Another surprise trip cause mamma ruined it-NOW THE ULTIMATE FANTASY DISNEY VACATION

[debraW76]

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Table of Contents
The Characters
How this trip came to be
Guess who is pregnant?
Our resort & Budget
How to surprise them?
Another 40 days until we can make ADRs
Disney's Grand 1 Yacht
Where are the park hours for June (a vent)
Attractions we haven't done at Animal Kingdom
Attractions we haven't done at EPCOT
Attractions we haven't done at Magic Kingdom
My nerdiness shows in my spreadsheet of Disney Dining
Already planning another trip for September?
Attractions we haven't done at the Studios
My surprise trip within my surprise trip report
So Walt Disneyworld calls my boss this morning...
Coming up...Finalizing plans for the yacht and baby Tau's birthday



I wanted our trip last fall to be a surprise for our kids but one night I was just too excited and just blurted it out to the kids. So we are trying it again. A surprise trip from a woman who cannot keep a secret.


The Characters:
Mu - Spends most of her time doing laundry, potty training a two year old, being a den leader for Omicron, running Delta, Chi, and Alpha to basketball and cheerleading practices, running errands, working part time as an engineer, and planning vacations. Humbleness is her best trait!

Zeta - an artist who spends most of his time working, doing yard work, cleaning, and listening to his wife talk about Disney. (He is very lucky to have her)

Son Alpha (8) a young boy who takes his big brother status very seriously. He plays football and basketball, is a fast runner, and climbs anything and everything.

Daughter Princess Chi (7) Definitely the princess in the family. She enjoys complaining about her brothers and being the only girl. She is a cheerleader for Delta's basketball team, a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do and math is her favorite subject.

Son Omicron (6) The middlest child and also the most talkative of the Greek clan. Besides watching television he enjoys aggravating his sister and reading.

Son Delta (5) The youngest of the big kids, he plays Tball, basketball and smiles all of the time. He is artistic like his father and enjoys drawing on just about anything including furniture and walls.

and son Baby Tau (2) The baby of the Greek familiy. Spends his days taking his brothers cars, eating and making messes. He believes that every yellow school bus is the one that his brothers and sister are on - even if they are in the car with us.

A pic of our last trip (the kids dodging the water from the AT-AT)

Coming up How this trip came to be

 

[debraW76]

Yes, we just returned from an awesome week at Disney last October (you can read that trip report here

When we returned we agreed that we wanted to do a beach trip in 2009 and wouldn't return to Disney until 2010 or later. But then as I returned to the disboards and writing my trip report, getting pictures developed of our vacation, and listening to the kids talk about and relive our trip, I started getting more and more excited. Then my friend Cheryl said they were planning a trip and we started discussing it and the more we talked about it the more excited we got.

Then as I was paying our timeshare dues (from an Orlando, non-disney resort) my hunny and I talked about just using that instead of trading in with RCI. Honestly, RCI has upped their fees so many times the last several years that to me it is just not worth their fees to trade in. Since our timeshare is biennial we decided we would just drop RCI and use our timeshare to go to Orlando every odd year.

Cheryl's family is going June 3-13, and while we will not be spending the entire week together, we did want our dates to overlap so we could possibly do a meal, fireworks, or something together. So we are going June 6-13.

This trip is a surprise to Cheryl's kids too. She doesn't want to answer the question "When do we go again?" everyday for 6 months so she doesn't want to tell them just yet. She knows how I am with secrets so she made me swear that I wouldn't say anything. Oh this is so hard for me.

So far it has been one month and I haven't told the kids. Though it does get hard when they start talking about how much fun they had.

Coming up...Guess who is pregnant?

 

[debraW76]

I called Cheryl to discuss Disney about two weeks ago and she told me that they may not be quite able to keep up with us because she just found out she is pregnant! Oh, Did I mention Cheryl is 42 and now will be 6 months pregnant during our vacation? She again asked me to keep this a secret. Again I am not good with secrets so this will be hard.

The following Sunday everytime I looked at her, all I could think is "Don't say she's pregnant, Don't say she's pregnant" I avoided one friend because I was too afraid I would accidentally say something. Lucky for me, she only asked me to keep it a secret for one week. Her daughter announced it in church the following Sunday.

I had to call the friend I avoided and make sure everything was ok. She said she thought I was avoiding her and after I explained she laughed.

Coming up...Our resort & Budget

 

[debraW76]

We will be staying at Silver Lake resort just west of Animal Kingdom
http://www.silverlakeresort.com/gallery/

Since this is our 2nd trip within 8 months (and my fourth trip in 2 years) and we still want to try to go to the beach this summer, this will be a PB&J budget trip.

