All You Need Is Love ... And Disney World! A Pre-TR -- See Ya Real Soon!

[dizprincess717]

Well, well, well.

Last time I left you all I was preparing for an epic move. My boyfriend (now my boyfriend for a year and almost four months) were all set to move to beautiful, sunny Orlando, Florida with his younger brother, Mike. The guys were going to go to school at UTI and MMI, a automobile and marine mechanic school.

How FUNNY things change!

What REALLY happened was this:

My boyfriend, Steve (or Tev as I usually call him), was a lot attendant at DeSimone BMW in Mount Laurel, NJ. They do a ton of business. Something like the top in sales for the northeast? Whatever. Anyway, we were all set to move. And then, what do the managers do? Why, they promote my dear, sweet, smart, BMW-know-it-all boyfriend from a lot attendant to a salesman. Brings home the big bucks, does he. Well, this all happened in May. When that happened I laid down the law: NO MOVING TO ORLANDO.

Yes, you read correctly. The gal who would stop at nothing to find a way to move to Orlando put a stop to the plans.



Oh, it wasn't easy. I hemmed and hawed and hemawed some more. But, what's a girl to do? Tev was infinitely happy selling something he loves so much.

Not to mention the benefits are amazing.

Well, that sealed the deal. No moving to Orlando. I was okay, really.

Now then. Yours truly, the recent college graduate scared realized that, Hey I have a moutain of debt to pay! Better start looking for a job.

Do you KNOW how difficult it was to find a job? I swear up and down on the Mouse himself that I applied to at least 50 different companies and maybe 2 responded. With a "we regret to inform you" letter. It was awful. While Tev had his dream job and brought home the moolah I was stuck at 2 part-time jobs making a fraction of what he did. Not to mention, I had some credit cards to pay off.

The outlook was grim. What was I to do?

Back in the beginning of May, I applied to be a travel agent at Liberty Travel. The weeks slipped by. It was the end of June - nothing yet.

And then FINALLY the recruiting manager for Liberty Travel called me. She wanted to schedule an interview with me!!!

I interviewed with her and I thought it went well. She seemed to really take an interest in me. I told her how obsessive I was with vacation planning and that this would be like my dream job. She then instructed me to take an on-line personality exam. Two days later, she scheduled me for an interview with the manager that I would be reporting to in Quakertown, PA. That meeting went well.

And then I had to do the background check. What a fiasco that was. Some guy called me and asked me all sorts of personal questions. Apparently, he's a human lie detector.

Meet the Parents/Fockers anyone?

And the day after that background check, the manager called me to ask me if I wanted the job because it was mine.

Yes, ladies and gentleman, I am a full-fledged travel agent. I had 3 weeks of training to learn Sabre, the computerized ticketing system that we use. Just last week I was again at training to learn how to actually book hotels, tours, transfers, tickets, etc. October 13 I go back for a 2 week vacation destination training where I, litereally, learn about the world. I can't wait for that one!

I love my job. I call WDW at least once a day. I've called the Polynesian. The Wilderness Lodge (my first love). Called to book ADRs. It's like... I cannot even describe it.

I've completed online classes and am the Walt Disney World and Orlando specialist for our branch. I'm currently working on Italy as well.

Now that you're all caught up to speed, let me tell you how this trip came about!

Another agent in my office won a 3 night stay at the Regal Sun Resort at Downtown Disney. He is going on a cruise in October and therefore has no more vacation days. Soooooo...

What does he do but gives the certificate to ME. I almost fainted. I cried. I couldn't believe he was doing this, but he was! His wife couldn't take off from work and, like I said, he had no more vacation days. So, I asked my manager and, being the nice girl she is, OK'd it right away.

OH MY GOD I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD...... 9 MONTHS AFTER I WAS JUST THERE!!



I immedately emailed Tev at work and ran the idea by him. At first he thought it was a joke, but after I assured him I began searching Sabre and our agent-only access to sites like Air Tran and such.

What I came up with was the following:

December 12 thru December 15 at the Regal Sun Resort - FREE.

Southwest non-stop from PHL to MCO: $179 per person. That does NOT include any discounts that I might get.

