Adventure (and Food) is calling our names – 10/2010 PTR - Six More Hours!!! 10/1

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I’ve loved reading other peoples PTRs so much - it makes me feel so much better about my need to pre-plan so far in advance – that I’ve decided to try writing one of my own. Heck, planning is half the fun and it makes the time before the trip pass by so much quicker. Plus I’d love any assistance/advice that I can get.

To make things easier I've posted links to each new installment on Post #2.

Reason for this trip? ConGaloosh 2010 and Food & Wine Festival
Dates: October 2 – 11, 2010

Let me introduce you to the possible cast on this trip.

Me (Jane) – I’m a corporate meeting planner which means that planning things WAY in advance is not only a hobby/passion it's my career. Making lists and planning out every possible scenario is deeply ingrained in me and my DH has learned to just let me be with my lists (although he does shake his head when I try and get him to discuss packing lists 10 months out). Let me forewarn you that he tells me I can prattle on quite a bit. Jim says I can take forever to tell a story (well it’s hard to know how much information to give and what to leave out). I’ve been a Disney nut forever and worked at our local Disney Store for 4 years back in the 90s. I only went to DL a couple of times when I was growing up, but once we started dating we’ve made it our favorite vacation destination. We celebrated our 25th anniversary last year with a week at the parks and a 7 day Disney cruise (no kids).

DH (Jim) – Is an IT geek. He’s been my sweety since I was a junior in High School. He loves Disney as well so he’s always up for a trip. We’ve been DVC members since 93 when we purchased OKW sight unseen. He is a HUGE Adventurers Club fan and was heartbroken when they closed PI. He found out about ConGaloosh 2009 (a special event held in September 2009) where we were able to get into the club and watch the shows one last time before they dismantled it. We had a BLAST and so this trip was born (ConGaloosh 2010). He’s also a big fan of the F&W Festival. We were able to enjoy it last year and look forward to hitting the food booths quite a lot this next trip.

DS22 (Steven) – Is our oldest son. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome when he was 12 (It’s in the Autism spectrum). He’s high functioning so most people don’t realize he has special needs. He goes to an adult program for adults with disabilities (Life Skills) and is learning skills to become independent. He loves trains and all modes of transportation. He hasn’t been to WDW since November 2001. He’s gotten freaked out about all the extra security at the airports so we haven’t pushed him to go with us. He is starting to sway and we’ve invited is girlfriend and her mother to go along with us (an extra added incentive to get him on a plane).

DS20 (Brendan) – Is our youngest. He is in Junior College near our house and will be taking culinary classes this semester. I’m looking forward to him bringing home samples! He’s never been to the world during F&W and he’s looking forward to getting to see all the extra food related items at the park. He is my roller coaster buddy and like his brother has grown up vacationing at Disney parks. He was REALLY disappointed that he couldn’t come to ConGaloosh 2009 with us. We had promised him that on his 21st birthday we would take him to the AC and buy him his first drink (the Kungaloosh). Well, that isn’t going to happen, so the next best thing is to go to ConGaloosh 2010 where he will only be able to get a virgin Kungaloosh (he doesn’t turn 21 till Christmas 2010).

DSGF (Jenny) – Steven has been dating Jenny for 1 year. They met at the Life Skills program. She is very sweet and a big Disney Fan. They love to watch Disney movies, listen to Radio Disney CDs and hang out.

DSGFM (Patty) – Jenny’s mom. We invited her to come along since we haven’t known them very long and thought she would feel much more comfortable with Jenny coming along on this family vacation.

DSGF (2) (Charlotte-18) – Brendan and Charlotte met at Boy Scout camp. She was a merit badge councilor. They’ve been dating for over 2 years. She loves Disney as much as the rest of us (good thing). We spend a lot of time watching Classic Disney movies. We took her with us on a trip to DL a couple of years ago and we all travel really well together.

See I warned you I prattle on quite a bit.

As Pete says on the Podcasts – In the interest of full disclosure – Since I am a meeting planner and I can’t resist I volunteered to assist the group planning the ConGaloosh 2010 event and I was elected to the Board. It is a non-profit organization of fans of interactive theater. Since part of the reason for this trip is going to the ConGaloosh 2010 event, I will be discussing activities happening and our preparation for them. If anyone has questions regarding the event I will answer them as completely as I can while not divulging anything that isn’t already released on the website.

Right now the only thing that is planned thus far is requesting the dates off of work. We are waiting to hear back from Patty/Jenny and Charlotte to know if they will be able to come with so we know what size accommodations we will need.

This is my first PTR and while I’ve read quite a few (pretty much a lurker) please join me as I plan this extended family vacation. Please chime in with any suggestions; I love to get new perspectives on things.

