Ack! I know it will be a fun time, but these price increases are making me sad - we haven't ever been to any of the parties, and I'd love to eventually do one, but it may not happen if they keep going up like that. I'm glad you got yours though, and I know you'll have tons of fun!
They ARE a lot of fun, but I'm not so sure they're $100 worth of fun. Especially with as crowded as they were last year.
That would be super nice! It definitely seems like there's a trade-off either way, but having a new, charged scooter whenever you need one seems like a good plus.
It definitely would be much nicer than having to stress about like I did in December!
That sounds like a good plan - that way you don't have to decide until you have a better idea of how you're feeling.
Yeah, but right now I'm feeling pretty positive that I'll be able to just rent the scooter in the parks. Long as I keep progressing like I have been!
Woo hoooo!!! That's the best
Especially with all the extras, it's really nice to know it's all saved and planned for. I'm trying to save for Feb 2017, but right now it's basically getting Swagbucks gift cards
But after this trip we'll start saving for Feb (hopefully, assuming I get registered for the race) and May 2017
Woo hoo!
Are you just doing the Half? Any chance you might be doing the 5K, too?
I saw pictures of that ship today! My sister and brother in law live in Beaufort and they went and looked around too
Seems super cool!
It was pretty neat! I'm glad I went!
Hey look at me! I'm keeping up!
Nice! Me too, sorta! (For now!)
So proud of how well you are doing
Thank you!
I gotta say that is such cute!
I did love the look of my little princess ride!
Urg! I remember that buttwad of a bus driver from your other TR
Yeah, he was a giant douche.
That looks like a pretty sweet stayK!
It was an AWESOME StayK. So ready for the next one!
Well done on the dining tweaking and congrats on the 50lbs that's amazing. It's great you're feeling so much more mobile, imagine what you'll be like by October
oh and think of the money you'll save if you don't rent a scooter everyday
Sadly, I'll still need one every day, since I'll still need it in the parks. (And I'm taking any non-park days on this trip.) And it's actually a bit MORE expensive to do it that way, but I really do like the idea of not having to worry about getting it on the buses/boats/monorail, especially knowing that the YC/BC buses usually pick up at the YC first.
Avoiding that situation alone is worth the extra expense to me!
It's so hard! I have no idea what I'm going to do when we're forced to take a hiatus after October. I'm already in mourning. It's a problem.
I know how you feel. I HAVE to stop after my Feb. 2017 trip. And it's going to be EXTRA hard to do so, because I'll have an annual pass that won't expire until October next year. Maybe I'll try to just sneak down for a quick "cheap" off-property stay before it expires... (See? It's a sickness!)
See, we had a honeymoon after we got married. Just a backup one. We live in Massachusetts and one of our favorite non-Disney vacation spots is in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. So we went up there for a few days and kept on telling ourselves that we would take a belated honeymoon to Disney the following year. We got a lot of questions from both families about whether or not we really wanted them there at the same time! The good thing is, everyone knows that we aren't going to be together all the time, AND we are staying at different resorts (Pop Century for them, Port Orleans Riverside for us.)
Ohhh, well the different resorts helps, and it's good you'll still be able to go off on your own as a couple and do your own thing!
I don't care for kids once they hit a certain age. Which is why I am a toddler teacher.
I get asked all. the. time. why I picked the profession I did. Sometimes I question myself, too, but overall, I really love my job! I'll need this Disney vacation, though. And all the drinks I plan on consuming while there.
Better you than me! God bless you!
Seriously. We've never been in October, so this was one thing that we REALLY wanted to do, but the price! Ugh!
I know, and if they still kept the crowds low for the parties, I wouldn't mind the prices. But that's not really the case anymore, so as much as I enjoy it, I really do think this might be my last one for a while.
I'm seriously intrigued by the fact that you were able to hang out at the beach in late April/early May (I think?) I mean, you COULD hang out on the beach in Massachusetts if you really wanted to, but you more than likely would not be able to be in full beach attire.