Our Maintenance fees is $706 for a 2 BR unit. I however, upgraded to a 3 BR because our last trip was a bit cramped When my dad died he gave me his sense of humor and unfortunately his claustrophobia. This allows one bedroom for hunny and me, and two bedrooms and two living rooms for the 5 kids. The upgrade cost a total of $198 for a total of $904 for boarding.

We are driving down in my 12 passenger van so paying for gas at 14 MPG, driving 546 miles each way plus a couple hundred miles around orlando, I am hoping for an average gas price of $2 per gallon. Which is a grand total of $185 in gas

Our last trip I was absolutely spoiled with a free dining offer. This time around we will be eating one table service each day and the rest will be in our room or fast food. Our food budget will be $800 for the week.

Souvineers - we typically give each child $5 each day which is $25 * 7 days or $175 total. Plus hunny and I each get to make one purchase with our own saved money (ever how much we save is what we get to spend so I wont include that in the budget).

Tickets - still discussing this with hunny. We have some extra days from our previous trip (we had no expiry tickets). But some were purchased as 7 day and some as 10 day. Plus DD and I took a trip just the two of us so now everyone has a different number of days. DD and I have the least at I think 1 day left. DH has 2 days. And the boys have different number of 4 days. The baby is free still (it is a week before he turns 3!). We would to do 4 days in the park which means DD and I need a 3 day, and DH needs a 2 day pass. After running the numbers, the ticket prices would be the same as purchasing 6 week passes to Universal or SeaWorld. So we are trying to decide what to do. We could do one day at AK (our kids fave park), 2 water parks (on our tickets) and 4 days at Universal. Or we could do 4 days at Disney (one in each park),and 2 days at water parks.

Parking will be $11 per day at Disney or $20 per day at Universal (I will do valet as my huge van doesn't do parking decks).

So far we have:
Lodging $904
GAS - $185
Food $800
Souvies - $175
Tickets - $570 max
parking - $80 max
TOTAL - 2714

So far $706 of the room has been paid for leaving $2008 left.
I plan to save about $25 each week from my gas budget since I budgeted $75/week when gas prices were over $3/gallon. Now I typically spend only $50. That total is $475. Plus my hunny also has gas money leftover each week to throw at it (hoping for $525). Our weekly grocery budget for that week will go towards food cost. Which leaves around $1000 left which is exactly how much we keep in our savings fund for vacations.


Coming up...How to surprise them?

 

[lisalonglash]

Yay, I love your trip reports (and your mom's post are great fun too)! Can't wait to read more

 

[debraW76]

Thanks for joining in Lisa.

Since this is a budget trip I am making most decisions based on what is cheapest. Like I said before we purchased no expiry tickets (some 7 and some 10) two years ago and used 3 days. Chi and I went back for her birthday and we each used 2 days. When we went last fall we stayed onsite and in order to get the free dining we had to each get a one day ticket which we each used. What I did not expect was that since we had to change resorts mid-stay when we were given new KTTW cards, they each had a one day pass (they said it was needed in order to get the dining credits). So, if my records are right we have the following number of days left:

Zeta-1 days paper ticket + 1 KTTW ticket
Mu- 0 days paper ticket + 1 KTTW ticket
Alpha-4 days paper ticket + 1 KTTW ticket
Chi - 2 days paper ticket + 1 KTTW ticket
Omicron - 4 days paper ticket + 1 KTTW ticket
Delta - 1 day paper ticket + 1 KTTW ticket
Tau (doesn't need a ticket)

So with some rearranging (Alpha and Omicron giving their KTTW tickets to Delta) we have this total

Zeta 2 days
Mu 1 day
Alpha 4 days
Chi 3 days
Omicron 4 days
Delta 4 days

Plus we each have 5 days of water parks/Disneyquest so if we want to go to the parks on 4 days we need to upgrade Zeta's 1 day ticket to a 3 day ($146), my 1 day ticket to a 4 day ($153), and Chi's 1 day ticket to a 2 day ($66) for a total of $365 for ticket upgrades.

Compare this to the price of universal or seaworld tickets for the 6 of us

Disney (upgrade everyone to 4 days) $365
Universal (7 day passes) $596
Seaworld (2 days) $386
Seaworld & Aquatica (7 days) $575

And the winner is Disney! (and it also reduced my budget by $235!)

 

[debraW76]

Lodging $904
GAS - $185
Food $800
Souvies - $175
Tickets - $365
parking - $48
TOTAL - $2477

Amount paid $706
Total Left (to save)-$1771

 

[debraW76]

Hunny wants to reconsider our dates. He wants us to go the week before Christmas. This would mean possibly taking the kids out of school for a few days. But we wont actually know this until the school calendar is out (March or April). While it would give us longer to save, it would also mean that Baby Tau would be 3 and no longer free.