Kungaloosh!
Jane

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I love trip reports that have links to the "meat" of the PTR. Thanks to KathyRN137 for explaining how to insert links here.

Cast update and starting to form the plan
Should we go outside the World?
We are going to be Blanketeers!
Possible ConGaloosh Outfit Options
We're Booked!
Disney Mail, PhotoPass Info, Podcast and Blanketeers!
Blanketeer Photos
Revised Preliminary Itinerary
Blanket Drop-Off
I guess we have to take the good with the bad...
Debating an Amazing Race/Scavenger/Treasure Hunt
200 Days Tomorrow!
Airline Dilemma
Airline Tickets #2
Countdown to ADR Day
Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, a dining we will go...
Ticketing, ConGaloosh & Costumes
Tickets and Shopping
Hellooo out there???
Kids Update
Airline Drama
One year ago this month...(a mini-TR to make the time pass)
May 10, 2009
May 11, 2009
Baggalini Debate
Let Movie Nights begin
May 12, 2009
Impromtu Movie Night
Bambi and South America
I can't believe I missed it...
ConGaloosh Plans firm up
Starting the To Do List
Trip Shopping
Road Trip
Bribery for Posters
Lists, lists and more lists...
Packing and Shopping
Delivery, Not Mickey Mail but cool just the same
10 Days!!
Single Digit Dance!!!
8 Days to go...
This time next week...
Let the PACKING begin!
Arrival Day Finalized - Almost
One MORE Day!

Six more hours!!!

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

H Jane

I'm here! We may be switching our Christmas trip to October to fit in with a friends wedding, so may see you there!!!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Hi Sonia,

That would be so fantastic if you were there at the same time. Would it increase the possibility if I told you that Belinda and Shawn will be there at the same time and we plan on meeting at Beaches & Cream for a "dinner" of ice cream sundaes?

J

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Jenny and Patty are not going to be able to come this year. Patty (Jenny’s Mom) is in school and graduates in September. She will either be trying to find a new job or will have just started one and won’t be able to take the time off. Jenny’s Dad isn’t willing to let her come with us by herself so we’ll have to wait till our next trip. Steven is obviously disappointed and since Jenny coming was the biggest draw for going this trip, he says he has to think about whether he wants to come. We’ve offered to let him invite his Best Friend Ryan, but he said he’d be sad that Brendan and Charlotte were enjoying the trip together.

Here are out pics so you can put a face with a name.
Jim and I

Steven & Jenny

Brendan & Charlotte

As I mentioned before we really don’t have anything set in stone, but we do have some rough plans:

Saturday, October 2 – Flying in from the West Coast takes us pretty much all day. I’m trying to check flights and plan the best itinerary, but I think I’m going to wait till Southwest releases their schedule (not till March) to see if we can get some lower priced flights. We’ll stop at Tijuana Flats for really good Mexican Food and then check into our resort. Most likely OKW (our home resort) then we’ll run to the grocery store for supplies, hit the pool and try and make it an early night to get acclimated to East Coast time.

Sunday, October 3 – Thursday, October 7 - Sleep in (or maybe not). We normally hit DTD on our first day to cruise the shops and take it easy. But this will be Charlotte’s first trip to WDW so we might just need to hit a park. Right now our must do list includes:

• F&W - a lot as EPCOT is our favorite park.
• ADRs for Biergarten
• MNSSHP
• DIS meet at Beaches & Cream - We will be meeting up with a couple that we met on the boards prior to our cruise last year. We linked our dinner reservation and watched them renew their vows on the cruise. It will be fantastic to see them again. It also looks like Sonia and Tony might be there at the same time, so it might be a larger meet than we first thought. EVEN BETTER!
• Hoop De Doo? – This would be such a hoot to take the kids to.

Friday, October 8 – Sunday, October 10 – ConGaloosh 2010 – just released info today – the location of the event on Friday will be backstage of Indiana Jones Cairo set. Disney is writing a new script for this event so we are REALLY excited to see the cast in a new setting and not knowing exactly what will be going on. There are a couple of meets and a banquet on Saturday where AC cast members will be on a panel and talk about their experiences. I don’t know if I can post the website (so I won’t) but if you want more info PM me and I’ll send you the link.

Monday, October 11 – Fly home

The items that are on my To Do list (that I can actually do right now) are:

• Search for costumes for both MNSSHP and the costume contest for ConGaloosh - any suggestions for 1930's wear?
• Find volunteer event so we can get our free tickets - already registered just trying to find something that has openings.
• Wait till hours are released

Jane

 

[texfinn]

Hi Jane!

I'm here and can't wait to read all about your trip (before and hopefully after!). I wish we could go see you two and Belinda and of course Sonya & Tony but won't hold my breath. Sabrina and I are still planning a trip to DL but am starting to think of switching it to WDW....hmmmm...I wonder if I can make it an October trip????

