Adulting is Hard, So I'm Running Away! ~ An Oct 2016 PTR ~ Update 10/19: Peace Out, Yo!

[cajunfan]

I do want to do a solo trip, but this one already has other people involved, so I want to have someone as an "escape route" if that makes any sense. I have talked to my sister about joining me. Her and I travel well together and she will follow my lead at all times (she knows that I will get her input and make sure those are considered...although her favorites are pretty much mine too. ) She asked about bringing my great niece Zoe again. I told her I was honestly torn about it. It was a great deal of fun to watch it through her eyes. I most definitely do not want to do the princess route again. (maybe CRT, but that would be it) I also plan on at least one day or two eating and drinking around the world. I also told her that I did not want to bring my niece (Zoe's mom)...so a lot would be how they all fell about that...still thinking it over. Without Zoe's mom, I have enough tickets for us, and we have the room since we are in a suite at AoA. So she would not be any extra cost to me. So something to think about.

That all being said,


In 1 YEAR (and probably about 3-4 hours), I will be arriving at my HAPPY PLACE!!!

If I had more vacation time available, I would seriously consider taking a short solo trip on my birthday in April next year. But I have the big trip next fall and I need to save some vacation time for next year since my son should graduate college in the fall.

 

[Elevationist]

I do want to do a solo trip, but this one already has other people involved, so I want to have someone as an "escape route" if that makes any sense. I have talked to my sister about joining me. Her and I travel well together and she will follow my lead at all times (she knows that I will get her input and make sure those are considered...although her favorites are pretty much mine too. ) She asked about bringing my great niece Zoe again. I told her I was honestly torn about it. It was a great deal of fun to watch it through her eyes. I most definitely do not want to do the princess route again. (maybe CRT, but that would be it) I also plan on at least one day or two eating and drinking around the world. I also told her that I did not want to bring my niece (Zoe's mom)...so a lot would be how they all fell about that...still thinking it over. Without Zoe's mom, I have enough tickets for us, and we have the room since we are in a suite at AoA. So she would not be any extra cost to me. So something to think about.

Lynn, you're free to tell me to butt-out if you like. But I gotta say it... I know you made a lot of compromises on your last trip, and as such, your trip was less than magical for you. I don't think there's anything wrong with insisting on doing this next trip the way YOU want it. And that includes politely declining to include not just your niece, but her little daughter as well. I know she's a little girl, but you shouldn't feel guilty for saying "No, not this time." Declining to bring her doesn't make you a bad person. Bringing along a small child is a VASTLY different experience from an adults-only trip. And honestly, it sounds to me like that's what you really want and need to make up for last year's trip. You should be allowed to come back from Disney absolutely dancing on air over what a great time you had! And I know you weren't after the last trip. You deserve to feel that way after your next one.

That all being said,


In 1 YEAR (and probably about 3-4 hours), I will be arriving at my HAPPY PLACE!!!

1 year!!! YAAAAAAAY!!!

If I had more vacation time available, I would seriously consider taking a short solo trip on my birthday in April next year. But I have the big trip next fall and I need to save some vacation time for next year since my son should graduate college in the fall.

I know what you mean. I would love to do another quick weekend trip in April like I did this year, as it really helps to cut through some of the wait time between big trips! It's just not going to happen this time, though. In my case, I have an overabundance of vacation time... but a shortage of cash.

 

[cajunfan]

Lynn, you're free to tell me to butt-out if you like. But I gotta say it... I know you made a lot of compromises on your last trip, and as such, your trip was less than magical for you. I don't think there's anything wrong with insisting on doing this next trip the way YOU want it. And that includes politely declining to include not just your niece, but her little daughter as well. I know she's a little girl, but you shouldn't feel guilty for saying "No, not this time." Declining to bring her doesn't make you a bad person. Bringing along a small child is a VASTLY different experience from an adults-only trip. And honestly, it sounds to me like that's what you really want and need to make up for last year's trip. You should be allowed to come back from Disney absolutely dancing on air over what a great time you had! And I know you weren't after the last trip. You deserve to feel that way after your next one.

1 year!!! YAAAAAAAY!!!