I've always wanted to go during Christmas (maybe a MVMCP, see decorations, parades, etc), but it would seem to be more stressful since we would have to clean and pack during a very hectic part of the year.

Hmmm...any suggestions?

 

[debraW76]

It's getting harder and harder to keep this a secret. And I still have 4.5 months to go. I don't know if I am going to make it but I really want this to be a surprise for the kids. I have been thinking of how we will tell them. I think I will let them stay the night with their Mimi the night before (this is a real treat for them) so that we can pack our bags and load the car. Then leave early (4 or 5) to pick them up. When they ask why we are picking them up so early just say that we wanted to take them out for breakfast (in their pajamas). But then I don't know how to tell them after that. I want it to be a real surprise with a big reaction from them.

I know that you can see the top of expedition Everest from the top floor of our resort. I thought about telling them we are going on vacation in florida (or somewhere else, they probably wont know), then taking them up to the top floor and show them to see if they can figure it out. But I don't know if I can make it that long.

I have been trying to get their input without letting them know anything. So far I learned that Alpha prefers buffets over table service meals. Delta is still afraid of Dinosoar and all coasters. Omicron wants to ride the RockinRoller Coaster, and Chi just wants to do it all.

Oh, and we also made up a game. It is like the alphabet game where you say A mine name is... and your name has to be a Disney Character, and I am going to ride... and you have to name a Disney ride or attraction. It was a lot of fun and made rides in our car go by a little quicker.

I also had to add another $20 or so to our budget for a photopass share.

I would like to start making plans for our ADRs but I can't because they haven't posted their hours for June yet and I dont have an agenda yet.

Hunny just went to bed. I guess I should too.


coming up...Another 40 days until we can make ADRs

 

[debraW76]

Well, at least we can make ADrs for the ones we will be joining our friends. They are staying onsite and March 5th is their 90 day mark.

Here is what I am thinking so far.
in EPCOT - I would love to eat at Teppen Edo or LeCellier, but also considering instaed of doing a sitdown, just eat our way around the world.

in Studios - 50's Prime time Cafe'

for Magic Kingdom - either Crystal Palace or taking the monorail to Chef Mickey's or Ohana's

for Animal Kingdom - Tusker House Breakfast

On our off days Boma, T-Rex, and maybe a resort breakfast buffet like Cape May's

Still Frustrated that Disney hasn't posted their operating dates so that we can start planning on what days we will spend in which parks.

Also planning on doing an Illumination Cruise or Fireworks cruise.

So much to plan. so little time...


Coming up...Disney's Grand 1 Yacht

 

[debraW76]

Here is my dilemna. We return home on the 13th and baby Tau's 3rd birthday is the next day. Coming home and immediately having a birthday party doesn't appeal to me and since he doesn't qualify for the birthday promotion (at least what I have read) I am trying to figure out a way to celebrate his birthday while in the world.

We tried booking an illuminations cruise but my party of 7 plus our friends of 5 exceed the max occupancy limit of their pontoon boats. So I asked about the Grand 1 Yacht and it is cheaper than us renting two pontoon boats. By splitting the cost with our friends (and possibly subletting the other 5 spaces to another dis family) we could just have cake and watch wishes from the seven seas lagoon.

(copied from another source).
Grand 1 yacht sails from Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Grand 1, the most luxurious watercraft at Walt Disney World Resort, offers a VIP boating experience on the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake just outside Magic Kingdom. A personal captain and deckhand launch the 52-foot Sea Ray yacht from the marina at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Guests can book morning, afternoon or evening excursions, each of which offer spectacular views of Walt Disney World Resort, including the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Wedding Pavilion and several Walt Disney World resorts. On select nights, guests can view "Wishes," above Magic Kingdom from the boat deck, or the dining and salon areas that feature panoramic, wrap-around windows. For the ultimate cruise, private-dining staff can whip up an evening snack or gourmet five-course meal with wine pairings. A private butler can also cater to guests' every need. Up to 18 guests can sail for $450 per hour plus tax. Dining service and butler are available for additional fees. Reservations for Grand 1 can be made by calling 407/WDW-PLAY. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

So we are thinking of doing this either Saturday night (our arrival day), or on one of our off days.
What do you think?

Lurkers, please stop to say Hi so that I know you are here.


Coming up...Where are the park hours for June (a vent)

 

[debraW76]

Just had to take the baby to the doctor this morning because he had a terrible ear infection. Poor thing.

Cheryl says they are all on board with the Yacht cruise. She can reserve it in only 26 DAYS!

Our first countdown!

 

[lisalonglash]

Aww, poor wee Tau - I hope he feels better really quickly!