Glad to see the pictures and thanks for inviting us along!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I vote for SWITCHING to WDW, but that's just me being selfish. It would be such a hoot to have us all at the world at the same time. Any other FKLP want to join??

 

[KathyRN137]

I had a feeling you wouldn't be able to resist...


Kathy


ETA: To post links, first click on the # of the post you want to link, found in the upper right corner. The single post will pop up. Copy the url from your browser, then close the single post window. Then you can copy that url onto your links page.

Perhaps someone else can explain naming the links.... I never quite figured that one out!

/

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I had a feeling you wouldn't be able to resist...


Kathy


ETA: To post links, first click on the # of the post you want to link, found in the upper right corner. The single post will pop up. Copy the url from your browser, then close the single post window. Then you can copy that url onto your links page.

Perhaps someone else can explain naming the links.... I never quite figured that one out!

/

You are right - now that I've started it can be quite addictive. At least I'll have everything written down in case the family tries to have me committed for only talking Disney.

Thanks for the instructions. I figured out that if you type in the title, highlight it and then select "insert link" it automatically changes the link to a title. Wow, I almost know what I'm doing!

J

 

[Bellamickey]

I'm so glad that you decided to do a PTR!!! Something to keep busy until October gets here!! I can't wait!!!

I enjoyed seeing the pictures of your family. I'm so glad you posted them. I do hope we get to meet them all in October. Keeping fingers and toes crossed!

A dinner of ice~cream!! A girls dream!! I love it!! Can't wait Jane!!

 

[Bellamickey]

Hi Jane!

hmmmm...I wonder if I can make it an October trip????

I'm voting for WDW Mati!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Of all the trips that we have taken to Florida we have only ever spent one day off property (Kennedy Space Center). We had a great time there and were amazed at how little we were able to see. We’ve never been interested in Universal, Sea World, etc but with the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening up this year we are now thinking it may be time to check it out. Everyone in the group (except for Steven) LOVE the Harry Potter series (books and movies). Because of his Aspergers Steven has never been very interested in Science Fiction (except for Star Wars), he’s more of a realist. But Jenny has gotten him to watch some of the movies so if we were to go he wouldn’t be completely lost.

Anyway, I’ve looked at the Universal website and the HP stuff looks cool, but I don’t know if I want to spend $79 for one day and pray that we’re able to get on all the rides/attractions. I can’t see us doing both parks in one day, especially since we don’t know this park at all and don’t know any of the shortcuts. Maybe that’s some of what we love about Disney. We know our way around and don’t feel the need to wait in long lines for any ride. If we can’t do fast pass then we just pass it by and figure we’ll do it later in the trip.

Since this will be Charlotte’s first trip to WDW I don’t know if we should try and fit everything into one week. I keep thinking of more places that I want to take the kids (ok, here’s where the food portion of the trip comes in). I spend more time thinking about the restaurants I want to try than what rides to go on. In addition to the Biergarten, Hoop de Do and Beaches & Cream, the Castle, Whispering Canyon or 50’s Prime Time Café sound like great options. There just aren’t enough meals to hit all the places we like.

Hmmm, maybe I’ll print out the menus and when she comes up for a visit (she lives about 1 ½ hours away) and we can have a Disney Planning Dinner and discuss the possibilities.

We also have to decide when we want to make the DVC reservations. Brendan and Charlotte have said they want to go (Charlotte has the ok from her parents) but Steven is still up in the air. Since all three of them are adults we told them we would cover the housing with our DVC points, but they would have to save for their park tickets, airfare and some of their food costs. While they are in agreement now I’m worried that they might change their minds (we have no idea what classes they might be taking in school or what the problems of taking a week off of Jr. College) or if they will have enough money saved up by then. We will have to borrow points from 2011 to book a two bedroom (either we give the two boys one bedroom and Charlotte gets the sofa bed, or if Steven doesn’t go then Charlotte gets the bedroom and Brendan gets the sofa bed). So I don’t want to borrow the points if they might bail.

So much to think about – but can’t make any definite plans. How frustrating!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I'm so glad that you decided to do a PTR!!! Something to keep busy until October gets here!! I can't wait!!!

H Jane

I'm here! We may be switching our Christmas trip to October to fit in with a friends wedding, so may see you there!!!

Hi Jane!

I'm here and can't wait to read all about your trip (before and hopefully after!). I wish we could go see you two and Belinda and of course Sonya & Tony but won't hold my breath. Sabrina and I are still planning a trip to DL but am starting to think of switching it to WDW....hmmmm...I wonder if I can make it an October trip????

Glad to see the pictures and thanks for inviting us along!