I know what you mean. I would love to do another quick weekend trip in April like I did this year, as it really helps to cut through some of the wait time between big trips! It's just not going to happen this time, though. In my case, I have an overabundance of vacation time... but a shortage of cash.

Please do state your opinions (after all it is your trip report and I like to hear others thoughts...sometimes I need reinforcement!)

I do have a slight problem with saying no, though...I was brought up with too much Catholic Guilt...I think my mom has a hotline to God...she is a retired religion teacher (from a Catholic school) and still works for the priest of her local parish. She really knows how to work it.

It's weird...there were a lot of different dynamics that played into the less than magical May trip (I will send you a pm). The only one that involved my sister or Zoe was the fact that the were there for just 4 days and I felt a need to rush things. So I feel like it may not be fair to not take them due to my last trip experience. I think a trip for the length of time with just the two of them might be magical and fun...much more relaxed pace.

Anywho, I definitely want to do a solo trip...thinking once my house is paid off in a few years, I may be doing just that multiple times a year!

Thanks for reminding me, though that I need this to be a magical trip.

 

[IowaTater]

Per usual, I'm late to another party (I'm so far behind on everyone's TRs & PTRs that I haven't even updated mine yet). However, it's always time to dance.



I'm going to have to take some pictures of Oshie for you. His personality is definitely similar to Butters.

I LOVE that cake! You're an awesome friend & co-worker!

 

[huggybuff]

Sorry I missed your 1 year dance par-tay...I have majorly sucked these past 2 weeks at keeping up w/PTRs.

I can't even just read a book in peace. That dang Butters, man. He's RELENTLESS.

My Elektra has such a one-track mind about food, she'll send herself into a panic if she can start to see the bottom of the dish at all. She'll knock things over, wake me up in the middle of the night or even throw up because she's in such a state. Weirdo. I swear I don't starve her.

in the mornings as I'm leaving out the door for work, I often tell them "Be good, boys! Mama's gotta go to work to buy you kitty food!"

I say I work to keep my kitties in kibble.


One week from tonight I'll be at Hoop Dee Doo, what the....? I can't believe it!

 

[LindseyJo22]

I love your final day plans

Our lunch at Biergarten a couple of years ago was pretty awesome! We really enjoyed the show and the food was good, too (especially the dessert in my memory)

Hope you guys really enjoy it - and I'm glad you have some buffer to deal with the stranger issue. One thing I'm glad about when we travel with my husband's family is that we're a group of 6, so that usually prevents any really weird table sharing situations

 

[Elevationist]

Please do state your opinions (after all it is your trip report and I like to hear others thoughts...sometimes I need reinforcement!)

I do have a slight problem with saying no, though...I was brought up with too much Catholic Guilt...I think my mom has a hotline to God...she is a retired religion teacher (from a Catholic school) and still works for the priest of her local parish. She really knows how to work it.

It's weird...there were a lot of different dynamics that played into the less than magical May trip (I will send you a pm). The only one that involved my sister or Zoe was the fact that the were there for just 4 days and I felt a need to rush things. So I feel like it may not be fair to not take them due to my last trip experience. I think a trip for the length of time with just the two of them might be magical and fun...much more relaxed pace.

Anywho, I definitely want to do a solo trip...thinking once my house is paid off in a few years, I may be doing just that multiple times a year!

Thanks for reminding me, though that I need this to be a magical trip.

We BOTH need to remember to have magical trips!!!

Per usual, I'm late to another party (I'm so far behind on everyone's TRs & PTRs that I haven't even updated mine yet). However, it's always time to dance.

YAAAAY!!! Those dances though, especially the second one, omg.

I'm going to have to take some pictures of Oshie for you. His personality is definitely similar to Butters.

Please do! I love furbaby photos!

I LOVE that cake! You're an awesome friend & co-worker!

Yeah, I'm pretty amazing.

Sorry I missed your 1 year dance par-tay...I have majorly sucked these past 2 weeks at keeping up w/PTRs.

Well, to be fair, you've been a little preoccupied preparing for your own trip NEXT WEEK, omg!!!

