Steppesister
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2013
- Messages
- 13,284
Come one; come all! Welcome to Part 2 of the ABC’s of Pre-Trip Planning, where everyone is family! A place where you can be who you are; where you can join in the chatter because you matter.
I decided to launch Pt. 2 even though, with the new DIS, threads can be 250 pages. But I anticipated Pt 1 would have probably gone over that, and Pt 2 would have been pretty short comparatively. I was likely going to have to start a new one anyway, so why not now? I can put the contest on Page 1 for easy reference, and so others who may have been a bit overwhelmed with trying to find it can easily see it and jump right in. (You know you want to.)
The WHO: (Hint, I’m not Baba O’Riley)-
I’m Liesa AKA Steppesister AKA Queen Steppe. I’ll respond to all of those and possibly anything else you can throw at me. I can speak Crapistani, so be careful if you insult me in an elevator and think I can’t understand you. I’m 39, going on 39, again. Same as the last 10 years. I’ve lived in 4 countries on 4 continents, and at 39, I am still continent. Hmmm…. Let’s see… I have a BS in Elem. Ed, and now an ADN in Nursing and am 1 day shy of being an RN. More on that in a sec. I have 5 amaze balls kids- Andrew, 25, living in Guam and (mostly) proudly serving in the US Army as a Satellite Technologist; Rebekah, 23, an LPN living about a half hour away; Michaela, 21, my wild card kids who loves politics and studying a double major of Marketing and Business Management at Oregon State (go Beavers!); Zachary, 18, who struggles somewhat with some learning disabilities and a Junior at our local High School, but is VERY determined and has a heart of gold; and Anara, 14, my sassy Freshman, who reminds me of 3 year old Brain from Pinky and the Brain. I’m married to a Disney Hater, so solo trips with the option of Meet Ups for Ladies Trips are how I roll. My favorite park is EPCOT followed CLOSELY by AK. I typically don’t like parades, don’t do character meets, and my favorite ride is probably either PoTC or HM. I was a Cast Member at DLR for about a year during college as a hostess at the Blue Bayou Restaurant.
Things still on my bucket list: Visit West Africa and worship and dance to traditional drumming in an outdoor church, learn to fly, get a job as a fixed wing flight nurse, own a ’63 Corvette, open a 1940s-style dinner and dance restaurant, fit into my wedding dress again. Some of those are obviously more likely than others, like owning a Corvette.
The WHY: (I don’t really need a reason, but this one rocks)
This trip, soooooooooooo long in the making, came about when I set out on the goal of getting my Nursing Degree. Way more than 2 years ago. But I started sharing my journey with DISLand about that time, when a Graduation Celebration Trip became more than just a dream. MANY changes were made along the way, from 10 people, down to 3, and then 4 for part of it. I’ve added some amazing extras to this making it one big fat Palooza. And… it’s not too late for you to join. We have a little DISParty in the making, and we’d love to see you too at the many planned events.
So where do things stand today?
I’ve suffered through and conquered the 2 horrible, but rewarding years of Nursing School, had many, MANY hours of Clinicals in settings such as the Neuro Trauma Unit, the Med-Surg Floor, ICU, the ED, the OR and others. It was FUN! Since then, I’ve also found my dream job as a PACU Nurse (post anesthesia care unit/ “the recovery room”) and am on my way to learning a whole bunch more. The last step of this journey is passing my National Boards (called the NCLEX) which I’ll take on Wednesday, July, 20th. THAT’S TOMMORROW!! If you think about it, I could use your prayers and good thoughts at 8:00. This trip is about celebrating all of that. And you’re invited!
The WHERE:
A really cool split stay at AoA and AKL. Never stayed at either of those, so 2 more off my list. (Previously, I’ve stayed at Ft Wilderness, POR, the Poly, and POP). Then after the Disney portion, The Hubs and I will be spending 3 ½ days in the Keys, based on Islamorada.
The WHEN:
Leaving Seattle, even though we live MUCH closer to Portland, on October 10th, and returning October 24th. The kids will fly home from WDW on the 20th. There are DIS group events planned on the 14th, 15th, and 16th. We’d LOVE to have you hang out with us!!
The HOW:
Here’s what I’ve shared so far for a quick tutorial, if you’re disinclined to go back and read the entire first thread. Although, doing so may increase your accuracy in the Contest that you’ll find in post #4.
May I just interject here that entering will be worth your time.
So, without further ado, here is the Plan as it stands (subject to change without notice or legal obligation; Licensed, Bonded, and Insured; CCB #A113)
Day 1- (Yes, I’m counting Travel Day as an official Day)
Monday, 10/10
Travel
DTD (nope, still not changing)
Jock Lindsay’s, Legos, etc…
Dinner at Raglan Rd.