I had a flash of inspiration - If all of us are at WDW at the same time we can be a Grand Gathering or maybe book a fireworks cruise. Does that tempt any more FKLPers?

 

[Bellamickey]

I had a flash of inspiration - If all of us are at WDW at the same time we can be a Grand Gathering or maybe book a fireworks cruise. Does that tempt any more FKLPers?

Now that is a perfect idea Jane!!!!!!!! Come on girls, won't you join us!!

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Well we have changed our dates . . . will be getting to the World around lunchtime around the 11th I hope we'll manage to cross paths before you have to go to the airport!!!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

We normally leave around early afternoon, so maybe....

 

[KathyRN137]

Maybe that’s some of what we love about Disney. We know our way around and don’t feel the need to wait in long lines for any ride. If we can’t do fast pass then we just pass it by and figure we’ll do it later in the trip.

I'm sure that (plus the extra expense) is why we never seem to make it over to Sea World! And that's just the way the folks at Disney like it, I'm sure!!


Kathy

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Nothing much pre-trip wise has been going on these last couple of days. Getting ready for our big meeting at work and not sleeping well at night have really halted the process.

I signed up for Southwest "Ding" and email alerts. I could go to San Diego for $49 one way for the month of March but nothing going to Orlando in October so far.

I've given Brendan an idea for costumes for the MNSSHP (for him and Charlotte that wouldn't cost them ANYTHING extra), but nothing is coming to me for us.

I need to talk to Steven and see what he is thinking about the trip.

The only progress that I've made is trying to get back on the weight loss wagon. I've been pretty much stalled for the last year or so. I know what I need to do (exercise and eat healthy) but doing it is another thing. I've journaled my food for TWO whole days! (Trust me THAT is an accomplishment). As soon as the weather gets better on the weekends and it stays light till after I get home from work I'm going back to walking with Jim and the dog. I talked to a friend this morning and we are going to try and meet up at the gym this weekend. Even if she isn't able to go I'm going to MAKE myself go. No talking myself out of it. Now that I've told you all, I'll have to report back and let you know how its going. I once tried to track how many miles I walked on the treadmill/eliptical (walking my way to WDW) maybe I'll try that again.

Off to watch the Sharks game...

J

 

[texfinn]

Good Job with getting back on the weight loss wagon again Jane! Journalling is a tough thing for me too. I hate it hate it hate it but it is a necessary evil. There is a fantastic online site that is free -- let me know on FB and I can get you the link. I am trying as usual and am realizing that until I seriously change my eating habits, it won't come off......no matter how much exercise I do.

Sonya -- looks like you aren't coming at Christmas time after all? Have all the wedding plans been arranged?

I am still trying to figure out what to do with Sabrina. I promised her DL but after looking at prices, WDW is the same price and no need for transportation from the airport in Orlando so leaning that way. Now to figure out when. If everyone will be there in October, I just may make it but it depends on when we go to Italy. So many decisions!!!

Jane -- let me know if you look into Universal. We (ok, really me) are looking at that as our potential family trip for the year. We would go for at least 4 days. I am just not sure if Kai is old or tall enough yet to enjoy it. Anyone have any experience with that?

Ok, time for bed. Good night everyone!!!!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I finally found a volunteer project that had some openings. It’s a Project Linus group in San Jose (about 1 hour away), but we can make the blankets at home and then just take a drive to their location on a Sunday to drop them off. We each have to make 2 no sew blankets out of fleece to qualify for the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day voucher. The instructions look pretty easy. I just have to keep my eyes out for fleece on sale and if we bring in our receipts they will give us a donation receipt so the cost of the blankets will be tax deductible. I had to select a date that we would have the blankets done by and I wanted to make sure we were logged into the system so I selected March 14 (under Disney’s 60 day limit).

I’ll have to buy the supplies before Charlotte visits next time so we can have a blanket making day. I’ll make sure to take some pictures on our progress.

We talked to Steven this weekend and he has decided he will be staying home this trip. Jenny’s birthday is in the middle of the trip and he promised her that he would spend the day with her. I’m bummed that he won’t be coming with us, but I totally understand. He said he would be sad the entire time if he were there watching Brendan and Charlotte together knowing that Jenny was back home. Hopefully next trip she’ll be able to come along.

Now we have to decide if we want to book OKW now or wait a little longer and see if we can get into Beach Club. We haven’t ever stayed at Beach Club before but would love to be closer to Epcot. We stayed at Boardwalk one year and it was fantastic being able to just walk to the park at the drop of a hat, that and the bakery that has FANTASTIC doughnuts. The Beach Club is closer to the International Gateway and has Beaches and Cream. Of course being able to just pop over to France and the bakery there has its benefits as well. I guess I just need to bite the bullet and make the call to guest services.