ADRs, Touring Plans, Free Dining, What?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Disney mail is always exciting no matter how often one may get it.

 

[lazydoxy66]

Last night my very best friend, L, stayed over at my place with her family. We've been BFF since highschool. They got back from Italy about a year ago. Her DH was in the AF. They now live in Ohio. It's about a 4 hour drive. I've been there a couple of times. This is the first time they've stayed with us. We had a great time. Here are some pics.
She brought some authentic Italian wine. L is on the left.

GOOD STUFF!!
This is her oldest, B. I think she's a future DISer. Look at the braces. Her nails were also lime green.

The middle, A. My God Daughter and Future Soccer Champ!

The youngest, C. Future Vet. or zoo keeper. She loves animals.

They loved the dogs and cats and the neighbors' horses. It was a beautiful day yesterday and today and they loved the countryside, the stars, the peace and quiet. The tree frogs and darkness freaked them a little.

L is the one I will probably be going to WDW with next year. Grown girls only. Much to the shock and disbelief of her family!!! Get over it dudes! We're already talking about it. She is a complete newbie!!! It will be a wild ride, I'm sure!!!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Glad you had fun with your friends, how lucky to get to live in Italy.

 

[lazydoxy66]

I have gotten the tags for our luggage and my Baggallini done. This is the one for the Baggallini.

The luggage ones have our address and such on the back side.

I ordered these postcards from www.vistaprint.com

I know it's cheating a little but I think they came out great. It will save me some time because I can go ahead and address and stamp them now. Then all I have to do is write a little note like 'We're at Disney and your not.' They have a lot of great ideas on the site, from notepads to window clings. Some of it is free.

I have a few left over. If anyone would like me to send them one just PM your address to me.

 

[2BusyPlanning]

I ordered these postcards from www.vistaprint.com

I have a few left over. If anyone would like me to send them one just PM your address to me.

Oooo, ooo me, me! Please?!

 

[PrincessV]

What a relief when I saw that beautiful blue and white envelope.

I think it's cool as all get-out, because I've never seen one before! Nope, I rarely get anything in the mail form The Mouse, I guess since I reserve online and don't get packages. Still, it would be nice to see something in teh mailbox once in a while.

L is the one I will probably be going to WDW with next year. Grown girls only. Much to the shock and disbelief of her family!!! Get over it dudes! We're already talking about it.

Do it - you'll have a blast!

Then all I have to do is write a little note like 'We're at Disney and your not.'

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Love the look on your hubby's face holding Mickey's letter!

Sounds great that you will have another trip to look forward to after this one and bringing a newbie is so much fun.

 

[lazydoxy66]

I think it's cool as all get-out, because I've never seen one before! Nope, I rarely get anything in the mail form The Mouse, I guess since I reserve online and don't get packages. Still, it would be nice to see something in teh mailbox once in a while.


Do it - you'll have a blast!

I booked on-line, but I did get a package. I would think that they would still send you something about your room.

Love the look on your hubby's face holding Mickey's letter!

Sounds great that you will have another trip to look forward to after this one and bringing a newbie is so much fun.

She seems pretty excited about it and it is not even confirmed yet. I am probably creating another crazy DISer.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I booked on-line, but I did get a package. I would think that they would still send you something about your room.

Nope you don't get anything in the mail when you make room only reservations. They will sometimes send you an e-mail confirmation though.

 

[jcc0621]

Nope you don't get anything in the mail when you make room only reservations. They will sometimes send you an e-mail confirmation though.

Pretty much...the only thing I got in the mail was my ME package, nothing about the room. It stinks doesn't it.

 

[2BusyPlanning]

Hey, Kristal! I am so excited, I just needed to tell someone! I got an email (more like a notification of a private message) from a site that rhymes with Tour Guide Ike and it included several discount codes for upcoming dates. So, I emailed my travel agency in the a.m. and asked her if I qualified. Well, I didn't hear back until after dinner. The phone rang and it was one of the lovely people from the agency, telling me that everyone in the office was on the phone at opening time switching everyone over to the new offers - all on their very own!!! Mind you, it only saved me a little over $300, but I can't say enough about this agency!