And, we decided to go with a 3-day base ticket. I'm not really a fan of the Animal Kingdom. I mean, Everest is amazing but theme parks disguised as zoos aren't really my bag. I'm not a zoo-type person. Yes, I'll go on the Safari, but I wish it didn't have the story line. They should have like 20 different story lines so it's always different.

I've already booked 3 ADRs: Whispering Canyon Cafe, Crystal Palace and Tutto Italia. One meal WILL be at the Orlando Ale House because that place is idea of heaven.

That's seriously all I have planned. I know that we'll be going to the Magic Kingdom on the Saturday that we're there because that's the only day that MVMCP isn't going on and so the park is open til 11PM. And I know that Epcot will be an all-day affair on Sunday because that's the park we love the most. Especially since the Yacht Club is just a hop, skip and half jump away.

Stay tuned for all of the planning, work emergencies and stresses that always go along with a WDW trip... You know, all the stuff us Disney planners LIVE for!

Until then.

 

[Grace and Mickey]

Congradations on landing your dream job I have always thought I would love to be a travel agent I think it would be a very fun job!!
Maybe you will be able to give us some good tips. I have a trip planned for Sept 2009 and an worried about the cost of airfare.

I like to know why EPCOT is your favorite parks? Whenwe went in 2006 we wheren't able to send as much time as we would have liked and am sure we missed alot, please tell me your top things to do at EPCOT. Thanks looking forward to reading more about your plans.

 

[dizprincess717]

Congradations on landing your dream job I have always thought I would love to be a travel agent I think it would be a very fun job!!
Maybe you will be able to give us some good tips. I have a trip planned for Sept 2009 and an worried about the cost of airfare.

I like to know why EPCOT is your favorite parks? Whenwe went in 2006 we wheren't able to send as much time as we would have liked and am sure we missed alot, please tell me your top things to do at EPCOT. Thanks looking forward to reading more about your plans.

Usually airlines (the major carriers, anyway - US, AA, UA, DL, CO, etc) don't have fares posted until, I believe, 331 days out. Soooo my advice is to wait until that day hits for your September '09 trip - the RETURN date that is. No use booking a 1-way ticket... Well, that could be useful, especially to MCO! Basically, just follow the #1 rule - book as early as possible.

EPCOT is my favorite just for World Showcase. Before I became a TA, I never thought I'd be able to visit those countries. Especially Italy. When I did my internship at Splash Mountain, I'd just go to WS and walk around all day and never get bored. I love the food, the drinks (), and usually the CMs are always so nice. Apart from WS, I LOVE Test Track. I'm one of those weirdos who doesn't like Soarin' - it would be 110% better if it didn't focus on California, I'd love them to do like Soarin' over the WORLD and go to top destinations - THAT would be great! As far as EPCOT goes, I think just being in World Showcase is enough for me.

I see all you readers out there! Feel free to join

 

[Grace and Mickey]

Usually airlines (the major carriers, anyway - US, AA, UA, DL, CO, etc) don't have fares posted until, I believe, 331 days out. Soooo my advice is to wait until that day hits for your September '09 trip - the RETURN date that is. No use booking a 1-way ticket... Well, that could be useful, especially to MCO! Basically, just follow the #1 rule - book as early as possible.

EPCOT is my favorite just for World Showcase. Before I became a TA, I never thought I'd be able to visit those countries. Especially Italy. When I did my internship at Splash Mountain, I'd just go to WS and walk around all day and never get bored. I love the food, the drinks (), and usually the CMs are always so nice. Apart from WS, I LOVE Test Track. I'm one of those weirdos who doesn't like Soarin' - it would be 110% better if it didn't focus on California, I'd love them to do like Soarin' over the WORLD and go to top destinations - THAT would be great! As far as EPCOT goes, I think just being in World Showcase is enough for me.

I see all you readers out there! Feel free to join

thank for the tips about airfare, especially explainig the return date. we will return on Sept 20. so my 331 days should be about Oct 22.
I like the way you explained about how you feel about EPCOT, YES a chance to vist places we have only dreamed about My mother used to tell me you could go any where in a Book.
Have you made any other plans yet? Do you have a favorite place to eat in EPCOT? I really hopping to get an ADR for LeCellier for my Sept trip< Have you ever eaten there?
Have a magicial day, looking forward to reading more of your plans.