The cruise sounds spectacular! If you can swing it, I'd say do it!

Your ADRs look great! I soooooooooo hope we can get free dining this trip - that will enable us to really enjoy TS meals without worrying kwim?

Can't wait to see how your plans progress

 

[debraW76]

Aww, poor wee Tau - I hope he feels better really quickly!

The cruise sounds spectacular! If you can swing it, I'd say do it!

Your ADRs look great! I soooooooooo hope we can get free dining this trip - that will enable us to really enjoy TS meals without worrying kwim?

Can't wait to see how your plans progress

Thanks. When are you planning on going?

We have always tried to schedule around the kids school (being able to go to Disney whenever you want is almost enough for me to homeschool my kids). That is why we go during breaks or summers. Getting worried about the crowds in June though.

OH and my neighbor told me yesterday that they are going next week When I asked her about taking the kids out of school she said they have a form in the school office to fill out and they give assignments to the kids based on grade level. Apparently it is a common occurance here. She did however, add that it was because of work restraints (her vacation days expires end of March) that they couldn't wait until Summer. Not sure if the principle would like it if I said I had to take them during school because it is less crowded

Our next trip just may have to be first week of December

 

[lisalonglash]

Thanks. When are you planning on going?

We're booked for September 12-19

We have always tried to schedule around the kids school (being able to go to Disney whenever you want is almost enough for me to homeschool my kids). That is why we go during breaks or summers. Getting worried about the crowds in June though.

We do homeschool, so we can go when we want I feel for you about trying to figure out the logistics of school and work, while trying to plan a vacation!

Our next trip just may have to be first week of December

I bet it would be beautiful at that time, all decorated for Christmas!

 

[daisyduck7]

Hello, everyone ! I am just so glad to be back in the world of disboards I don't know if my DDwill be able to keep every thing quiet about this "surprise", because she is telling the truth, she absolutely can NOT keep a secret. That is something else she gets from her dad. Yeah, poor baby Tau did have an earache the other day, and then he stayed at my office with me yesterday. He is a good baby when he is here with me. He pulls things off the printer for me, gets the clipboards out for the invoices to go on, but best of all, when I tell him that MawMaw ixiedust: needs hugs and kisses , he comes running to give them to me. He can pitch fits, though. This morning she called me on her way to work , and I could hear him in the background, just screaming his head off. I couldn't understand what he was saying, but he was Not happy.. Oh, wow, guess who just got off the school bus here! The one and only Omicron. He came through the door talking, and hasn't stopped. Well, his dad just picked him up, so it is quiet again. I guess I better get off here and start bringing the office back to some kind of order. Talk to everyone later, keep those cards and letters coming, cuz I'll be lookin' Bye, now .

 

[debraW76]

We're booked for September 12-19

We do homeschool, so we can go when we want I feel for you about trying to figure out the logistics of school and work, while trying to plan a vacation!

I hope you get free dining too!
When my first was born I knew I wanted to homeschool. When my second was born I thought it was a good idea. But now we have 5...I don't know if I could swing it. I still dream about it though...

 

[debraW76]

Hello, everyone ! I am just so glad to be back in the world of disboards I don't know if my DDwill be able to keep every thing quiet about this "surprise", because she is telling the truth, she absolutely can NOT keep a secret. That is something else she gets from her dad. Yeah, poor baby Tau did have an earache the other day, and then he stayed at my office with me yesterday. He is a good baby when he is here with me. He pulls things off the printer for me, gets the clipboards out for the invoices to go on, but best of all, when I tell him that MawMaw ixiedust: needs hugs and kisses , he comes running to give them to me. He can pitch fits, though. This morning she called me on her way to work , and I could hear him in the background, just screaming his head off. I couldn't understand what he was saying, but he was Not happy.. Oh, wow, guess who just got off the school bus here! The one and only Omicron. He came through the door talking, and hasn't stopped. Well, his dad just picked him up, so it is quiet again. I guess I better get off here and start bringing the office back to some kind of order. Talk to everyone later, keep those cards and letters coming, cuz I'll be lookin' Bye, now .

Hi Mom! Glad you found me again.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I'm onboard! I can never keep a secret -- I am surprised we make it through Christmas every year!

 

[Jazzylolo]

I love how you are trying to surprise the kids! They will be so excited. I wish someone would surprise me with a trip to WDW...although I'm too much of a planning freak for our vacations to not be in the know!

My DH and I are going with our good friends June 9 - June 18! Maybe I'll see you and your kids running around Although...if you do have to wait until Christmas I would be a little jealous of that. I have always wanted to go at that time. It sounds amazing!

Oh, and that villas you are staying in look absolutely amazing. If you aren't going to stay on property that looks like the place to stay!