Beast. The awesome PTR of awesomeness June 2012 last update: Universal Resort

[BrerMama]

Chapter 11: Mid April Update

Well, that was fun. Last night we hiked over to spend an hour in our storm shelter. I just love visiting the storm shelter. You will never see a better slice of humanity than sitting in a storm shelter in a mobile home park. There's always the normal people (I like to put us in that group). Then you've got the family who brought every blanket in the house. Or the family who brought KoolAid in a recycled milk jug. Or the people who try to smuggle in the dog, even though it's not allowed.

My family? We sat against a wall and played on our iPods/iPhones. Twitter was a lifesaver for me because I follow our local news channels and I could read the updates to see that the tornado was way south of us. We actually left shelter before the watch expired because I could watch the radar on my phone and see that the storm had gone south of us. It completely missed us (although because it was in our large county, the sirens were wailing here).

Tater was not thrilled with my decision to get us all to shelter. I told him that as long as he's living in my house, then I get to decide when we go. Better safe... than not.

Besides, what better way to spend a Saturday evening? People watching is great fun.

Because there was so many warnings about severe weather coming on Saturday, I spent the morning packing our "to the shelter we go" bag. It had our Disney tickets, Disney gift cards, and yes, my Deluxe Passporter. Hey, even if we lose our house I'm going to Disney. No sense losing all my plans.

You have a Passporter, right? Best way for keeping plans together and saving memories once you're there. One of their first and always loyal customers.

We also took my laptop, my external drive and my camera.

Ches took her stuffed Stitch Pook-a-looz.

We've got priorities.

Anyway... Disney, right?

Really haven't done a lot of planning this week.

I did talk to Dan about where we want to stay at Vistana. There are several (10?) distinct areas of the resort and each has a different floorplan and amenities. So much like Disney resorts where you need to decide where you want your room and make a request, I want to do the same for Vistana.

To further complicate things, Vistana is divided into two sides of the resort. One side has the Marketplace and a casual eatery. The other side has a food court. Both have multiple pools.

Kiah, my assistant planner, wants to stay on the Marketplace side. She likes the idea of getting deli sandwiches from the store. She thinks we'd enjoy it more. She does not want to eat at the food court (A&W, KFC, Pizza Hut).

I'm not so sure I agree. I think we might enjoy being on the smaller side of the resort. I think we might like being close to the food court. It might be nice to grab a pizza if we're really exhausted. Then again, I like the way the other side of the resort is laid out.

And after hours of studying and looking at maps, I still don't know where I want to be at the resort. I have a list of 3 places that would be great. I guess I'll just fill out my online check in and list the 3 areas I'd prefer. Two are in the area Kiah wants. One is in the food court area. Let Sheraton decide where they can best fit us.

And Universal... well, I haven't even made a room request there. I don't expect us to be in our room much. I just want the pool. And a pool bar. Right now a pool bar sounds really nice.

So that's the state of trip planning right now. We go under 60 days this week and I'm going to have to get serious about packing lists and buying last minute stuff.

I'd just like to survive this school year and tornado season first.

 

[BrerMama]

Name change:

There's another trip report with the same name as mine had. It was probably started first. I don't know. I named our trip the minute I heard the song in the theater.

I was going to just keep the name.

But then Mykiah keeps using the word "Beast" as an adjective. Or verb.

As in "I'm feeling really Beast today" or even "I'm going to beast at that forensics tournament."

So I thought I'd change, and maybe pop this little trip report out of obscurity. Because our trip is going to be Beast. With an uppercase B.

Ironically, I've been having some issues with good ole Disboards today and actually thought this was going to post before my PTR update. But it didn't. So read above!

 

[momabaarjo]

Goo was just looking over my shoulder at the RPR picture...and I said..."I want to go there." I looked at him and said you did, that is the Royal Pacific!

Where is the Vistana at in Orlando? How close it to WDW...it looks really nice and I would love to hear more about it!

Hope you are safe from last night...what a scary night it was!

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Love your updates!! And I super-love your clothing plan! Glad to be following along!!

 

[DMGeurts]

LOve your updates!

We actually had the same storms come through our area last night... Would you believe the first thing that went throug my mind (after how to save the family of course...). I was thinking that I was glad I had just ordered my PP CD, so I wouldn't have to save those pictures from the tornado (that never came close here either). It's storm season... Need to clean the basement though. At least we put fresh batteries in the flashlights and storm radio.