 

[dizprincess717]

thank for the tips about airfare, especially explainig the return date. we will return on Sept 20. so my 331 days should be about Oct 22.
I like the way you explained about how you feel about EPCOT, YES a chance to vist places we have only dreamed about My mother used to tell me you could go any where in a Book.
Have you made any other plans yet? Do you have a favorite place to eat in EPCOT? I really hopping to get an ADR for LeCellier for my Sept trip< Have you ever eaten there?
Have a magicial day, looking forward to reading more of your plans.

No problem with the info! I'm here to help, LOL!

Le Cellier is, of course, my favorite. I call WDW every day to see if anyone has cancelled for Le Cellier. I'm determined to get it for our trip. Tutto Italia is new. I love Italian food so I'm very sure I'll like it there.

 

[dizprincess717]

AHEM - To all you lurkers out there --- I seeeee you! Join in on the fun! I promise I'll offer all of you advice for... Well, we're all WDW planning pros, but I can offer flight and airfare advice!!!

Today at work I had 3 WDW inquiries. When I get those calls, emails or walk-ins, I get all giddy inside and excited. Can you believe about half of the people who contact me have never been before?! I'm like a kid in the candy store.

Like today, for example, a mom wants to take her family to WDW. None of them have ever been. EVER. She asks about the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Now, I have nothing against AKL (do you know how hard it is to NOT use acronyms while emailing future Guests?!), but to be honest I think those who are going for the first time should stay at one of the resorts that has a wide variety of transportation. This lady, bless her, wanted to "wing" dining ad ADRs. SAY IT AIN'T SO! So after freaking out in my head, I got crackin' on our in-house system and put together three or four different packages for her. My job, for real.

Now if I'm a perfectionist for vacations that I plan for others, I'm a perfectionist times a million for one of my vacations. My Achillies Heal. Poor Tev. After fighting with him tooth and nail for me to make an itinerary for last March's trip, he totally handed over the reigns to me this time. Learn quickly, he does!

I figured for this trip I'd start at the beginning. One time I tried to start from the middle... Not so good.

Anyway. Starting. From the beginning.

Airfare. After 3 weeks of training for my job, I think I know the sentence "Airfare is not guaranteed until it is ticketed" in about twelve different languages. That mantra in my head, as soon as I was given my Golden Ticket to free hotel-ness, I was on a warpath.

Sabre served no use to me. Blasted computer system.

AirTran... Pretty good!

Southwest --- $79 one-way non-stop flights for me AND Tev!! I scoured more agent-only sights, tried to sweet talk IATAN to fast-track my card but to no avail. So, after about a week of debating, I figured that that fare's not going to be around forever.

Last Sunday I booked our airfare!

Our departure flight is the earliest possible: Leaving Philadelphia at 6:25AM, getting into Orlando at 9:05AM. OH YEAH!

To me, nothing screams vacation than waking up at 3AM (...okay, laying in bed AWAKE until 3AM) to finish last minute packing, making sure everything is checked off all 42524 check lists and driving to the airport. Last March, the last part was substituted for driving. Driving to Orlando. Yeah, we drove. Oh yeah. I went there. I actually don't mind driving to Orlando. It doesn't bother me.

But, the cheap flights and the EARLY departure flight were perfect.

For our return flight (who wants to even think of that?!) is leaving MCO at 2:10PM and getting into PHL at 4:45PM. I would have preferred a later flight, but we both have work the next day. Plus, that's right in the middle of rush hour in Philly, so we'll have our work cut out for us to get home.

Do you know what else I've learned since I started at Liberty Travel?

Most Guests DO, in fact, look for the earliest flights. Just one couple I had were insistent on leaving anytime after noon. Getting there that late?! Oye. To each his own, though.

Now... I know ADRs at this point in the game are slim pickin's. I do have a few and a handful of those will be cancelled in about a week. I call 3 times a day to see if anything opened for Le Cellier. I know it's going to be impossible, but hey - this trip wasn't even supposed to be happening!

