time on the CP. She’s showing great maturity to in trying to pick up more hours so she doesn’t have to dip into her savings so much. I love that she gets to do so many special things and congratulations to her on earning those keys.
I have to admit I was surprised that she lost 2 roommates but I hope she gets lovely new people to share with. I’m guessing Disney must keep a close eye on them if one girl was let go for breaking the rules.
Your trip plans are coming along nicely. It will be so much fun having Michelle there too. Hopefully you get the dining sorted for everyone. I’m like you on the genie thing. Seems unfair that people who had trips booked are possibly going to have to pay extra to ride some stuff that used to be possible with fp for free. I’m trying to remain open-minded and will see what everyone thinks of it as it rolls out but I totally get you hoping that it’s not in place for your trip. I’m sure you are counting the days until you see Danielle ❤

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

The following Friday on her day off she went to the Poly with Meredith. They met with some other bloggers and waited 2 1/2 hours to get into Trader Sam's. They both said the wait wasn't too bad. They used the time to tour around the Poly and eat at Captain Cook's. Danielle had the noodles and said they were delish. They really enjoyed Trader Sam's and said it was worth the wait.

One day I will get there!!! One Day!

She said the ride was just ok for her. She said it's a lot of screen stuff and you must wear 3D glasses. I have read where some people have motion sickness problems with it so I'm worried for when I ride it.

I have heard that it is just ok. But I am ok with that. Not every ride needs or can be AMAZING!!! It just needs to be fun, in my book.

She had also earned 2 different keys back in June but I forgot to share. She only needs to earn the 5th key, inclusion. Of course the best thing is to earn all 5 at one time.

Good for her!!! Sounds like if she wanted to stay, she would be able to. Working at the new hotel would be SUPER exciting!

 

[vamassey1]

Danielle really seems to be making the most out of her time on the CP.

Yes she is. I think the are all still scared it could end at any moment after what happened in 2020.

She’s showing great maturity to in trying to pick up more hours so she doesn’t have to dip into her savings so much. I love that she gets to do so many special things and congratulations to her on earning those keys.

Thank you! I'm pretty proud of the growing she is doing.

I have to admit I was surprised that she lost 2 roommates but I hope she gets lovely new people to share with. I’m guessing Disney must keep a close eye on them if one girl was let go for breaking the rules.

I'm still waiting on information on her 2 roomies. They weren't there last night when she got in from work. A lot of kids move their stuff in but stay with their parents the first night.

Your trip plans are coming along nicely. It will be so much fun having Michelle there too. Hopefully you get the dining sorted for everyone.

I'm still working on that.

. I’m like you on the genie thing. Seems unfair that people who had trips booked are possibly going to have to pay extra to ride some stuff that used to be possible with fp for free. I’m trying to remain open-minded and will see what everyone thinks of it as it rolls out but I totally get you hoping that it’s not in place for your trip.

I don't think the reaction has been very positive so hopefully Disney will hold off a little.

I’m sure you are counting the days until you see Danielle ❤

We're down to 11 more sleeps!

 

[vamassey1]

One day I will get there!!! One Day!

I have faith that you will.

I have heard that it is just ok. But I am ok with that. Not every ride needs or can be AMAZING!!! It just needs to be fun, in my book.

I agree. I'm just happy to see more ride options in Epcot.

Good for her!!! Sounds like if she wanted to stay, she would be able to. Working at the new hotel would be SUPER exciting!

She is still debating staying. Both Meredith and Mik have put in for an extension.

 

[vamassey1]

Life Update

Hello all! I have some good news and some bad news. We're only 7 sleeps away for our trip to visit Danielle. She found out yesterday that she had won a Backstage Sweepstake. She can bring 3 people to a Remy preview, so we will all get to do a Remy preview next Saturday night. We're all excited! She was also about to switch up her schedule and have that day off to spend with us. I was also finally able to change out Topolino's breakfast from 2 to 3 people. I'm still trying to add a third person to my Oga's reservation.

And now the bad news. Some of you may know we live in Baton Rouge. Right now we're preparing for Hurricane Ida. They're predicting it to be a Cat 4 or strong Cat 3 right before it hits the coast. We're pretty far inland but the prediction for now is that it will still be a Cat 1 by the time it hits here. They are showing the eye passing right by Baton Rouge, We live in the southeast part of the parish. We're as prepared as we can be. The worst storm we had here was in 2008 when Gustav hit. We didn't have a lot of damage but a good bit of Baton Rouge did. Lots of trees down and most of Baton Rouge did not have power for days. Gustav hit on Labor Day and we didn't get power back until the following Saturday night. We are better prepared this time so we're hoping it will be better. We have a generator and a window unit so we'll have some power and some relief from the heat. We spent yesterday and today getting prepared and I was also trying to tie up lose end for our trip. I'm almost finished washing all the clothes. I'm praying it won't be as bad as they are predicting. New Orleans is on the bad side too. I really hope they fair much better than they did for Katrina. Danielle received an alert from Disney about the Hurricane since she was identified as having family here. I thought that was very considerate. Please if anyone else is the path of the storm stay safe.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I was thinking of you and your family Vanessa when they mentioned the storm on the news here last night. Hopefully it won’t be as bad as predicted. I will keep you and your neighbours in my thoughts. It was considerate of Disney to alert Danielle. I hope she doesn’t have cause to worry too much.
Great news in the sweepstakes and the dining. Glad you’re pretty much organized and good to go. The days with you
Stay safe xx

 

[jdd]

Been thinking of you Vanessa and hoping you and all your family are safe! It looks like you're getting hit now, my prayers are with you all!