Still so relieved that you and your family are OK. And glad to hear that all of your Disney stuff went with you (I would have done the same thing).

D~

 

[BrerMama]

Quickie drive by -- sixth grade music concert this evening -- complete torture -- but I do have to share this photo:


IMG_2386 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

Inspired by StitchIsOurHero, we realized it was 60 day mark. So a quick coloring sheet and half priced burgers from the local burger place before the concert. Ice cream with my parents after the concert. And now bed.

Back with a real update tomorrow!

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Quickie drive by -- sixth grade music concert this evening -- complete torture -- but I do have to share this photo:


IMG_2386 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

Inspired by StitchIsOurHero, we realized it was 60 day mark. So a quick coloring sheet and half priced burgers from the local burger place before the concert. Ice cream with my parents after the concert. And now bed.

Back with a real update tomorrow!

LOVE it! And a big WOOHOOOOOO for 60 days!!

 

[BrerMama]

Goo was just looking over my shoulder at the RPR picture...and I said..."I want to go there." I looked at him and said you did, that is the Royal Pacific!

Where is the Vistana at in Orlando? How close it to WDW...it looks really nice and I would love to hear more about it!

Hope you are safe from last night...what a scary night it was!

Aren't kids fun? I just love the perspective on that photo... makes me want to climb right in the pool.

Vistana is just outside Downtown Disney. Near the Nick Hotel if that helps. It helps me because we stayed there in 2000 (before it was the Nick Hotel) so I sort of know that area.

And yes, very safe. Sad for those who lost everything, including one of my students.

Love your updates!! And I super-love your clothing plan! Glad to be following along!!

Welcome! You're going to be getting back just as we're arriving.... should be fun!

LOve your updates!

We actually had the same storms come through our area last night... Would you believe the first thing that went throug my mind (after how to save the family of course...). I was thinking that I was glad I had just ordered my PP CD, so I wouldn't have to save those pictures from the tornado (that never came close here either). It's storm season... Need to clean the basement though. At least we put fresh batteries in the flashlights and storm radio.

Still so relieved that you and your family are OK. And glad to hear that all of your Disney stuff went with you (I would have done the same thing).

D~

I'll say it again... you are so awesome! Thanks for thinking of us during the storms.

So I've decided it's time to get into the nitty gritty of planning. I'm going to do "actual plans" on Tuesdays and weekends and then save Thursdays for fun stuff. This Thursday's post will be super duper fun! In the meantime...

 

[BrerMama]

Day 1: Arrival

Our journey will actually begin on Thursday, June 14. I have to work that day (I'm doing summer testing for children turning 3 over the summer who may need special ed services and I'll be doing IEP meetings on the 14th) and Dan works as well. Me working is not a huge deal. Dan working could be, but he swears he's going to try to be off between 2-3 pm. We'll see.

Regardless, after he gets off we'll be headed to Kansas City. I made a reservation at a Quality Suites at the airport that we really liked when we stayed there the night before our 2007 trip. I think I may have mentioned it earlier, but yes, there is a airport closer to our home. However it does not offer connecting flight, and my Tater is a very nervous flyer. The fewer times we have to take off and land, the better. Our flight leaves KC at 7:30 in the morning, so we really need to go down Thursday. It's either that or we'd have to leave our house around 2 am.

Yeah, I'm going with airport hotel, too. Our hotel also offers a shuttle so we can leave the Equinox parked in their lot and they'll run us and our luggage over to the airport. Again, we did this in 2007 and it worked really well.

So hopefully a decent night's sleep, early flight out. We should arrive around 11:30 Florida time.

Since we're off site, a rental car is a necessity. And with us needing the car for 15 days (instead of 14), many of the coupons and codes out there are not working for us. Right now I have an Emerald Aisle reservation with National. I'd like to stick with National or Alamo because I like the idea of being able to choose our own car.

So we'll land, I'm sure we'll hit the restroom, and then collect our luggage. Trek over to the garage and pick a car. I'd love an SUV -- as you may have read, I have issues with cars -- but a full size car would be OK too. I'm not going to be driving it regardless. Dan will get that privilege.

The timing of everything else on arrival day will depend on how long it takes to check in and whether our unit is ready. If it's ready, dump stuff in the room, eat lunch somewhere, go to Walmart for supplies. Swim. Downtown Disney for the evening.

Can't even put into words how ready I am for Earl of Sandwich... I've been dreaming about this place since 2007.

If the unit is not ready, we'll probably check out luggage at the resort and head to Downtown Disney for the afternoon. After 4, it will be back to the resort to unpack, hit the pool and then off to Walmart.