Let's recap!

Departure: Southwest PHL-MCO; 6:25AM-9:05AM
Return: Southwest MCO-PHL; 2:10PM-4:45PM

Not too shabby!

Up next... Some proper introductions!

 

[pamouselover]

Hi From a fellow pa'er!
I wish I read this before booking my trip. I usually book with a TA and use liberty travel. The TA I use at Liberty, I have not been able to get in touch with him in two years. Liberty would not give me any information when I called. I assume he left.

I also dream of being a TA. I went to school to be one after high school. I never landed a job doing it, had student loans to pay and ended up working for an armed car services till I had my son. I applied to apple vacations and AAA a couple of years ago. Did not get either job. I did not do well on the test AV gave. It was a strange test that seem like it was made for an engineer position. AAA took me through a million interviews, test etc. only to tell me at the time they were not training TA's but would give me a job as a cashier. It was a bit of a drive from my house so I turned down the offer. They could not tell me if I took the open position, that later I could apply for a TA position. Then I got a job offer from a tour company selling cruises, thinking it was going to be my dream job. I was so excited. It turned out not to be my piece of cake. It was very misleading what my position would be at the company. I spent three painless weeks calling all over the USA trying to sell cruises to the elder on fix income. I quit of course. I actually enjoy talking to the people, because no one in the office spoke to me. Which did not help matters.It was very awkward everiment.I felt like I came in after something happened at the company.
I did not know liberty had a training program? Do you know if they are looking to hire?

 

[pamjb]

Hello from a PTR lurker in Orefield, PA I do post on the regular threads and usually read PTR to get my fix. Since I just returned from WDW, it gives me something to look forward too. I am hoping that the Whitehall cheerleaders qualify for Nationals so I can go with them. No, I don't belong to the cheerleaders, but my good friend has 2 of them.
While I used to be a first flight in the AM kind of gal, we got a great deal on the last flight out the night before we were due to check-in at the BC. So I "named my own price" on Priceline and was able to get the Hyatt inside MCO for $60. We checked in there about 11:30 pm. Got a good night's sleep. When I take that early AM flight, I don't sleep well the night before....too many things running thru my head.
Can't wait to read the rest of the installments.

 

[dizprincess717]

The past month has been CRAZY! About a month ago I went back to northern New Jersey for my 2-week destination training course. We learned a ton of stuff. Everything from cruising, Hawaii, Paris to Dubai. And... Disney.

It was an enjoyable 2 weeks as I got to meet up with old friends and make some new ones. I even got my own room this time around which I seriously loved.

And, let me just take a moment to rep - YEAH PHILLIES!! The second week of training on Monday, Steve called me like 5 times and emailed me about a dozen telling me to get out of the class room and that it was an urgent call. Well, what did he have to tell me? He WON a drawing online for 3 WORLD SERIES TICKETS!!! I still cannot believe that we went to Game 3 of the World Series in Philly. That was the game that it poured and didn't start until 10PM. We got back to his house in Cherry Hill, NJ around 3AM. But, it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. And, of course, they won!!!

Last week was a really scary week at work however. All of the area leaders had meetings up at headquarters. Needless to say, they closed over 30 offices throughout the US and about 180 people are without jobs. Of the 21 people in my initial 3-week training class, only 5 are left. I count my lucky stars I'm one of them.

Finally, today. It was DISNEY DAY!!! We had tons of Disney inquiries and I got to wear my Disney name tag as well as my purple Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah shirt. It was great. I booked one family at a studio at Beach Club Villas which was part of the Buy 4 Get 3 Free promo. Smiles all around.

Which brings me to my OWN Disney plans!!

After about a month of getting some ADRs and deciding over what tickets to get, Steve and I decided to stick with base tickets. I really want to do a week in June because even I'd get the Buy 4 Get 3 Free promo plus travel agent discounts, but I'm not sure in June when we could go. If we do go, we'd stay at probably Pop for a week. But again, we're not sure yet. We have time. For now we're going to stick with the short trip we have planned.

Here it is, my baby - The Clipboard of Fun!