Day 2-
Tuesday, 10/11
AM EPCOT
PM MK
MNSSHP
Day 3-
Wednesday, 10/12
AM AK; lunch @ Harambe Market
PM MK; Counter Service (prob. CHH)
Day 4-
Thursday, 10/13
AM DHS- Breakfast at Starring Rolls
Pool Break- Lunch pizza by pool
PM EPCOT- Behind the Seeds Tour; possibly dinner at CReef, otherwise F&WA
Day 5-
Friday, 10/14
AM AK
Pool Break
GRADUATION DINNER at (hopefully) FF, otherwise at Captain’s Grill
Yeehaw Bob show at POR- 9:30
Day 6-
Saturday, 10/15
NO Parks Day
DTD for CS lunch (EoS or WGPE)
Trader Sam’s for appies/drinks with DISCrew
Vic and Al’s 7:00
Day 7-
Sunday, 10/16
Mike arrives PM
AM MK- Lunch at Skipper’s Canteen
PM EPCOT- Dinner at VN
La Cava with DISCrew
Day 8-
Monday, 10/17
AM AK- Lunch at Sanaa
3:00 Steppe and Anara do the Wanyama Tour
Dinner at Jiko after tour
PM stuff at AKL
Day 9-
Tuesday, 10/18
AM DHS
PM MK- Lunch at BOG
Dinner for Mike and Steppe at Artist Point
Dessert in Territory Lounge
Day 10-
Wednesday, 10/19
AM MK- No ADR
PM EPCOT- F&W
Day 11-
Thursday, 10/20
Breakfast at Boma
Travel Day- Kids go home; Mom and Dad go to the Keys
And that’s what we have. I may do a little fine tuning as I take a closer look at park hours, but by and large, this is what we’ll stick to. The nice part is that we have the Hoppers and can do whatever we darn well please in our comings and goings.
What’s yet to come in Part II:
Snack Time
Dressed for Success
Packing Lists
To Memory Make or Not
Tate Makes a Guest Appearance
Gussying up the Windows
Fast Passing Picks
Shop Around the World
Food and Wine Planning
Costuming the Kiddlywinks
A note to the Lurkers: We’d love to get to know you! Say howdy and introduce yourself. Most of us don’t bite (I already know who is going to pipe in and say, “speak for yourself.”) and the chatter is what makes these threads fun. Remember, YOU MATTER!
Now, let’s get this party started!
I decided to launch Pt. 2 even though, with the new DIS, threads can be 250 pages. But I anticipated Pt 1 would have probably gone over that, and Pt 2 would have been pretty short comparatively. I was likely going to have to start a new one anyway, so why not now? I can put the contest on Page 1 for easy reference, and so others who may have been a bit overwhelmed with trying to find it can easily see it and jump right in. (You know you want to.)
The WHO: (Hint, I’m not Baba O’Riley)-
I’m Liesa AKA Steppesister AKA Queen Steppe. I’ll respond to all of those and possibly anything else you can throw at me. I can speak Crapistani, so be careful if you insult me in an elevator and think I can’t understand you. I’m 39, going on 39, again. Same as the last 10 years. I’ve lived in 4 countries on 4 continents, and at 39, I am still continent. Hmmm…. Let’s see… I have a BS in Elem. Ed, and now an ADN in Nursing and am 1 day shy of being an RN. More on that in a sec. I have 5 amaze balls kids- Andrew, 25, living in Guam and (mostly) proudly serving in the US Army as a Satellite Technologist; Rebekah, 23, an LPN living about a half hour away; Michaela, 21, my wild card kids who loves politics and studying a double major of Marketing and Business Management at Oregon State (go Beavers!); Zachary, 18, who struggles somewhat with some learning disabilities and a Junior at our local High School, but is VERY determined and has a heart of gold; and Anara, 14, my sassy Freshman, who reminds me of 3 year old Brain from Pinky and the Brain. I’m married to a Disney Hater, so solo trips with the option of Meet Ups for Ladies Trips are how I roll. My favorite park is EPCOT followed CLOSELY by AK. I typically don’t like parades, don’t do character meets, and my favorite ride is probably either PoTC or HM. I was a Cast Member at DLR for about a year during college as a hostess at the Blue Bayou Restaurant.
Things still on my bucket list: Visit West Africa and worship and dance to traditional drumming in an outdoor church, learn to fly, get a job as a fixed wing flight nurse, own a ’63 Corvette, open a 1940s-style dinner and dance restaurant, fit into my wedding dress again. Some of those are obviously more likely than others, like owning a Corvette.