There's a world of difference between Massachusetts weather and South Carolina weather.
And I'm only 5 hours north of Orlando. My weather here is typically only a few degrees lower than central Florida. That week I was on staycation, it was in the mid to high 80s most days. It actually got up to 90
° yesterday. (Which I spent at the coffeehouse, at one of their outdoor patio tables facing the waterfront park, and reading for hours. Loved it!)
When
MNSSHP tickets came out I started thinking back to what we paid the last time we went, in 2014. We did the first party which was on Labor Day that year and one of the cheapest, but we paid in the low or mid $60's. Now, it's my most favorite thing to do in WDW, and the Boo To You parade is also my absolute favorite parade, and I definitely want to do the party again before too long, but geez, almost $100??? Yeah, quite a jump
Yeah, my last one was in late Sept 2014, but I recall it being around $75 of so. Nearly $100 made me do a double-take!
In other MNSSHP news you looked ADORABLE the last time you went
Why, thank you!
Probably a good idea to keep the scooter reservation for now and see how things go. No harm in it at least! I love that you are at the point though where you think you might not need the external reservation. That is fantastic!
Yeah, I'm feeling pretty good about it, too!
Your scooter plan sounds perfect. Plus, you have a right to ask people to let you sit in the accessible seating on the bus. I know you may not want to do so, but it's your right. If you need to do it, just do it. If no one will get up, you could just sit on them
Seriously though, people may not think you need a seat, because you are not elderly and you don't look like you have accessibility issues. Just asking nicely would hopefully get you a seat. I know that I would get up if someone asked. I often volunteer my seat to people who need it. I know one time when I needed assistance, because I had messed up my knee, I got pushed out of my spot in line for a carriage, and was forced to walk uphill to make our tour reservation on time
People didn't think I needed it, because I looked young and healthy, but you never know. It felt terrible and made my vacation even worse.
Yeah, invisible disabilities are a pain that way. I've dealt with the whole "but you don't look sick" thing since I was 14 years old. And especially being as overweight as I am, I know people think I'm just fat and lazy and don't want to have to walk or stand. I'm also super shy, and knowing the way people judge me, I could NEVER ask somebody to give up their seat for me. So if I find myself on a standing-room-only bus, I'll just hold on for dear life and say my prayers until we get there!
(Or, if I'm not in a hurry, I might opt to just wait for the next bus!)
Your staycation sounds great! I didn't know you lived near the ocean. I am so jealous. That has been a lifelong dream of mine.
Where as for me, NOT living at maximum an hour's drive or less from the coast is super weird! I've lived in coastal towns and cities pretty much my entire life!
I love that from my apartment to the beach is about 15-20 minutes.
I also like your Halloween outfit idea. It's still in the spirit of the event. Plus, I think WDW doesn't really want adults in costumes.
Plus being solo... I dunno. Obviously I'm happy to do most things on my own, but for some reason, the costume thing feels like it would be less fun as a solo. Maybe I'm wrong, though!
50lbs!!!! That's awesome! Keep up the good work. That is an incredibly hard achievement. Congratulations!
Thank you!!
I'm still a maybe but I'll tell you why below...
It's because of this. If I happen to get a nice tax return (in July) I'll be booking to go to the MNSSHP on the 23rd too! So if that happens I'll catch up with you there and if not we can Ohana the next day!
Well, actually, my Ohana booking is on 10/23 @ 4:00pm! It's meant to be a pre-MNSSHP dinner for me. Normally I would want to be in the park by 4pm as to not "waste" any park time, but having the AP makes that feel less dire, since I'll have already been in the parks (Epcot) that morning. Plus, that was the only day/time that I could squeeze Ohana into my already packed schedule!
Who needs a costume when you look that good in orange and black? I have a Snow White costume (hence the profile pic) but not sure if I'll go with it or not.
You're ADORABLE in your Snow White costume! I've found a fun black tutu that I would wear some shorts under, and an orange v-neck t-shirt that I'm wondering what kind of black Halloween-ish iron-on I could add to it. So right now, I'm kinda leaning that way!