My Elektra has such a one-track mind about food, she'll send herself into a panic if she can start to see the bottom of the dish at all. She'll knock things over, wake me up in the middle of the night or even throw up because she's in such a state. Weirdo. I swear I don't starve her.

BAHAHA!!! OMG, Butters does the exaaaact same thing. That cat hasn't gona hungry a day in his pampered like... But if he sees even a peep of the bottom of his food dish, he loses his mind and won't give me any peace!!!

I say I work to keep my kitties in kibble.

Ain't that the truth, girl!

One week from tonight I'll be at Hoop Dee Doo, what the....? I can't believe it!

I KNOWWWW. You're trip is soooo close... I'm a peanut butter and jealous sandwich!!!

 

[cajunfan]

My Elektra has such a one-track mind about food, she'll send herself into a panic if she can start to see the bottom of the dish at all. She'll knock things over, wake me up in the middle of the night or even throw up because she's in such a state. Weirdo. I swear I don't starve her.

I say I work to keep my kitties in kibble.

We BOTH need to remember to have magical trips!!!

BAHAHA!!! OMG, Butters does the exaaaact same thing. That cat hasn't gona hungry a day in his pampered like... But if he sees even a peep of the bottom of his food dish, he loses his mind and won't give me any peace!!!

Yes we do need to remember that!

This is so funny. I have a dog that does something similar. The one in the picture (Dunkin)...we usually keep a Rubbermaid bin with a 50 lb bag of dog food in it. When I go to fill the dishes in the morning, he has to supervise. And if the bin is down to about a 1/4 the way full he gets visibly anxious. If he sees the bottom he starts "rationing" his food...in other words the food bowl won't be totally empty the next morning. When I come in the house with a fresh bag of food he does his "Happy Dance". And heaven forbid I leave it near the door instead of bringing it to the room where they are fed...he will guard that bag with his life... Now doesn't he look like a starving dog?

Good thing we love our fury friends!

Have a Happy Fun Halloween! I hope it's filled with the good full size candy bars, LOL!

 

[Wood Nymph]

She was raised in Hawaii, and is spending her b-day at WDW, and I found this cake because I'm awesome...

The cake is awesome. I hope she reciprocates with an equally nice cake for your birthday.

I have to agree with you about saying no to people in order to have the Disney trip that you want. We had a similar thing where our grown up daughter felt she had to invite certain family members out of an obligation of some sorts. The trip was a disaster for her with her ending up crying, etc. These trips are expensive and they shouldn't be miserable. So she finally had the nerve to say "no" to this family member. It was hard but it had to be done. And the funny thing is that this family member ended up having a much better experience with a different family dynamic that did not include this daughter. So there really are two ways to look at a trip. Just because you think the person will be happy if they are invited along, that might not be the case.

 

[huggybuff]

2nd attempt at a response here - Elektra closed the window last time before I finished. The little monster.

Well, to be fair, you've been a little preoccupied preparing for your own trip NEXT WEEK, omg!!!

True. Mostly it was pressure at work to get everything cleaned up before I take off. And the waking up super early to get my runs in, followed by getting to bed equally early. And now it's really almost time!!!

BAHAHA!!! OMG, Butters does the exaaaact same thing. That cat hasn't gona hungry a day in his pampered like... But if he sees even a peep of the bottom of his food dish, he loses his mind and won't give me any peace!!!

I thought Elektra was the only one to have such freaky quirks about food. It is definitely her #1 priority in life. James slots it #3, behind Loves and Play. He loooves his cuddle time with Mommy.

I KNOWWWW. You're trip is soooo close... I'm a peanut butter and jealous sandwich!!!

Chomp Chomp. Your other trip is coming up soon enough. I always mean to get over to that thread but the page number is so daunting, lol.

 

[Steppesister]

Well, Crap. MIssed your party. Like by a lot. I haven't figured out how to do the .gif thing yet, so a few dancing, celebrating happy friends will have to cheer on this day!!

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

Joining in. I've seen you on a few other threads I pop in on but followed from your amazing dining review!

We shall sadly miss the opportunity to do a meet by one day next year!

