PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
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Anyone Game? Its my Sep 2013 Blog! I'm home; with a TR link in #1189, 10/14
- Thread starter PrincessInOz
- Start date
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
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- 108,007
Jade!!! I missed your post last night!
You're checking in the same day too? Where are you staying? And yes......let's try do a photoshoot together. We can stalk each other for pointers!
WanderlustNZ
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2012
- Messages
- 3,132
PrincessInOz said:
Sounds good.
We (my husband, son and I) will be at the BWV from 28th Sep to the 3rd Oct. Then on the 3rd we check into the AKV (Jambo house) till the 9th. Can't wait for Disney to release it's park hours and MNNSHP days.
Karina
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
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Sounds good. We'll be around for that period, more or less. Let's just keep it in mind as we firm up plans.
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
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The International Pre-Departure Checklist
As an international traveler to the US, there are a number of items that need to be completed before I even board the plane. In my more recent PTRs to Hong Kong and California, I havent bothered to do any more than confirm that these boring items were done. But then, I wasnt really blogging&&.er&&posting on the WDW PTR section of the boards.
Over here, I kinda feel the need to demonstrate that I am worthy of being an uber-Dis-planner so this post is dedicated towards the body of objective evidence arguing my case for uberness-dom.
Yup. That&&and the fact that there is still over 7 months to go between now and the actual boarding of the plane so I have loads of time to fill in.
(Dont mind me&.its me, not you! Im just in one of those moods this month.)
My Pre Departure Checklist, as an international traveler:
1. Passport Validity. The first thing every international traveler needs is a valid passport. Out of pure habit, I always check the valid date of our passports. Its not as if the end date has not been elephant stamped on my memory banks (DS is valid to 2015; DH and I are valid to 2020); but because Ive been caught out once before, I always double check. Needless to say, the passports are valid. COMPLETE.
2. Long Haul travel. Aside from the purchase of the tickets, I have also completed the on-line registration that all airlines require these days. Its those mundane things such as my name, address, sex (have you noticed that Y is never an option???), dob, passport number. Even though I know that they require it, I have yet to Be Prepared enough to have our passports on hand before I start the data entry. I guess Ill just have to accept the fact that my parents did me a major DISservice by not signing me up to the Scouts or Girl Guides. I also need to print out the e-tickets. COMPLETE.
3. Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. All eligible nationals (or non-Americans) must complete a request or electronic authorization to enter the US prior to boarding the plane. This online request is available on the US Department of Homeland Service website and currently costs $14 for a request lasting 2 years. Mine is valid. Ive even updated it with my September travel. The mundane details here are similar to what the airlines require; but it does include flight details. So, there is no point seeking an ESTA if you havent booked your flight yet. At least the ESTA asks for your Gender; rather than Sex.
ACTION: DH and DS do not have a valid ESTA. I will wait till about May/June before submitting a new application. The $28 is neither here nor there; but at least their new ESTAs will be valid for a little longer than if I request it for now. Target completion: End June 2013.
4. DFAT registration. By extension of all things government, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Travel has a site for registering your travel plans. It isnt strictly necessary to register; but in the event of an emergency and if you register, than the Government will have a way of keeping tabs on where you are and know how to help you. Sadly, I wont be able to register until AFTER I sort out Travel insurance. The DFAT site needs that information.
ACTION: Complete registration, but insurance first. Target completion: End August 2013.
5. Travel insurance. Complete blank at this stage.
ACTION: Still to-do. Ill leave this till about June/July before setting this in action. Target completion: End August 2013.
6. Medical bits. Weve been blessed with relative good health. So, there are no prescriptions that we need to worry about or take with us. However, I might get a basic script filled for some antibiotics just in case. There are also no injections required for heading to the US. There will be the standard painkiller, gastro, sunscreen etc lotions and potions that we will pop into our checked baggage. But its not like were heading to a 3rd world country. With travel insurance, we might just be able to afford going to see a doctor if we should need to.
ACTION: Get appropriate scripts and purchase items. Target completion: End August 2013.
7. Foreign currency. For the Americans reading this, it will sound strange that the greenback is considered a foreign currency. But it is for me.
This item is like playing chicken with the airline. You never know which way the exchange rate is going to fluctuate and it could add +/- 10% to your cost on any given day.
Ive been buying currency for the better part of 6 months now. And where possible, I prepay for accommodation when I can so that I dont have to worry about the future exchange rate. For this trip, DH would prefer that we hang on to the cash rather than prepay in full; so our arrangement is that where there is a discount involved, we will comply with prepayment terms. Where there is no discount, well convert the equivalent amount to US currency so that we have the amount locked in.