50lbs??? That is incredible Billie - well done - you should be super proud of your efforts!
Thank you so much!!!
Staycation looked fab!!! Beach, coffee shop reading it's like a dream!!!
It was a pretty wonderful week, it's true!
I knew you would tweek those ADRs
!! Party tickets, after hours events all getting a little crazy, but it's a business and I think they are trying to see how far they can push things.
They've always been about charging the absolutely max that they can get from their guests, and as big as the crowds were at MNSSHP last year, I'm sure they know that we'll keep paying it!
What about Disney bounding for the party? I did Snow White, yellow shorts, blue shirt red head peace.... Just an idea
I have such mixed emotions about Disneybounding! I'm such a perfectionist with that kind of stuff, and I can totally see myself NOT keeping it simple, and it becoming so expensive that I might as well have just done a full-on costume!
50lbs!!!!! You go girl! So happy for you that you can see the effects in your stamina, and are considering changing up your ECV situation... Silly question is it cheaper to rent from our side then daily at the parks? I know with a stroller it is. If it's cheaper I say keep the rental... Here are my thoughts (my only personally experience with ECV is with my mom who has one on our last few trips). Beach club rooms are slightly larger then value or mod rooms so less Tetris, even thought I do love a game of Tetris! You can avoid the bus for two maybe 3 parks, you can scooter it to Epcot and Hollywood studios for sure! You can also possibly scooter/monorail/boat to MK. We found if we have hoppers and we were going to MK and Epcot is already open walk/scooter through Epcot isn't a horrible option. Then hop on the boat or monarail, no bus and less of an issue with the ECV at least for my mom. That's all I've got but if it's cheaper I say stick with it!
The off-property rental IS indeed cheaper. You do make some very good points, though. I'm also concerned about the fact that the BC buses usually pick up at YC first, so I'm pretty much guaranteed to be trying to load the ECV onto a bus that already has people on it... which is a nightmare in and of itself.
Heyyyy!! I'm finally subbing to your PTR, I haven't been on the DIS in a very long time, but I'm trying to get back into it! I read your entire PTR all in one shot one morning and then I never subbed so I'm finally doing it now!
YAY!
Or I guess I should say: Welcome Back!
Your trip sounds awesome, and your ADR's look great! I cannot believe how expensive MNSSHP tickets are now, are they crazy???? Good thing after last years
MVMCP I told myself no more parties for a long time, they're just not worth it to me anymore. I do love that Halloween parade, though.
Yeah, it's getting out of control, between the cost and the crowds. As much as I love Boo to You and Hallowishes, and just the overall look and feel of the park during MNSSHP... I just don't know if it's worth it to me anymore.
Your staycation looked awesome, I still can't believe you live in Beaufort! (I don't know if you remember, probably not since it's been so long since I've been on the DIS, but we've talked about Beaufort before, because my parent in laws live there and my DH and I are DESPERATELY trying to move down there soon! I just don't know how easy it's going to be for us to get jobs, that's the whole problem...ugh!) It's funny, because I'm looking at that picture of the waterfront and I'm like "I've been there!!" I love that area, with the swings and everything. I MIGHT be coming down in July for a little 4 day weekend, but I'm not sure if my DH can get the time off, which is going to suck because I kind of already have plane tickets...
Anyway, enough about Beaufort, great PTR and can't wait to read more!
I love it here. I didn't growing up, I thought it was "boring" and couldn't wait to leave. And I did, several times, but always landed back here again. Now in my 30s, I love it and the only thing that could get me to leave would be is a great opportunity in the Orlando area arose for me.
That's awesome! I keep trying to tweak one I have for June with no luck so far, but it's ok, early dinners means dessert later!
Mmmm... Carbssss...
Oy, I'm feelin' your pain on that one.
Even with the AP discount it was more than I was expecting to pay. And the MVMCP ones are even more pricey
Yeah, it's getting pretty crazy.