The WHY: (I don’t really need a reason, but this one rocks)
This trip, soooooooooooo long in the making, came about when I set out on the goal of getting my Nursing Degree. Way more than 2 years ago. But I started sharing my journey with DISLand about that time, when a Graduation Celebration Trip became more than just a dream. MANY changes were made along the way, from 10 people, down to 3, and then 4 for part of it. I’ve added some amazing extras to this making it one big fat Palooza. And… it’s not too late for you to join. We have a little DISParty in the making, and we’d love to see you too at the many planned events.
So where do things stand today?
I’ve suffered through and conquered the 2 horrible, but rewarding years of Nursing School, had many, MANY hours of Clinicals in settings such as the Neuro Trauma Unit, the Med-Surg Floor, ICU, the ED, the OR and others. It was FUN! Since then, I’ve also found my dream job as a PACU Nurse (post anesthesia care unit/ “the recovery room”) and am on my way to learning a whole bunch more. The last step of this journey is passing my National Boards (called the NCLEX) which I’ll take on Wednesday, July, 20th. THAT’S TOMMORROW!! If you think about it, I could use your prayers and good thoughts at 8:00. This trip is about celebrating all of that. And you’re invited!
The WHERE:
A really cool split stay at AoA and AKL. Never stayed at either of those, so 2 more off my list. (Previously, I’ve stayed at Ft Wilderness, POR, the Poly, and POP). Then after the Disney portion, The Hubs and I will be spending 3 ½ days in the Keys, based on Islamorada.
The WHEN:
Leaving Seattle, even though we live MUCH closer to Portland, on October 10th, and returning October 24th. The kids will fly home from WDW on the 20th. There are DIS group events planned on the 14th, 15th, and 16th. We’d LOVE to have you hang out with us!!
The HOW:
Here’s what I’ve shared so far for a quick tutorial, if you’re disinclined to go back and read the entire first thread. Although, doing so may increase your accuracy in the Contest that you’ll find in post #4.

So, without further ado, here is the Plan as it stands (subject to change without notice or legal obligation; Licensed, Bonded, and Insured; CCB #A113)
Day 1- (Yes, I’m counting Travel Day as an official Day)
Monday, 10/10
Travel
DTD (nope, still not changing)
Jock Lindsay’s, Legos, etc…
Dinner at Raglan Rd.
Day 2-
Tuesday, 10/11
AM EPCOT
PM MK
MNSSHP
Day 3-
Wednesday, 10/12
AM AK; lunch @ Harambe Market
PM MK; Counter Service (prob. CHH)
Day 4-
Thursday, 10/13
AM DHS- Breakfast at Starring Rolls
Pool Break- Lunch pizza by pool
PM EPCOT- Behind the Seeds Tour; possibly dinner at CReef, otherwise F&WA
Day 5-
Friday, 10/14
AM AK
Pool Break
GRADUATION DINNER at (hopefully) FF, otherwise at Captain’s Grill
Yeehaw Bob show at POR- 9:30
Day 6-
Saturday, 10/15
NO Parks Day
DTD for CS lunch (EoS or WGPE)
Trader Sam’s for appies/drinks with DISCrew
Vic and Al’s 7:00
Day 7-
Sunday, 10/16
Mike arrives PM
AM MK- Lunch at Skipper’s Canteen
PM EPCOT- Dinner at VN
La Cava with DISCrew
Day 8-
Monday, 10/17
AM AK- Lunch at Sanaa
3:00 Steppe and Anara do the Wanyama Tour
Dinner at Jiko after tour
PM stuff at AKL
Day 9-
Tuesday, 10/18
AM DHS
PM MK- Lunch at BOG
Dinner for Mike and Steppe at Artist Point
Dessert in Territory Lounge
Day 10-
Wednesday, 10/19
AM MK- No ADR
PM EPCOT- F&W
Day 11-
Thursday, 10/20
Breakfast at Boma
Travel Day- Kids go home; Mom and Dad go to the Keys
And that’s what we have. I may do a little fine tuning as I take a closer look at park hours, but by and large, this is what we’ll stick to. The nice part is that we have the Hoppers and can do whatever we darn well please in our comings and goings.
What’s yet to come in Part II:
Snack Time
Dressed for Success
Packing Lists
To Memory Make or Not
Tate Makes a Guest Appearance
Gussying up the Windows
Fast Passing Picks
Shop Around the World
Food and Wine Planning
Costuming the Kiddlywinks
A note to the Lurkers: We’d love to get to know you! Say howdy and introduce yourself. Most of us don’t bite (I already know who is going to pipe in and say, “speak for yourself.”) and the chatter is what makes these threads fun. Remember, YOU MATTER!
Now, let’s get this party started!
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