And in catching up.. I saw a lot of chatter around The Wave being discussed... I still think about that steak. I LOVE a good steak.. one I can cut with a butter knife and it be perfectly medium rare. Yes please all day long! I've probabky told my DF aboit that steak 20 times since I had it in 2013. I'm not sure why it's such an under appreciated place.. maybe being in essentially the basement of the contempo?

 

[IowaTater]

Sorry I'm so late responding back. These last couple of weeks have really been a bear (I'll explain more in my PTR).

YAAAAY!!! Those dances though, especially the second one, omg.

You KNOW I had to throw a New Kids one in there.

I can't believe we're almost at 11 months out!!

 

[Elevationist]

Yes we do need to remember that!

This is so funny. I have a dog that does something similar. The one in the picture (Dunkin)...we usually keep a Rubbermaid bin with a 50 lb bag of dog food in it. When I go to fill the dishes in the morning, he has to supervise. And if the bin is down to about a 1/4 the way full he gets visibly anxious. If he sees the bottom he starts "rationing" his food...in other words the food bowl won't be totally empty the next morning. When I come in the house with a fresh bag of food he does his "Happy Dance". And heaven forbid I leave it near the door instead of bringing it to the room where they are fed...he will guard that bag with his life... Now doesn't he look like a starving dog?

Animals are so hilarious!!! Butters is a rationer with his food when it gets low, too!

Good thing we love our furry friends!

So much love.

Have a Happy Fun Halloween! I hope it's filled with the good full size candy bars, LOL!

It was and it wasn't. I'll explain in a future update.

The cake is awesome. I hope she reciprocates with an equally nice cake for your birthday.

So do I! I love cakes from the Publix bakery! Om nom nommy!

I have to agree with you about saying no to people in order to have the Disney trip that you want. We had a similar thing where our grown up daughter felt she had to invite certain family members out of an obligation of some sorts. The trip was a disaster for her with her ending up crying, etc. These trips are expensive and they shouldn't be miserable. So she finally had the nerve to say "no" to this family member. It was hard but it had to be done. And the funny thing is that this family member ended up having a much better experience with a different family dynamic that did not include this daughter. So there really are two ways to look at a trip. Just because you think the person will be happy if they are invited along, that might not be the case.

I'm just crossing my fingers and hoping that nobody asks to come on my October 2016 trip. I'm really looking forward to being solo again!

2nd attempt at a response here - Elektra closed the window last time before I finished. The little monster.

Bahaha! Oh, Elektra!

True. Mostly it was pressure at work to get everything cleaned up before I take off. And the waking up super early to get my runs in, followed by getting to bed equally early. And now it's really almost time!!!

I'm going to be feeling that same pressure in a couple of weeks!

I thought Elektra was the only one to have such freaky quirks about food. It is definitely her #1 priority in life. James slots it #3, behind Loves and Play. He loooves his cuddle time with Mommy.

Butters is definitely #1 all about food, with cuddle-time a close second and playtime a distant third. Harley's ranking seems to be the reversed order: Play, Cuddles, Food. (Either way, cuddles with me come in second place for both of them... the little jerks.)

Chomp Chomp. Your other trip is coming up soon enough. I always mean to get over to that thread but the page number is so daunting, lol.

You don't need to read the WHOLE THING, silly girl! Just the last two updates or so and you'd be basically caught up! It's all just me rambling, anyhow!

Well, Crap. MIssed your party. Like by a lot. I haven't figured out how to do the .gif thing yet, so a few dancing, celebrating happy friends will have to cheer on this day!!

That's okay!!! Lots of partying in my December PTR will be going down this month!!!

Joining in. I've seen you on a few other threads I pop in on but followed from your amazing dining review!

Yay!

We shall sadly miss the opportunity to do a meet by one day next year!

I'm running into so many people on the Dis who are going during or near the same time as me next year. It's cool in a way, but the popularity of that time frame is also a bit concerning!!!

And in catching up.. I saw a lot of chatter around The Wave being discussed... I still think about that steak. I LOVE a good steak.. one I can cut with a butter knife and it be perfectly medium rare. Yes please all day long! I've probabky told my DF aboit that steak 20 times since I had it in 2013. I'm not sure why it's such an under appreciated place.. maybe being in essentially the basement of the contempo?