ACTION: On-going conversion of currency.
8. Internal US air travel. By my estimation, I think we need to sort out 3 internal flights. Ive signed up to SW Airlines for their Dings and will be regularly checking American Airline and United for their flight options. I suspect that I will not have this sorted out till late June. More than anything else, this will be the item that will be the most stressful for me as Id prefer to know that Ive locked these in. Ive put this down in this International section of the list because between DH, DS and I we have a fortune in frequent flyer points. We can use these for internal US air travel if we stick with flying American Airlines.
ACTION: 3 flights to purchase for the 3 of us or to redeem points for. Target Completion: ASAP.
9. Airline Luggage allowance. As an international traveler travelling on Qantas, our luggage allowance is two pieces of checked baggage up to 32 kg each. That means that if we want to, I have six pieces of checked luggage allowed on my international legs.
Sadly, if I did travel with that amount, for each internal flight I do in the US, I would be up for $300 worth of checked bag fees&..EACH FLIGHT!!!!
Over the years, DH and I have ended up with a nice collection of bags. We already have a number of medium cases for check-in luggage purposes. I am proposing on bringing two on this trip; with a couple of soft bags or even smaller carry-on bags packed inside for the inevitable shopping that we will do. The two bags will allow enough space for DH, DW and I to bring about 4 or 5 changes of clothes for our trip. This will mean that checked bag fees will be $100 per flight. Ill be looking to prepay this if at all possible; if cheaper upfront fees are an option. If I redeem points, Ill have to look at how this works out.
As we will shop, the bags inside the bags will give us space to carry stuff home.
We are also allowed one carry-on and one personal item on the international flights. I suspect that we may well end up with one carry-on and two/three personal items between the three of us.
This will mean that DH and I will need to negotiate a medium bag and a personal item each and DS will need to be responsible for the carry-on (and possibly a personal item).
On the internal US flights, we are allowed two carry-ons and one personal item on most airlines. So, if I have bags inside bags and we do shop; at least we can try to minimize the checked-baggage fees.
I do not promise to come home with the same number of bags.
ACTION: Look for prepaying checked baggage when booking internal flights. If not, well be paying the standard baggage fees at the airport.
As far as pre-departure items relating to International travelers go, thats my list. There are a raft of items for me to list in terms of US ground travel. But that can keep for another post.
As an international traveler to the US, there are a number of items that need to be completed before I even board the plane. In my more recent PTRs to Hong Kong and California, I havent bothered to do any more than confirm that these boring items were done. But then, I wasnt really blogging&&.er&&posting on the WDW PTR section of the boards.
Over here, I kinda feel the need to demonstrate that I am worthy of being an uber-Dis-planner so this post is dedicated towards the body of objective evidence arguing my case for uberness-dom.
Yup. That&&and the fact that there is still over 7 months to go between now and the actual boarding of the plane so I have loads of time to fill in.
(Dont mind me&.its me, not you! Im just in one of those moods this month.)
My Pre Departure Checklist, as an international traveler:
1. Passport Validity. The first thing every international traveler needs is a valid passport. Out of pure habit, I always check the valid date of our passports. Its not as if the end date has not been elephant stamped on my memory banks (DS is valid to 2015; DH and I are valid to 2020); but because Ive been caught out once before, I always double check. Needless to say, the passports are valid. COMPLETE.
2. Long Haul travel. Aside from the purchase of the tickets, I have also completed the on-line registration that all airlines require these days. Its those mundane things such as my name, address, sex (have you noticed that Y is never an option???), dob, passport number. Even though I know that they require it, I have yet to Be Prepared enough to have our passports on hand before I start the data entry. I guess Ill just have to accept the fact that my parents did me a major DISservice by not signing me up to the Scouts or Girl Guides. I also need to print out the e-tickets. COMPLETE.
3. Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. All eligible nationals (or non-Americans) must complete a request or electronic authorization to enter the US prior to boarding the plane. This online request is available on the US Department of Homeland Service website and currently costs $14 for a request lasting 2 years. Mine is valid. Ive even updated it with my September travel. The mundane details here are similar to what the airlines require; but it does include flight details. So, there is no point seeking an ESTA if you havent booked your flight yet. At least the ESTA asks for your Gender; rather than Sex.
ACTION: DH and DS do not have a valid ESTA. I will wait till about May/June before submitting a new application. The $28 is neither here nor there; but at least their new ESTAs will be valid for a little longer than if I request it for now. Target completion: End June 2013.