I'm hoping for the first option. In fact, when I do my online check in, I'm going to indicate that my biggest priority will be having a unit ready and give them my top 3 choices of areas. Hopefully they'll be able to find something open for us.

Planning an early bedtime that first day because we've got fun stuff planned for our first day in the parks!

 

[bankr63]

What Kiah and I ended up doing was reading a lot of dining reviews to suggest what our family might like. You should know that in my little family of 5:

Dan won't eat onions, peppers, or tomatoes. He'll eat salsa, or ketchup, he just won't eat any of those things in a recognizable form.

Me won't eat fish. Dan says I'm picky, but that's really my only line I won't cross.

Tater is a Vegetarian. Just a regular old "I don't eat meat" vegetarian. It's been a learning curve for me to figure out what to have in the house for him so that he could get enough protein. Going out to eat takes a little more thought because we have to make sure that the restaurant has a decent vegetarian option. We went to Applebee's once and he ended up eating onion rings. It was the only non-meat option that sounded good to him. We need to make sure he has some choices over those two weeks.

Kiah eats healthy. She likes fresh ingredients, non-processed food. She does not usually eat with the family if we eat fast food. She'd prefer to stay home and make a salad or peanut butter sandwich (on whole grain bread, of course). I don't know how she does it. I eat healthier now, but I get really cranky if I can't eat a cookie if I want.

Ches Girl is an All-American eater. She doesn't have to flip through a menu for a half hour to find something acceptable. Give her a burger and fries or some pizza and she's a happy girl.

Hi BrerMama,

Clicked in because I recognized your name from your questions on the Sheraton Vistana thread. Really enjoying your PTR so far (still a bit more to read); looking forward to hearing how you enjoy SVR once you ge there.

I just had to pipe in with another offsite dining recommendation (think it might have been my post that put you onto Cantina Laredo too ). I think you might like to check out Seasons 52 on Sand Lake as well (http://www.seasons52.com/default.asp). A bit classier, but prices aren't too bad. They are a fresh local ingredients place, some good veggie options, all the way up to a porterhouse steak for your meatitarians. Entrees are all under 475 calories, so you don't overdo it, but they are still filling. It's one of our favorites down there.

The new car post made me feel good. I'm picking up the Equinox's big brother (Traverse) on Thursday. Our camping excursions have outgrown our little Kia Rondo (aka Kirby), so with the lease up it's time to move up to something bigger. Looking forward to the new wheels, but gosh we'll miss our Kirby. He's towed our home away from home a lot of miles over the past 4 years. Actually decided on the Traverse last year on our trip down to Disney, it was our rental car for the week.

 

[BrerMama]

Hi BrerMama,

Clicked in because I recognized your name from your questions on the Sheraton Vistana thread. Really enjoying your PTR so far (still a bit more to read); looking forward to hearing how you enjoy SVR once you ge there.

You have been such a help on the Vistana thread! So happy that you're here and I can't wait to write about Vistana. Just waiting to do my Diamond Lane check-in in about a month!

I just had to pipe in with another offsite dining recommendation (think it might have been my post that put you onto Cantina Laredo too ). I think you might like to check out Seasons 52 on Sand Lake as well (http://www.seasons52.com/default.asp). A bit classier, but prices aren't too bad. They are a fresh local ingredients place, some good veggie options, all the way up to a porterhouse steak for your meatitarians. Entrees are all under 475 calories, so you don't overdo it, but they are still filling. It's one of our favorites down there.

Sounds like the perfect place for my family. Definitely putting it on the list.

The new car post made me feel good. I'm picking up the Equinox's big brother (Traverse) on Thursday. Our camping excursions have outgrown our little Kia Rondo (aka Kirby), so with the lease up it's time to move up to something bigger. Looking forward to the new wheels, but gosh we'll miss our Kirby. He's towed our home away from home a lot of miles over the past 4 years. Actually decided on the Traverse last year on our trip down to Disney, it was our rental car for the week.

Oh, I hope you enjoy your Traverse today! I've been driving the 'Nox this week (Dan had been driving it) and I'm so in love. We didn't even look at the Traverse because we're trying to downsize as our kids go off to college. Very seldom that we're all in one vehicle. Love my Chevy's.

 

[BrerMama]

Chapter 13: My Ultimate Park Bag

So let's go back in time....

A quiet Sunday afternoon in February had me clicking on PTR which would change my life.