Oh, I love to read a good review of The Wave, thank you so much! I am a HUGE fan of a perfect medium rare steak. I would even go so far as to declare it my favorite food. Mmmm...

Sorry I'm so late responding back. These last couple of weeks have really been a bear (I'll explain more in my PTR).

Don't even worry about it! I'm always super behind on the PTRs/TRs that I follow! I don't even apologize for it anymore, I just drift into them and comment when I can.

You KNOW I had to throw a New Kids one in there.

Yeah you did, girl!

I can't believe we're almost at 11 months out!!

I knowwwww! So exciting! ADR day will be upon us before we know it!

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

Oh, I love to read a good review of The Wave, thank you so much! I am a HUGE fan of a perfect medium rare steak. I would even go so far as to declare it my favorite food. Mmmm...

We are shooting for free dining. Basing off the last 4 years it should start the satyrday,we arrive unless disney throws a curveball. The DF LOVES Medium rare steak and has never been to Disney. After hearing all about my ladies free dining food and wine trip in 2013 he's wanting to try some steaks. He can't quite wrap his head around being able to order a steak at some of these walk up counter services. Not saying they are TS good, but that boy loves him some red meat. I've gotten him to eat chicken dishes about 2 out of 7 days a week haha!

As for the Wave. I had a steak at coral reef. It was so so. The Wave was my favorite meal and I'm talking over ohana, boma, etc. Just can't forget a steak that tender. We are going to California Grill next year for a parents night out before the Wine and dine race party. Bison steak here we come!

 

[Steppesister]

That's okay!!! Lots of partying in my December PTR will be going down this month!!!

I hate not being able to be on the DIS as much as I'd like during the Terms! But Winter Break is coooming....!! Then I can hang out here more often, get in some fun updates, and really plan like a proper DISAddict.

 

[Elevationist]

We are shooting for free dining. Basing off the last 4 years it should start the satyrday,we arrive unless disney throws a curveball. The DF LOVES Medium rare steak and has never been to Disney. After hearing all about my ladies free dining food and wine trip in 2013 he's wanting to try some steaks. He can't quite wrap his head around being able to order a steak at some of these walk up counter services. Not saying they are TS good, but that boy loves him some red meat. I've gotten him to eat chicken dishes about 2 out of 7 days a week haha!

I can relate. I'm all about the red meat, too! The only reason I don't eat it every night is that I make a conscious effort to choose other things! It's hard, though! And I do usually have steak twice a week still.

As for the Wave. I had a steak at coral reef. It was so so. The Wave was my favorite meal and I'm talking over ohana, boma, etc. Just can't forget a steak that tender. We are going to California Grill next year for a parents night out before the Wine and dine race party. Bison steak here we come!

Gosh, now I'm SUPER excited for the Wave! Thank you!

I hate not being able to be on the DIS as much as I'd like during the Terms! But Winter Break is coooming....!! Then I can hang out here more often, get in some fun updates, and really plan like a proper DISAddict.

No need to explain, I know you're super busy. At least you have a very good reason to fall behind on the DIS. Me, on the other hand... I'm just super lazy.

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

I can relate. I'm all about the red meat, too! The only reason I don't eat it every night is that I make a conscious effort to choose other things! It's hard, though! And I do usually have steak twice a week still.

Yeah...the fiance isn't big on chicken or pork. Though I have gotten him to eat some over the years.

Gosh, now I'm SUPER excited for the Wave! Thank you!

No problem! I have no signatures to compare it to but the best I've had on and off property.

 

[bellesBFF]

I'm joining along I have a trip planned for december 2016! I read your December 2015 pre trip report, but this trip is taking place closer to my dates so I will follow along closer to this one

 

[Elevationist]

Yeah...the fiance isn't big on chicken or pork. Though I have gotten him to eat some over the years.

I just love meat. But red meat just happens to by my favorite!

I'm joining along I have a trip planned for december 2016! I read your December 2015 pre trip report, but this trip is taking place closer to my dates so I will follow along closer to this one

Hooray! Hopefully this thread will start seeing more action in about a month or so, once my December trip is over!