4. DFAT registration. By extension of all things government, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Travel has a site for registering your travel plans. It isnt strictly necessary to register; but in the event of an emergency and if you register, than the Government will have a way of keeping tabs on where you are and know how to help you. Sadly, I wont be able to register until AFTER I sort out Travel insurance. The DFAT site needs that information.
ACTION: Complete registration, but insurance first. Target completion: End August 2013.
5. Travel insurance. Complete blank at this stage.
ACTION: Still to-do. Ill leave this till about June/July before setting this in action. Target completion: End August 2013.
6. Medical bits. Weve been blessed with relative good health. So, there are no prescriptions that we need to worry about or take with us. However, I might get a basic script filled for some antibiotics just in case. There are also no injections required for heading to the US. There will be the standard painkiller, gastro, sunscreen etc lotions and potions that we will pop into our checked baggage. But its not like were heading to a 3rd world country. With travel insurance, we might just be able to afford going to see a doctor if we should need to.
ACTION: Get appropriate scripts and purchase items. Target completion: End August 2013.
7. Foreign currency. For the Americans reading this, it will sound strange that the greenback is considered a foreign currency. But it is for me.
This item is like playing chicken with the airline. You never know which way the exchange rate is going to fluctuate and it could add +/- 10% to your cost on any given day.
Ive been buying currency for the better part of 6 months now. And where possible, I prepay for accommodation when I can so that I dont have to worry about the future exchange rate. For this trip, DH would prefer that we hang on to the cash rather than prepay in full; so our arrangement is that where there is a discount involved, we will comply with prepayment terms. Where there is no discount, well convert the equivalent amount to US currency so that we have the amount locked in.
ACTION: On-going conversion of currency.
8. Internal US air travel. By my estimation, I think we need to sort out 3 internal flights. Ive signed up to SW Airlines for their Dings and will be regularly checking American Airline and United for their flight options. I suspect that I will not have this sorted out till late June. More than anything else, this will be the item that will be the most stressful for me as Id prefer to know that Ive locked these in. Ive put this down in this International section of the list because between DH, DS and I we have a fortune in frequent flyer points. We can use these for internal US air travel if we stick with flying American Airlines.
ACTION: 3 flights to purchase for the 3 of us or to redeem points for. Target Completion: ASAP.
9. Airline Luggage allowance. As an international traveler travelling on Qantas, our luggage allowance is two pieces of checked baggage up to 32 kg each. That means that if we want to, I have six pieces of checked luggage allowed on my international legs.
Sadly, if I did travel with that amount, for each internal flight I do in the US, I would be up for $300 worth of checked bag fees&..EACH FLIGHT!!!!
Over the years, DH and I have ended up with a nice collection of bags. We already have a number of medium cases for check-in luggage purposes. I am proposing on bringing two on this trip; with a couple of soft bags or even smaller carry-on bags packed inside for the inevitable shopping that we will do. The two bags will allow enough space for DH, DW and I to bring about 4 or 5 changes of clothes for our trip. This will mean that checked bag fees will be $100 per flight. Ill be looking to prepay this if at all possible; if cheaper upfront fees are an option. If I redeem points, Ill have to look at how this works out.
As we will shop, the bags inside the bags will give us space to carry stuff home.
We are also allowed one carry-on and one personal item on the international flights. I suspect that we may well end up with one carry-on and two/three personal items between the three of us.
This will mean that DH and I will need to negotiate a medium bag and a personal item each and DS will need to be responsible for the carry-on (and possibly a personal item).
On the internal US flights, we are allowed two carry-ons and one personal item on most airlines. So, if I have bags inside bags and we do shop; at least we can try to minimize the checked-baggage fees.
I do not promise to come home with the same number of bags.
ACTION: Look for prepaying checked baggage when booking internal flights. If not, well be paying the standard baggage fees at the airport.
As far as pre-departure items relating to International travelers go, thats my list. There are a raft of items for me to list in terms of US ground travel. But that can keep for another post.
Jade!!! I missed your post last night!
You're checking in the same day too? Where are you staying? And yes......let's try do a photoshoot together. We can stalk each other for pointers!
We are staying at POR.
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
- Messages
- 108,007
That's a great resort.
okay. Let's see how the schedules work out and whether we can connect somewhere at the World.
That's a great resort.
okay. Let's see how the schedules work out and whether we can connect somewhere at the World.
I don't even have a schedule at this stage. Once you schedule is worked out, let me know
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
- Messages
- 108,007
I don't even have a schedule at this stage. Once you schedule is worked out, let me know
Dang! I was hoping you had your schedule worked out. Mine is full of moving parts right now.
WanderlustNZ
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2012
- Messages
- 3,132
I had a rough schedule worked out, then it was suggested to me not to go into Epcot the opening weekend of the F&W Festival (the day I arrive) because of big crowds and drunks.
