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

[jdd]

That's awesome that you can both be so flexible and make the trip happen! I personally love a road trip - we live in Pittsburgh and have made the 15-hour drive to Orlando on many, many occasions. As you said, it just adds to the adventure! Have a safe, fun and magical trip

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

So glad you’re all ok and even better than you can still visit with Danielle. New plans sounds good and I’ve no doubt you’ll be hugging your wee sister even more tightly than usual when you see her. Stay safe and have fun

 

[vamassey1]

We’re looking forward to our road trip and escaping to the Bubble. Thanks to some Fuzzy Disney Math I get one more night with Danielle.

 

[pkondz]

Danielle has pretty much had Friday's and Saturday's off for several weeks up until this past week.

Not too bad. Weekends (mostly) off.

She has park touring alone down pat.

I bet!

she could complete Emile's Fromage Montage and get the special cheese cake ice cream and glass.

I have not heard of this. Sounds interesting.

got the Backside of Water ice cream that had just come out.

Did not hear about that either! Looks pretty good.

I'm not hearing much, because... well... I have no idea if/when I'll get back there. So not keeping up to date overly much.

They met with some other bloggers and waited 2 1/2 hours to get into Trader Sam's.

She looks happy.
Did she keep that mug?

She has been expanding her horizons and making new friends.

Good for her!

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.

Okay, that's cool!

This was her first visit back to Sci-Fi since she was 3 years old.

Did she like it?

Poor thing is working so hard, she fell asleep. Awww.

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.

Good for her!

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.

Yikes. I had no idea. They should easily be making enough to make expenses... not using up their own money.

She also earned 2 keys on the same day.

I presume this would be from more senior CMs?

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.

Nice!

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'm looking forward to it, but... will make up my mind if/when I ride it.

She lost one roommate that self-termed within the first month.

Oh dear. But... not surprised. I've known a few DISers who've done that.

She lost another roommate this past week who was termed by Disney for not following rules.

Whoopsie!

Last Saturday I finally got the email confirming.

Good! But looks like all that waiting wasn't necessary after all.

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.

I haven't looked into it overly much. See reasons above.

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!

Nice!!! Great little score there.

And now the bad news. Some of you may know we live in Baton Rouge. Right now we're preparing for Hurricane Ida.

Yes, I know. I've been thinking of you guys and hoping for the best...

We really lucked out. Ida moved to the east and spared us a direct hit.

...and I'm glad to hear that you were spared the brunt of the storm.

Neither I or Michelle suffered any damage to our homes.

Thank goodness! Very happy to hear that.

 

[pkondz]

However, now their AC had decided to teeter into issues. So it's been hot, but with power we can at least use fans.

Oh, geez! It doesn't end!

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?

Similar feeling that I've had, (forest fires, instead of hurricanes) so I'm familiar with that.

we got the official notification that our flight saturday has been cancelled.

Not surprised, unfortunately.

While we were originally flying out of new orleans this saturday morning, we are now DRIVING.

Figured that would happen. Well... I wasn't sure if you'd cancel... but if you weren't, thought you'd drive.

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,

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.

Glad that worked out well.

Danielle was actually able to get us several snack and meal coupons for family and friends through her cast member hub.

Nice!

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.

Awwww...

We’re looking forward to our road trip and escaping to the Bubble. Thanks to some Fuzzy Disney Math I get one more night with Danielle.

Disney math is the best math.

 

[vamassey1]

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

Thank you for thinking of us! It really was much better than they expected.

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!

Thank you so much! I think those prayers really worked for us.

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!

Thank you for the prayers. The news was very scary and it really was bad for so many in the state and all the way to the East Coast.

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

As Michelle reported the trip is still on just a little different.

 

[vamassey1]

That's awesome that you can both be so flexible and make the trip happen! I personally love a road trip - we live in Pittsburgh and have made the 15-hour drive to Orlando on many, many occasions. As you said, it just adds to the adventure! Have a safe, fun and magical trip

Wow 15 hours that's a real road trip. Dennis and were planning on driving for out Thanksgiving trip so I guess I'll be checking out the roads ahead of the trip.

So glad you’re all ok and even better than you can still visit with Danielle. New plans sounds good and I’ve no doubt you’ll be hugging your wee sister even more tightly than usual when you see her. Stay safe and have fun

Thank you Moira!

 

[vamassey1]

Not too bad. Weekends (mostly) off.

That has ended. Her normal days off have been Wednesday and Thursday but that should change again.

I have not heard of this. Sounds interesting.

My goal is to try and complete this.
]

m not hearing much, because... well... I have no idea if/when I'll get back there. So not keeping up to date overly much.

I understand that. Still hoping you get back soon.

She looks happy.
Did she keep that mug?

Yes she did. She's very proud of her Tiki mug.

Okay, that's cool!

She has her information meeting scheduled on my last day. I'm hoping to get the scoop before I leave.

Did she like it?

She did!

Poor thing is working so hard, she fell asleep. Awww.

Yikes. I had no idea. They should easily be making enough to make expenses... not using up their own money.

Their rent is much higher than in the past, but they also live in a really great complex.

I presume this would be from more senior CMs?

That would be correct.

I'm looking forward to it, but... will make up my mind if/when I ride it.

I'm going to give it a shot too.

I haven't looked into it overly much. See reasons above.