Last year when free dining was announced, they did the same exact thing. Switched everyone up to free dining, all day long - as long as the resorts were available. And I don't remember reading that anyone was turned away from the resort they wanted. I even upgraded resorts back then.

I know they are sponsors on another big WDW fan site, but if ANYONE books a WDW vacation - use Kingdom Konsultants! You get the same price quotes as the WDW web site, so they do not charge a thing to use them. And they earn every penny of their commission with Disney.

OK, if that's not a commercial, then I don't know what is!

Whew!

 

[2BusyPlanning]

Psst... I started my pre-trip report...

 

[lazydoxy66]

Hey, Kristal! I am so excited, I just needed to tell someone! I got an email (more like a notification of a private message) from a site that rhymes with Tour Guide Ike and it included several discount codes for upcoming dates. So, I emailed my travel agency in the a.m. and asked her if I qualified. Well, I didn't hear back until after dinner. The phone rang and it was one of the lovely people from the agency, telling me that everyone in the office was on the phone at opening time switching everyone over to the new offers - all on their very own!!! Mind you, it only saved me a little over $300, but I can't say enough about this agency!

Last year when free dining was announced, they did the same exact thing. Switched everyone up to free dining, all day long - as long as the resorts were available. And I don't remember reading that anyone was turned away from the resort they wanted. I even upgraded resorts back then.

I know they are sponsors on another big WDW fan site, but if ANYONE books a WDW vacation - use Kingdom Konsultants! You get the same price quotes as the WDW web site, so they do not charge a thing to use them. And they earn every penny of their commission with Disney.

OK, if that's not a commercial, then I don't know what is!

Whew!

Psst... I started my pre-trip report...

Cool and Double Cool!!!!!

I'm heading over to your PTR right now!

 

[lazydoxy66]

Andre Willey has started a new POR information thread. Check it out!!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=26945188#post26945188

 

[rebecca06261]

Can you believe that I just noticed the link to your ptr in your siggy??? I'm all caught up now!

It is a little over 1,000 miles from my front door to WDW. (I'm trying not to think about that too hard.) Actually, the halfway mark would be north of Atlanta. I found what looks to be a 'peach' of a town called Cartersville. The Comfort Inn at this town had good reveiws.

It looks like one of those nice local towns, with beautiful buildings, good food and nice people. The Etowah Indian Mounds are near here also. I think it will be a pleasant stop. And I got a discount on the hotel room through my insurance - $59.13/night, tax included. I booked it for the way back home too.

Next: ADRs and BAD NEWS!

You'll only be about 30 minutes from me! Cartersville is a nice little community and definitely recommend staying there. I know where the hotel is and it seems to be pretty safe! There's isn't too much to see right off the interstate, so if you're looking for the grub and for things to look at, you'll need to venture into Cartersville. I'll PM you with my phone number, that way you can call if you need help with anything!

Alright so most of the work of planning is done at this point. I've got the ressies for hotels and car and dining complete. I've paid for the trip, as far as WDW's part. I've got money in the bank to cover the rest. Here's my complete IT including some extras.

Sept. 5th - Friday
I pick up the rental car and we pack it that evening. I am packing a separate duffle for the overnights at Georgia so we can leave the big suitcase in the trunk. I'm also going to fry some chicken and make some kind of salad. I thought it would be nice to stop at a park or rest stop and have a picnic lunch on the way down.

Saturday - Leave between 4 and 5AM. If we see anything interesting to visit on the way down, we've got plenty of time to stop and enjoy it. Eat our picnic lunch. Check in at Cartersville around 4PMish.

Sunday
Up early again. We would like to visit Gatorland before we go to WDW. DH loves reptiles. Next we will check in at POR around 5PM.

Then we'll unpack, eat CS at the Riverside Mill Food Court and either explore the resort grounds or go to DTD.

Monday
Let the party begin! We are starting our vaca. at EP. CS lunch, probably the Tangerine Cafe?? Ride musts are Soarin' and TT. Dinner @ Coral Reef and we might go to DHS in the evening.

