Wow! JFlo, my husband's still "stuck" in retail management. That's why we take Jan. trips--just to reconnect after the grueling Christmas season. I hope you have a wonderful vacation. I didn't mean to compain. I feel very lucky to have been in Disney in the winter instead of work/school. After watching the Christmas parade on tv, our kids all decided we were going to win a trip. My husband and I assured them that there was NO WAY we would win a big prize--probably not even a small prize. We tried to forget, but it was a little hard when we saw so many people with the hats/fast passes--and lots of just misses. The dream team awarded prizes to people on the very next train to Rafiki's planet watch, etc. A friend of mine is taking her family to Disney for the first time next month. It sure would be nice for them to win a dream.
Oh, please don't think that I was accusing you or anyone of complaining. My story was just something that I wanted to share in agreement with you that you shouldn't expect anything, but instead just be happy to be together at WDW! In light of the many wishes people have expressed on these boards, I think you have offered good advice to people, and I totally understand where you are coming from, because who wouldn't want to win one of those awesome prizes?! This is just me at my absolute most positive, and my thoughts were truly realized this morning when my DD told us about her dream.
As the wife of a retail manager I especially sympathize with you. Christmastime always makes me craziest, not being able to spend as much time as you would like with your family. We have always taken our vacation within the first three months of the New Year. This of course will not change when my husband enters the food industry, BUT at least he will be happier. Both my husband and I know that we are extremely lucky and blessed to be financially and logistically capable to make this life change, (We could never be doing this without the help of our family) and I hope that you did not take offense to my "stuck in retail management" comment. I have tremendous respect for the people in these positions, because they are some of the hardest workers you will ever encounter, in truly thankless jobs. They see people come and go and trudge through each day making money for somebody they probably will never know. I sincerely hope I did not make you feel bad.
And ppiew: Thank you so much for your good wishes. It makes me more excited than ever!