Nice!!! Great little score there.

We were impressed.

Yes, I know. I've been thinking of you guys and hoping for the best...

Thank you!

...and I'm glad to hear that you were spared the brunt of the storm.

We are very blessed compared to so many.

Thank goodness! Very happy to hear that.

Thank you!

 

[vamassey1]

Disney math is the best math.

Absolutely!

 

[vamassey1]

We have Power!

Michelle got power back Wednesday afternoon and I got power back today around 3. That also means I have power at work tomorrow and will actually have to work. Wish us luck since we won't be getting on the road until after 5.

I can't believe we're actually heading out tomorrow. I feel like we lost so much time with everything happening this past week. I hope I can sleep tonight. I'll be cool but will also be fighting the "night before you leave" excitement.

I'm hoping to check in while we're there. If we're friends on Facebook I'm sure you'll see some of our fun. I'll also post some on Instagram. I'm vamassey1.

 

[PittypatBR]

I am so glad you didn't have damage and you are able to still make your trip. It is a shame about the flight, but sounds as though y'all are making the best of it. Go have a wonderful time with your girls, and we will be looking forward to hearing all about it! And YAY for power! We have been LOVING the whole house generator we put in last year, but glad that ours came back on yesterday too. Hope you have a safe and wonderful trip!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

So glad you’ve got the power back.
Have a wonderful trip. Safe travels

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

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.

Ha! I think on family road trips that is me!

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.

Good! It will be a long drive home! A good nights sleep will be needed.

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.

So glad you guys are still able to go!

Good Luck and Have Fun! I am sure after all of this, it will be even better to be in Disney!!!

 

[pkondz]

That has ended. Her normal days off have been Wednesday and Thursday but that should change again.

Ah. That can have its benefits too. I love having my days off in the middle of the week.

I understand that. Still hoping you get back soon.

<sigh> Who knows?

Yes she did. She's very proud of her Tiki mug.

Their rent is much higher than in the past, but they also live in a really great complex.

Huh. I would've thought the rent would be lower for CPs.

Michelle got power back Wednesday afternoon and I got power back today around 3.

Good!!! Very happy to hear that.

That also means I have power at work tomorrow and will actually have to work.

Whoops!
Gotta take the bad with the good?

Wish us luck since we won't be getting on the road until after 5.

Good luck!

I can't believe we're actually heading out tomorrow.

And now that's today! Have a great time!!!

I hope I can sleep tonight. I'll be cool but will also be fighting the "night before you leave" excitement.

 

[jdd]

Have a great trip!

 

[vamassey1]

We're Back and still Recovering!

I'm so sorry we've been off the boards but it was a good trip and we're still trying to live outside the bubble. The time period leading up to the trip was just so much and then coming back to everyone still recovering from Ida has been a bit much. I work in the Insurance Industry so I've been swamped since I got back. I arrived home around 7 pm and went straight to work the next day. We did drive right through the area the hurricane went through on I-12. Michelle got some video and it affected our drive going down and coming back.

We had a great visit with Danielle. She did apply to extend and received her acceptance. She has until Monday to pay the fee and accept. She is also applying for extensions for other positions including working at the Starcruiser as part of the opening crew.

I will try to get caught up on everyone's reports as soon as I have time.

 

[pkondz]

it was a good trip

Good!! And welcome back!

The time period leading up to the trip was just so much and then coming back to everyone still recovering from Ida has been a bit much.

I work in the Insurance Industry so I've been swamped since I got back.

Oh, man! I can't even imagine!

We had a great visit with Danielle.

That's great!

She did apply to extend and received her acceptance

Good for her!

She is also applying for extensions for other positions including working at the Starcruiser as part of the opening crew.

How cool would that be?!??

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Welcome Back! I saw some of the pictures, it looked like you had a great time! Can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[buzzrelly]

I know I'm late and you've been through quite the whirlwind!

I've been very busy getting ready to host our monthly Book Club meeting.

What have you been reading? I've been looking for some book suggestions for my audible.

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.

That's actually really cute. Maybe Mike and I will have to do this in October.

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.

How fun!

She was thrilled when she finally got to start training for Stocking. She also earned 2 keys on the same day.

Awesome!

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.

I'm on the fence with you. This is definitely a wait and see what happens, for me.

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!

Oh my goodness! That's super cool!

Right now we're preparing for Hurricane Ida.

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.

I'm so glad you guys made it through that ok but it must've been so scary!

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.

I actually think if my drive was 10 ours, I would always do it rather that deal with the stress of flying. But definitely not easy to do pregnant!

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.

Perfect!

We had a great visit with Danielle. She did apply to extend and received her acceptance.

That's so exciting! So glad you had a great trip! It was fun following along on facebook!

 

[vamassey1]

I am so glad you didn't have damage and you are able to still make your trip.

We were very thankful and blessed.

It is a shame about the flight, but sounds as though y'all are making the best of it.

We didn't let the cancelled flights bring us down.

Go have a wonderful time with your girls, and we will be looking forward to hearing all about it!

Thank you! We had a great girls trip.

And YAY for power! We have been LOVING the whole house generator we put in last year, but glad that ours came back on yesterday too. Hope you have a safe and wonderful trip!

So glad you survived too. I have a lot of customers who really appreciated their whole house generators.