Thursday, December 11 - Work 9am - 6pm. Drive to Steve's house and hang out at his work until he's done at 9pm. Then... "sleep." I say "sleep" because everybody knows there is NO sleep the night before Disney. Maybe I should get a sedative. Who knows.

Friday, December 12 - Up bright and early! Oh yeah!!! My idea of vacation is getting up at the crack of dawn. FOR REAL. Our flight leaves at 6:35AM. Which means we have to be at PHL between 4 and 4:30AM. Which means I'll be up and showering around 3AM. Oh, that's just a beautiful thing. Take that Emril. Anyhoo, we get into MCO at 9:05AM. Right when my office opens! We should get to our hotel by Downtown Disney, the Regal Sun, around 10:30. At least I hope so!! From there, we check-in, check out our rooms (which includes, but is not limited to - smelling the shampoo/soap(s), jumping on the beds, checking the shower, checking out the VIEW which, I was told, is a WDW view - SCORE, and me re-doing my probably airplane messed-up hair), then head out to MGM. WTH-bomb is Hollywood Studios? That name does not exist to me.

**I forgot... We're doing lunch at Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney and browse for a bit**

Our MGM Must-Dos:
- ToT
- RnrC
- LMA
- Backlot Tour
- Star Tours
- GMR
- Indy
- Possibly Fantasmic. POSSIBLY.

We're going to catch a boat to Yacht Club and from there get a bus to the Marketplace then catch a cab to... THE ORLANDO ALE HOUSE OMG I CANNOT WAIT.

Saturday, December 13: I cannot decide whether to eat at Whispering Canyon or Kona Cafe. I'm torn. I love WCC and Steve's never been, but who can resist a pineapple-y alcoholic beverage?? Not I! Anyway, this is the plan:

- MK Hotel Hop! Oh yeah! We explore the monorail hotels and then, my favorite, Wilderness Lodge. Ahhhh home.
- MK for the rest of the day. Hopefully we get there around 1ish. And it's open until 11PM that night so yeah!
- The Mountains
- Peter Pan, Philharmagic, Pooh, Snow White
- Pirates, Jungle Cruise Exotic, D O L E W H I P
- Buzz, People Mover
- PICTURE WITH MICKEY
- And... Well. Hm. Steve just gave me in Irish Claddagh ring as sort of a test. To make sure that my parents were cool with it (which they were since they love him) and to make sure that my ring size is a 6 1/2. We've been ring shopping love SOOOOOOOOO since we'll be seeing both Spectro and Wishes!, who knows.

Sunday, December 14: Epcot, baby! We both adore this park. Before we hit up Epcot, we'll be hotel hopping around the Yacht & Beach as well as the Boardwalk to explore. Because right up there with the Wilderness Lodge is Steve's favorite, the Yacht Club.
- Beverages of Worldy Flavors (BWF)
- The usual ride suspects in Future World: Mission: Space, Test Track, Soarin confused3 still don't like it!), Living with the Land, Nemo stuff.
- I MUST get a tiramisu and a bellini. Or Steve's head will roll.
- Dinner at San Angel Inn.
- Illuminations.

From there, we'll be walking back to the Yacht Club for one last walk around, maybe even Beaches & Cream, and then... back to Regal Sun.

Monday, December 15: The bad day.

So there it is. Our basic plan. I'm working on getting to Home Depot for some LGMHs so I can actually announce that I'm a Dis member! And then actually print up full-size paper itineraries and then index cards. As well as get my Photo Pass thingy.

......And SHOP! Hey... It'll be in the 60s/70s. I think I need some new clothing!

That's all for now!

Up next... Christmas tree shopping because it's the only day we all have available/Thanksgiving/shopping/any other crisises that may arise.

Until then.

 

[pamouselover]

25 days

 

[dizprincess717]

3 WEEKS!!!!


...You all have NO idea how difficult it is to sit back at work, explain to travelers their documents for travel and send them out the door, wishing them to have a wonderful time in Disney World. I'm ready to hitch a ride with them!!

I do know that all of this waiting will be totall worth it, though. It's going to be great to get away with just my boyfriend, no siblings, parents or friends to bother us. Just the two of us. We've never really had a vacation where it was just the two of us.