Tuesday
DHS day. Ride musts are ToT, R&R and TSM. Lunch @ 50's PTC. Dinner @ RMFC and DTD evening with a snack from Ghirardelli's

Wednesday
MK all the way. Grab a morning bite at the Main St. Bakery. Must do rides are PoTC, HM, JC, SM, BTMR. Not sure where we'll do lunch. Dinner @ BRG&BW.
Carriage ride @ POR in the evening.

Thursday
All day @ AK. Rides to do are KS, EE, Dinosaur. Lunch @ Flame Tree BBQ. Dinner at Boma. In the evening we are going to explore AKL and go to the fire side stories.

Friday
Open day. I suspect we will go back to MK. Take a mid-afternoon pool break then go to SoA. Plan to finish up our anniversary @ EP WS.

Saturday
Head home early AM. Staying @ Cartersville on the way back.

That's the basic plan. I know if we get most of our interests completed or things are just too crowded, we will park hop or go back to the pool. I am taking my UG touring plans. I will try them but no promises.

$$$$$$$$
Show me 'da money.
WDW - POR for 6 nights w/park hopper for 5 days and Free dining = $1669.82
2 nights @ Cartersville $118.26
Rental Car $267.84
Gasoline 60 gal.@ $4.50, est. $270.00
Tips for 4 TS, one is buffet, 5th is SoA, tip included $51.00
Tips for Mousekeeping $12.00
Extra $$$ $500.00

Total $2888.92

Having our 10th Anniversary at WDW------------------PRICELESS!!

I've spent around $400.00 on clothes and other items relating to this trip. I will probably spend about another $50 to $100 on snacks, water and sodas for the coolers.

Next: You Know You've Gone over the Edge When....

Love the itinerary! For such a major trip, you're really doing good with the $$$! Free dining is the BEST!

1. You go one day without the DISboards and you break out into a cold sweat.
2. You make a ticker to add to your signature.
3. You see people hiding from you because they've heard enough about WDW.
4. You sing various tunes like Whistle while you work and It's a small world.
5. You test drive all your essential park gear months in advance.
6. You have your suitcase(s) packed 5 months before your departure.
7. You have more HDMH than you have walls to paint.
8. You make a count down calendar.
9. You start practicing your curtsey for the princesses.
10. You start making things to take with you to WDW.

#10 is the subject of this entry.
I couldn't find any lanyards to suit me. I wanted one to clip my world key and fast passes to. So I made 2. 1 for me and 1 for DH. We have enjoyed the PotC movies. With that theme in mind this is what I came up with:
DH's

Mine

Those are awesome! Where did you get the stuff to make those??

Just a side note here. My DH had a brain tumor removed 6 years ago. He came through with flying colors. Today we found out it is back. He will have to have surgery again followed this time by chemo. This probably won't happen until Oct. or later. It should not interfere with our WDW trip as long as he develops no physical problems. We've been through it before so it's not quite as scary this time. Still very serious though. It will be in the back of our minds from now until it's taken care of. It has been an emotional roller coaster year for us. WDW will be a welcomed respite.

Next: My Review of the Baggallini Messenger Bag

Poor thing, you've really had a rough year filled with highs and lows...

I paid off the loan on my car today!!!! It's a 2005 Kia sporage. Now I hope it will hold up for at least another 5-6 years. I'm putting new tires on it this week also.

We had a little drama Sunday morning. Doug had a seizure as he was walking into work. He felt it coming on and got down on the ground before it hit him. Of course, they had a ambulance come and get him. I had just gotten off work and been asleep for 15 minutes when I got the call. It was 7:30 AM when I got to the ER. We didn't get out until. 11:45 AM. He's had a couple of seizures before. That was 6 years ago and they happened when he was asleep. He didn't really know what had happened when he came out of them. This time he was awake and conscious of everything that was going on. It scared him.

They ran all the usual tests and scans. Nothing unusual showed up. His doctor started changing the anti-seizure meds about 3 weeks ago. Something about compatibility with the upcoming chemo. treatments. So evidently the levels of the meds are causing a little problem. Now he is on a 3rd med. I hope they can get him regulated before WDW.