I think that sounds like a really solid plan with the ECV. It eliminates your "bus stress" and also enables you to keep some walking into your daily routine. How far are you walking on the treadmill? I would measure that up against the 100 miles to the bus from MK
and see if your comfortable with that. 50 lbs is an amazing accomplishment and I bet you'll surprise yourself at how far you can walk getting around your resort and to and from the busses.
Right now on the treadmill, I'm walking just shy of 2 miles (1.94-ish usually) in my 45 minute workout. I'd like to hope that by October, I'll be up to at least 2.5-3.0 miles. Fingers crossed!
Sounds like a really great staycation!!
It really was. I wish I was still on it, instead of being at work!
Yay for getting times/party size all adjusted.
Also ...the possibility of Ohana with a DISfriend is awesome. What better place to meet a friend who you hope will become family!! (Yes, that was intentional)
You're so cute!!!
Yeah, I heard about the prices. What??? Craziness ... but I'm wondering if they're trying to price people out of it in order to control crowds. Disney is doing some weird things these days.
If that's the logic, and if it works, then I'm okay with it. That's kinda where I am... I wouldn't mind paying the elevated prices so much if they still limited admission to the parties as much as they used to. But now they seem more interested in selling out every inch of available people space at the parties, so it's not worth the price as much to me anymore. While I don't love the $149 price tag on these crazy extended hours nights they're testing out in May, if the crowds are really as low as they claim them to be, I would actually consider paying that on future trips, believe it or not.
Firstly ... remember that you're staying deluxe for this trip, so the walk from the MK bus stop will only be 97 miles, not 100.
You crack me up!
Also ... this will be good "practice" for February. Even if you are using a scooter for the February trip, you can't really do it for the 5K (unless you want to drive to the race with the scooter). Depending on when you get there and what corral you're in, that could be 2-3 hours on your feet (although you could always sit on the floor or in the bleachers in the pre-race area) before the race starts. So walking around the resort area will give you a sense of how hard it is to walk and how you're going to be feeling before the race.
In February, I do plan on using a scooter for touring the parks (especially since we're going 3 days of parks before race day, and I need to conserve my strength), but I wasn't going to roll up to the 5K or it or anything.
However, I do have every intention of plopping down on the ground or where ever when it turns into Hurry-Up-and-Wait time in the corral! No point in having my feet and joints already on fire before the race even begins!
Also ... 50 lbs??? OMG!!!!
Yeah! Feelin' pretty good about myself!
I think this is an excellent plan - you'll know where you are closer to the trip and it's probably best to wait until then to make the decision.
Yep! It's just something I'm definitely considering... Kind of a goal I've set for myself, actually!
Yay!! It's always nice to be almost done saving up for the trip!
It sure is!!! Feels gooood!!!
Sounds like a great staycation!!
It was! Looking forward to the next one in July! (Though that one might see less outdoors... To hottttt...)
Happy Mothers Day! I hope Harley and Butters decided to behave themselves for mothers day!
(I'm just hoping my fish will clean their own bowl for mothers day, but I'm guessing that's not likely to happen)
Butters behaved. Harley threw up on the carpet. Because cats.
One thing about the Beach Club is that the restaurants, Cape May, Beaches and Cream, Yachtsman, Crews Cup and Captains Grille are all lined up in a row and almost next to each other. If you had a room that was close to the elevator then it would be easy to walk to any of these places. Walking to the Boardwalk will be a lot further, but the round trip walk is less than a mile. You will only need to take the bus for MK, AK and Disney Springs, so that is less loading and unloading time.
That's great to know that they are so close to each other! And I'll definitely take that tip about the elevator... I wonder if that's an option I can select during my online check-in?
The only request I have decided on so far is that I would like a full balcony.
We haven't decided yet if we are going to buy MNSSHP tickets. We have been to two parties but have always been with family members who didn't want to do the same things I wanted to do. I still haven't seen Madame Carlota or have a decent view of Hallowishes. But it also is a lot of money . I think I'll wait until it gets closer to October to decide.