 

[Woth2982]

Thinking of you all! Hope you are safe and staying dry as possible. Sending prayers you all make it through with minimal damage. The news is pretty scary right now!

 

[vamassey1]

Thank you everyone for thinking about us and wishing us well. We really lucked out. Ida moved to the east and spared us a direct hit. Neither I or Michelle suffered any damage to our homes. We don’t have power and we do have lots of debris to clean up. We have a generator that we run a few hours at a time. Jimmy’s parents got power back today so they are staying there. We’re following updates from the New Orleans airport in hopes of still making the trip. New Orleans is one of the many areas much worse off than us. Still not as bad as Katrina. I’m doing this on my phone so please excuse any typos. We started the day without cell service so I’m happy to have it now.

 

[jdd]

Thank you everyone for thinking about us and wishing us well. We really lucked out. Ida moved to the east and spared us a direct hit. Neither I or Michelle suffered any damage to our homes. We don’t have power and we do have lots of debris to clean up. We have a generator that we run a few hours at a time. Jimmy’s parents got power back today so they are staying there. We’re following updates from the New Orleans airport in hopes of still making the trip. New Orleans is one of the many areas much worse off than us. Still not as bad as Katrina. I’m doing this on my phone so please excuse any typos. We started the day without cell service so I’m happy to have it now.

Very glad to hear this! I hope you're still able to keep your schedule for the trip - fingers crossed!

 

[dalmatian7]

long time lurker, but I was thinking of you over the weekend. I am happy to hear all was okay. I hope you are able to get your trip in and prayers for continued safety for your family.

 

[mFont23]

WE INTERRUPT THIS TRIP REPORT WITH ANOTHER TRIP REPORT... but a different kind...

So I had every intention of FINISHING this trip report before we go again on our girls trip THIS WEEKEND. But Mom and I, and Hurricane Ida, have had to make some big changes this week.

Like Mom said, neither of us have power (still). Jimmy, the kids, and I are staying with my in laws. By the grace of God, they have power. However, now their AC had decided to teeter into issues. So it's been hot, but with power we can at least use fans. We go and check on the dogs and the house several times a day, but still no change. Mom and Dad run their generator for a few hours here and there, and I've been going by once a day or so to just shake things up, really. While we're used to hurricanes and situations like this, it still leaves you in a kind of daze. Like what day is it? What can I actually do or get done today? How is everyone else? Plus, you just get bored and kind of stir crazy with the unknown. There's still so much without power, so it's hard to get gas or groceries or food. Most businesses are closed. Nearby (but thankfully not us) cities are under water boil advisories. It's a mess, but we faired well, are so grateful, and looking forward to a reprieve this weekend at Disney.

That being said, while I was at Mom's last night venting all my current anxieties and putting together a Thomas Kincade puzzle, we got the official notification that our flight saturday has been cancelled. We had started to anticipate that earlier in the day and were reviewing options. Honestly, we're just thankful we were able to make these accommodations this early as opposed to waiting until last minute.

While we were originally flying out of new orleans this saturday morning, we are now DRIVING. It's about a 10 hour drive, but we're going to break it up. We're going to drive to Tallahassee this Friday evening, then wake up and drive the last leg of it Saturday morning. Just Mom and I driving, so I'm sure between the two of us we'll have more stops than my Dad would've ever allowed, had he been with us. I'm not looking forward to driving, especially while pregnant, but it should be a fun adventure for Mom and I.

Originally, I was going to come back on Tuesday and Mom and Leah were staying Tuesday for the Boo Bash and flying back Wednesday. With our new changes, I'm going to fly back Tuesday as planned, but through a different airline, and into Baton Rouge. It's longer, more expensive than flying into New Orleans, but allows me to only take one day off of work, and get back to my family as soon as possible. I was actually able to handle everything with Southwest in canceling through Facebook messenger. They were very helpful and quick! Major props to them on that. Now, with the Boo Bash running as late as it does and driving back home by herself, Mom was able to call Disney and extend her stay by one night to rest up and drive back home Thursday.

It's a mess, but it's OUR mess and with as hard as Danielle has worked to make this all happen for us, canceling was just not an option. We just have to accept the new "adventure" of it all. Danielle was actually able to get us several snack and meal coupons for family and friends through her cast member hub. I may be using the wrong terminology, forgive me. She also got us, as Mom mentioned, the Remy preview for us. That means she is able to get us into the park without having to use a park ticket. Keep in mind, I'm using her family and friends park tickets, anyway. But this saves her a day to use for my Dad to visit her later. Obviously, this system is a really great one for making it possible for friends and family to visit. That makes me really happy. But I'm just so proud of Danielle for making this all happen. Danielle, who still has trouble making her own doctor appointments and ordering food HAHAHHA. I can't wait to see her, and it makes it even that much more emotional because of how proud i am of my baby sister.

So that's where we are right now. There may be more changes, but thought we'd share the fun for now.