I do have a confession to make, though. I'm getting terrified of the flight. I really don't do flying too well. Yes, the one who's been on the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world is getting scared of the flight. Go figure.

To my dear lurkers: I see you!!! Go ahead and post away. And for pete's sake if you're going to be in WDW the same time I am, let me know! We're getting just base tickets for this short trip, but that doesn't mean I would love to meet some DISsers!!

 

[dizprincess717]

So I'm in the midst of having a panic attack.

My favorite show on TV right now (well, tied - I love this show and the Office equally) is Deadliest Catch. And my favorite ship is the Northwestern and its loveable yet hostile captain, Sig Hansen.

I was just minding my own business today on the Northwestern's message boards when I stumble across a thread for Sig's Next Appearance In Epcot.



I'M GOING TO MEET CAPTAIN SIG HANSEN OF THE NORTHWESTERN ON DECEMBER 14!!! I knew my expert planning would pay off in the end. I just about passed out.

Thank goodness my darling boyfriend will be there with me. There's no way I'll be able to get an intelligent sentence out of my mouth. I don't know what it is, but I have an itsy bitsy crush on him.

Basically... My tongue will get wrapped around my eye tooth and I won't be able to see what I'm saying.

I CANNOT WAIT!!!!

 

[pamouselover]

That is great for you, Have a magical trip!

 

[pamjb]

Congrats on being able to meet Sig. I bet he never dreamed he would become a "sex symbol". Dh and I watch this show all the time. We just missed him when he was there earlier this year. Hmmm, wonder if it's too late to book a quick trip.

 

[dizprincess717]

That is great for you, Have a magical trip!

Thank you!!

Congrats on being able to meet Sig. I bet he never dreamed he would become a "sex symbol". Dh and I watch this show all the time. We just missed him when he was there earlier this year. Hmmm, wonder if it's too late to book a quick trip.

My family and I watch Deadliest Catch religously. When I meet Sig and Edgar on Sunday afternoon I'm going to call my family back home and put them on speaker-phone so they can talk to them, too!

Well... My bags are all packed and I'm ready to go! I'm still at work for another 6 hours... Maybe I can escape around 5:30, maybe not...

The good news is that I successfully packed all of my stuff in a carry-on size bag so we won't have to wait at baggage claim. My boarding passes for Southwest are all printed out and ready to go. The bad news... I'm getting really nervous to fly. I really don't like it. Go figure, the full-time travel agent doesn't like to fly.

After work here I'm heading down to Steve's house in Cherry Hill, NJ to spend the night. We'll be up bright and early! I'll be up getting dressed around ready around 3am. Hopefully we can leave his house at 3:15, stop at the best diner in the world for breakfast and then head out to PHL. Our flight leaves at 6:35am. Oh yeah, best flight!

Wish me luck. I'll see you all soon!

 

[dizprincess717]

Well. I'm back.

It was truly a whirlwind trip. We went from the lowest of lows (a trip to the Celebration Hospital where Steve didn't get discharged until 3am!) to the highest of highs (meeting Captain Sig Hansen and his brother Edgar from Deadliest Catch, watching Wishes together and going back to my "home" - Splash Mountain) and overall, it was truly a wonderful trip.

I miss it so, so much.

We're already trying to put together a week-long trip for more than likely the third week of August before some of our friends go back to college/grad school and possibly get a 3 bedroom villa if there are any available on property. Or even off property maybe. No more 3 day visits. It just doesn't hold me over. It's like... You get there, you're all set in your vacation mode by the end of day 2 and then you only have 1 more day which is the Sad Day because you know you're flying home tomorrow. It was great to know that the hotel was paid for, but I'd rather pay more to know that I have a full week ahead of me. I'm going to be pricing out some stuff today and tomorrow to see if I can get any good rates through my company.

Other than that... Besides one of the scariest nights of my life, Steve and I had a wonderful time. I'm so excited to upload all of our pictures and go through our Photo Pass pictures.

Hopefully I'll be able to start up on this TR sometime tonight.

To all my lurkers - you can post now The good stuff is coming!