Next week he should be getting that letter from Mickey!!! Just in time. Something to put a smile on his face. We should be getting stuff from WDW this week also.

I have reconfirmed my car rental and hotel stay at Cartersville.
We are fast approaching the 1 month mark, boys and girls. Hold on to your shorts. I think this month is gonna fly!!!

I think it's time for some SoCo. Catch you later!!!

Congratulations on paying the car off! I only have um... 4.8 years left before Pixie is all mine I hope your DH adjusts well to his medication. Make sure you plan lots of down time into that itinerary of yours

I know a lot of you probably think that getting stuff from Disney in the mail is no big deal. You have to remember, it's been 19 yrs since I was there last and I didn't even plan anything. Heck my DDad made room reservation. I've been sweatin' it for about a week now. 'When's that evelope going to get here. Maybe it's lost in the mail... maybe they dropped our ressie... maybe I didn't do this right... maybe I should call...etc,etc.'
What a relief when I saw that beautiful blue and white envelope.

Everything inside matched what I had reserved. So cool. No computer gremlins so far!!

Doug's surprise letter came also.

This is as close as he gets to a smile. Here's a close-up of the letter.

I thought it was adorable. I wouldn't mind getting one myself. He still laughs at me and calls me a weirdo for doing it. I told him he could ride PotC by himself. And if he can't find me when he disembarks it's probably because I found Capt'n Jack and Capt'n Morgan.

Isn't that just the bestest feeling ever??? The trip finally feels real once the papers arrive Also, why did Mickey leave you out of the card??? It isn't as if you knew about it! Maybe you'll have something a little romantic waiting on you at the resort Just so you know, POR is still my all time fav resort, I know you and DH will love it! Sorry I'm just now catching up but I'm glad I finally made it to the party!

 

[dogodisney]

WooHoo!!!!! We're down to 3 weeks now!

 

[Wannabe Belle]

Checking in!!!!


Only 17 days left for us!!!!!!!

 

[lazydoxy66]

Can you believe that I just noticed the link to your ptr in your siggy??? I'm all caught up now!

Better late than never!

You'll only be about 30 minutes from me! Cartersville is a nice little community and definitely recommend staying there. I know where the hotel is and it seems to be pretty safe! There's isn't too much to see right off the interstate, so if you're looking for the grub and for things to look at, you'll need to venture into Cartersville. I'll PM you with my phone number, that way you can call if you need help with anything!

Cool and thanks!

Love the itinerary! For such a major trip, you're really doing good with the $$$! Free dining is the BEST!

Thanks again!

Those are awesome! Where did you get the stuff to make those??

Local hobby store and on-line. http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/

Poor thing, you've really had a rough year filled with highs and lows...

It will be OK. Keep us in your prayers.

Congratulations on paying the car off! I only have um... 4.8 years left before Pixie is all mine I hope your DH adjusts well to his medication. Make sure you plan lots of down time into that itinerary of yours

Yes I am. I figure almost every day we will return to POR around 2 or 3.

Isn't that just the bestest feeling ever??? The trip finally feels real once the papers arrive Also, why did Mickey leave you out of the card??? It isn't as if you knew about it! Maybe you'll have something a little romantic waiting on you at the resort Just so you know, POR is still my all time fav resort, I know you and DH will love it! Sorry I'm just now catching up but I'm glad I finally made it to the party!

WooHoo!!!!! We're down to 3 weeks now!

Checking in!!!!


Only 17 days left for us!!!!!!!

Guys I am completely freaking!!! I have so much to do. ARRRRGH!!! At least I am done with OT at work now. I actually only have 9 days off between now and when we leave. Thankfully 3 of those days are just before our trip. That will be wonderful.

I'll be making some phone calls to WDW this week just to reconfirm some stuff and make a couple of other ressies for fun stuff. I'll give you an update ASAP.

 

[dogodisney]

I hear ya! I will be busy between now and when we leave. At least it will make the time go faster. I just hope I get everything done.

Good Luck finishing up the last minute details.

 

[Wannabe Belle]

I'm trying to get everything together too. I feel like we are forgetting something and we haven't even left yet!!!