That's really thrown a spanner in my works as I was excited about Epcot being the first park we visited. Epcot was my favourite park when I visited WDW many moons ago, and I'm so excited about having 5 nights where I can just wander into Epcot through the back gate. I wanted to get started on these visits as soon as we arrived from the cruise. Also I'm pretty sure my son will enjoy Epcot more if he's not comparing it to the other parks.
This schedule decision-making thing isn't as easy as I first thought. I've already changed my mind 3 or 4 times and park hours haven't even been released yet.
Still, can't complain. What a lovely dilemma to have.
I'm really looking forward to seeing other people's schedules once they decide on them.
That's really thrown a spanner in my works as I was excited about Epcot being the first park we visited. Epcot was my favourite park when I visited WDW many moons ago, and I'm so excited about having 5 nights where I can just wander into Epcot through the back gate. I wanted to get started on these visits as soon as we arrived from the cruise. Also I'm pretty sure my son will enjoy Epcot more if he's not comparing it to the other parks.
This schedule decision-making thing isn't as easy as I first thought. I've already changed my mind 3 or 4 times and park hours haven't even been released yet.
Still, can't complain. What a lovely dilemma to have.
I'm really looking forward to seeing other people's schedules once they decide on them.
skier_pete
DIsney-holics Anon
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2006
- Messages
- 13,059
Big advantage of flying Southwest Airlines in the US. You still get 2 Free bags per person up to 50# (23 KG) each bag. You should take that into account when booking flights. SWA may not always be lowest fare, but the bag fees can make up for that. (The cramped seating is the bigger problem for long flights!)
franandaj
I'm so happy, I could BOUNCE!
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2009
- Messages
- 37,740
Sounds like a lot to think about. Especially with the internal US bag restrictions and fees. The paperwork alone would drive me batty!
You are lucky not to have medicines to worry about. When we travel half of one of our carry ons is a 3 gallon baggie of medicines. Mostly OTC, but required on a daily basis, mostly for Fran. We have our daily containers of pills, but she has a whole host of supplements that are quite bulky.
You are lucky not to have medicines to worry about. When we travel half of one of our carry ons is a 3 gallon baggie of medicines. Mostly OTC, but required on a daily basis, mostly for Fran. We have our daily containers of pills, but she has a whole host of supplements that are quite bulky.
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
- Messages
- 108,007
What was your rough schedule?
Sounds like we might want to fly SWA as much as possible. Thanks.
We either complete the paperwork or never travel outside of Oz.
I sure hope so!!
WanderlustNZ
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2012
- Messages
- 3,132
I've just updated it. Perhaps 'rough' is not the best way to explain it anymore. My holiday planning is getting out of control
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3033879
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
- Messages
- 108,007
I've just updated it. Perhaps 'rough' is not the best way to explain it anymore. My holiday planning is getting out of control
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3033879
You might be out of control; but you're in more control than me!
When I next update my front section, I might put you and Jade in as potential DisMeet buddies.
WanderlustNZ
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2012
- Messages
- 3,132
PrincessInOz said:When I next update my front section, I might put you and Jade in as potential DisMeet buddies.
Sounds good.
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
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Chinese New Year 2013
Kong Hee Fatt Choy!
We celebrated the start of another Year of the Snake on the 10th of February.
Chinese New Year is one of those celebrations that my family partake in. It is the most important traditional Chinese holidays. We do follow some of the traditions.....
Reunion Dinner
On New Year's Eve, all Chinese families will hold a gathering known as Reunion Dinner. It's the one time of the year where everyone tries to make it back to the familial home; much like Thanksgiving.
What do we do? We. eat.
My mother has long settled on the simplicity of offering Steam Boat for dinner. Consider it Chinese Fondue.
There are plates of uncooked food....
We had home made wontons.
Seafood, including shrimp, calamari and fish balls.
My mother also stuffed some tofu puffs with fish paste.
We also had some plain tofu.
There is always a heap of vegetables.....
......and noodles.
For the kids, my mother always incudes some cocktail frankfurts. I know.....not exactly Chinese.....but it keeps the kids happy.
The meal is not complete without Chilli Sauce. Lots of it!
Our table was suitably dressed.
And we didn't forget the touches of Disney at this Reunion Dinner.
The fondue bit?
Well......take some stock and heat it up. There are special steam boat appliances for this; but the rice cooker works just as well.
When everyone is at the table and the stock is boiling, add the raw protein to the pot.
Whilst we are waiting for it to cook, my family sits and chats. It's a nice way to catch up over a leisurely meal.