Hopefully you'll do it! It really is a lot of fun! I LOVE HalloWishes!!
Looks like you really maximized your staycation time (and kudos for no laundry). So infinitely jealous that you live so close to the beach. I'd be a permanent lobster if I was so close.
I would like to be theory, but with my Lupus, I have to deal with photosensitivity. Too much sun can trigger a Lupus flare up and put me in the hospital. (Hence why I usually only do Disney in the Fall or Winter, also.) So as much as I LOVE it, I limit my time in it (no more than 3-4 hours and always after 2pm or so), and wear 100+ SPF sunscreen while I'm out. Keeps my death pallor pretty much secured!
I can't believe the halloween parties went up in price so much. I was half considering going down for a long weekend in October to do the Swan and Dolphin classic and a party for Casey, but with those prices don't think we''l go that route. Glad to hear you have all your money saved though so you can afford it. You do Disney so much better than me. I always pay it off in reverse instead of ahead of time ; )
Trust me, it's not really by choice... If I hadn't been a REALLY REALLY STUPID 18-year-old and ruined my credit early in life, I'd most likely being paying for my trips like you do! As is, I don't have credit cards now, so my only option is to SAVE SAVE SAVE up before the trip!
I know I've said it before but so infinitely proud of all your life changes. It certainly sounds like you are on your way to a disney scooter rental, but wise to wait until closer to see how you are feeling. And don't be concerned about getting around the boardwalk area. Yachtsman is on the beach club side of the resort and with the boats you can get over to boardwalk without walking too far.
Thank you so much! I really do think I'll be okay around BC/YC. I think my biggest concerns are the walk to Epcot and the Boardwalk, and also the walk from the MK bus stops, not just to the turnstiles, but to the resort monorail. For my dinner at Ohana, I'm going to have to bus from BC to MK, then hoof it over to the monorail platforms.
I'm really proud of you Billie!!! 50 lbs is amazing!!!
Thank you!!!
Your staycation looked perfect!! How nice to be able to be in your own hometown and have access to a beach...sigh...so nice!!!
It really is. Growing up and living in a coastal town, I definitely think I take it for granted sometimes! I'm working on that!
Great thinking regarding the scooter...your plans will give you a lot more freedom!!! Awesome!
I hope so! More freedom is totally the goal!
Your hometown sounds lovely!
Your staycation was like therapy to me; beach, hanging out at coffee shop, reading ...
It was therapy for me, too! I try my best to spend my days away from work like this. Keeps me moderately sane!
Thank you!!!
I know, omg, I can't wait!!!
Over here in SoCal, I'm nervously waiting for the
Disneyland Mickey's Halloween Party tixx to come out
. Pretty sure the prices will be crazy too. But the Mouse has got me in his grips because whatever the price, it's now a family tradition and we are
going no matter what
.
Hahaha! I know what you mean. The tickets could have cost even more, and I still would have went for it anyhow, because the trip is planned and ADRs are booked and I love HalloWishes, so I'm
going regardless, even if it's my last one!
I think you look very festive in orange/black, but if you're looking for something else, try googling "disneybound outfits" for dress-up ideas without having to go full-on costume.
I'm so weird about Disneybounding. I look at it all the time and enjoy it, but I know me, and I feel like if I try to put something together, I'll go OCD perfectionist, and end up spending just as much time and money on it as I would a full costume! Sounds expensive and stressful!
I do think I'll stick with my festive orange & black again this year. I found a black tutu style tulle skirt that I would wear over black shorts, and an orange v-neck t-shirt that I might look on Etsy for a black Halloween iron-on of some sort to put on it. Simple, cheap, and comfy!
Grazie!
50 lbs lost is awesome!1! Congrats!!! I hope you celebrated that accomplishment.
Thank you! Girl, I'm always celebrating every pound I lose!
It was GLORIOUS! As promised, I did