When the food is cooked, we fish it all out into our bowls.
As the meal progresses, the stock becomes increasingly 'sweet' and flavoured with the juices from all that protein.
I always finish the meal with noodles and poach an egg in the stock. Lots of delicious soup is a given!
(Continued in Next Post)
Kong Hee Fatt Choy!
We celebrated the start of another Year of the Snake on the 10th of February.
Chinese New Year is one of those celebrations that my family partake in. It is the most important traditional Chinese holidays. We do follow some of the traditions.....
Reunion Dinner
On New Year's Eve, all Chinese families will hold a gathering known as Reunion Dinner. It's the one time of the year where everyone tries to make it back to the familial home; much like Thanksgiving.
What do we do? We. eat.
My mother has long settled on the simplicity of offering Steam Boat for dinner. Consider it Chinese Fondue.
There are plates of uncooked food....
We had home made wontons.
Seafood, including shrimp, calamari and fish balls.
My mother also stuffed some tofu puffs with fish paste.
We also had some plain tofu.
There is always a heap of vegetables.....
......and noodles.
For the kids, my mother always incudes some cocktail frankfurts. I know.....not exactly Chinese.....but it keeps the kids happy.
The meal is not complete without Chilli Sauce. Lots of it!
Our table was suitably dressed.
And we didn't forget the touches of Disney at this Reunion Dinner.
The fondue bit?
Well......take some stock and heat it up. There are special steam boat appliances for this; but the rice cooker works just as well.
When everyone is at the table and the stock is boiling, add the raw protein to the pot.
Whilst we are waiting for it to cook, my family sits and chats. It's a nice way to catch up over a leisurely meal.
When the food is cooked, we fish it all out into our bowls.
As the meal progresses, the stock becomes increasingly 'sweet' and flavoured with the juices from all that protein.
I always finish the meal with noodles and poach an egg in the stock. Lots of delicious soup is a given!
(Continued in Next Post)
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
- Messages
- 108,007
(Continued from Previous Post)
New Year Lunch
We had enjoyed a wonderful reunion dinner the night before only to turn around within 12 hours to head back to my parents for Chinese New Year lunch. It's another one of those family gatherings that you ignore at your peril. I'm pretty sure no one in my family has dared to ignore the New Year Day feasting.
Of course....we are talking about food again.
I normally am responsible for putting the starter salad together. The Chinese New Year version of this is Yee Sang; which roughly translates to 'Fish Raw'.
It is a platter of different textures and vegetables. The raw fish reference is for the raw salmon that is I prepare 'ceviche' style - marinated in spices and lime juice.
Drizzle some plum sauce over the Yee Sang and then it's time to "Loh Hee".....everyone mix!
Well.....when you add dressing to a salad, it does need to be tossed, right?
My plate.
One of my siblings also made a starter. It was a lovely Sang Choi Pow (Lettuce Cups).
My parents have their curries and rendangs down to a fine art. My siblings and cousins all contribute to the meal. It's almost a repeat of Christmas Eve dinner!
My plate!
Unlike the night before, we did serve dessert with lunch.
Fruit.....
And a Chocolate Ripple Cake in the shape of a Snake.
All in all, a GREAT way to herald in the New Year!
New Year Lunch
We had enjoyed a wonderful reunion dinner the night before only to turn around within 12 hours to head back to my parents for Chinese New Year lunch. It's another one of those family gatherings that you ignore at your peril. I'm pretty sure no one in my family has dared to ignore the New Year Day feasting.
Of course....we are talking about food again.
I normally am responsible for putting the starter salad together. The Chinese New Year version of this is Yee Sang; which roughly translates to 'Fish Raw'.
It is a platter of different textures and vegetables. The raw fish reference is for the raw salmon that is I prepare 'ceviche' style - marinated in spices and lime juice.
Drizzle some plum sauce over the Yee Sang and then it's time to "Loh Hee".....everyone mix!
Well.....when you add dressing to a salad, it does need to be tossed, right?
My plate.
One of my siblings also made a starter. It was a lovely Sang Choi Pow (Lettuce Cups).
My parents have their curries and rendangs down to a fine art. My siblings and cousins all contribute to the meal. It's almost a repeat of Christmas Eve dinner!
My plate!
Unlike the night before, we did serve dessert with lunch.
Fruit.....
And a Chocolate Ripple Cake in the shape of a Snake.
All in all, a GREAT way to herald in the New Year!
dgbg100106
Missing the Tag Fiary
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2008
- Messages
- 79,816
Yummy!
I am so coming to your house for dinner.
I am so coming to your house for dinner.
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