OK, maybe that's a little dramatic. But it was pretty amazing.

I have this bag thing. I am always on the search for the perfect bag for the perfect purpose. Camera bag = rose jo tote. Daily handbag = Vera Bradley. Luggage = rolling duffle.

Park Bag? Well, I had a mini messenger bag that I loved at Disneyland in 2009, but it was really going to be too small for what I wanted this summer. What I wanted was something close to a Vera Bradley Hipster... but not quite.

So I clicked on a pre-trip report written by someone who started out to sew her way to Disney by creating American Girl clothing. And then she decided to make herself a park bag.

And it really was perfect. If you want to read her qualifications, she's got a great explanation here.

I read. And I knew.

I must have.

The applique presented a problem. While I love Disney, I'm not a huge "character" person. OK, I love Sulley Monster, but I don't see myself as the type who walks around the theme parks with James P Sullivan on my hip. I've always found myself drawn to more subtle bits of Disney magic.

So I had an idea in my head of what I love. Classic Disney colors -- red, white, black, yellow. The patterns I love -- damask, damask and more damask.

I didn't even finish reading the trip report, I just went over to Etsy and found this seller and started a conversation with her. Can I get one? I asked.

She told me she could put me on her list. It would be two months before she could start work on it (she had her own Disney trip planned in there, but she also had a list of already ordered bags). Put me down I said.

One day a few weeks ago, I got a message from the artist on the DISboards. Did I still want a bag?

Did I? Heck yes.

So we exchanged a few messages about what I was seeing in my head.

She kept me updated on the progress.

Then, on Saturday, she posted pictures.

And Monday it was in my hands.

Tuesday, we did a little photo shoot.


1704120001 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

and a close up of the outside:


1704120002 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

I got to choose how I wanted the inside of the bag configured (did I mention this bag was custom made for me?). I chose a row of pockets to fit my iphone, a sharpie for autographs, and one extra pocket. On the other side, I had her put a zippered pocket. I like zippered pockets. It's nice to be able to put keys in them and then they're not lost in the bottom of the bag when it comes time to grab them. Or worse, lost when I go to pull out ponchos and they go flying.


1704120003 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

In addition to the bag, I got a little zipper wallet and a lanyard. The lanyard is mostly for the Universal portion of our trip. And next year at work. I'm going to be so stinking cute... forever.


1704120004 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

And a couple of fun ones of me with the bag.


1704120005 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

I really cannot wait to use this bag at the parks. It's exactly what I need, and more than I could have wanted. A bit beyond what I originally budgeted, but the quality is well worth it. And remember, I custom tailored it to me, my tastes, and my uses. Dorine has gotten a lot busier since I ordered, and she's now booked about six months out. However, if you're interested, it's worth it to email her. You can read her own trip report and contact her through DisBoards here.

 

[BrerMama]

Did I lose all my followers when I changed the trip report name?



Feeling a little lame and pathertic right now....

 

[cogero]

Quickie drive by -- sixth grade music concert this evening -- complete torture -- but I do have to share this photo:


IMG_2386 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

Inspired by StitchIsOurHero, we realized it was 60 day mark. So a quick coloring sheet and half priced burgers from the local burger place before the concert. Ice cream with my parents after the concert. And now bed.

Back with a real update tomorrow!

I am finally caught up. Life has been insane since we returned home. I love your Mickey picture.

Chapter 13: My Ultimate Park Bag

So let's go back in time....

A quiet Sunday afternoon in February had me clicking on PTR which would change my life.

OK, maybe that's a little dramatic. But it was pretty amazing.

I have this bag thing. I am always on the search for the perfect bag for the perfect purpose. Camera bag = rose jo tote. Daily handbag = Vera Bradley. Luggage = rolling duffle.

Park Bag? Well, I had a mini messenger bag that I loved at Disneyland in 2009, but it was really going to be too small for what I wanted this summer. What I wanted was something close to a Vera Bradley Hipster... but not quite.

So I clicked on a pre-trip report written by someone who started out to sew her way to Disney by creating American Girl clothing. And then she decided to make herself a park bag.

And it really was perfect. If you want to read her qualifications, she's got a great explanation here.

I read. And I knew.

I must have.

The applique presented a problem. While I love Disney, I'm not a huge "character" person. OK, I love Sulley Monster, but I don't see myself as the type who walks around the theme parks with James P Sullivan on my hip. I've always found myself drawn to more subtle bits of Disney magic.

So I had an idea in my head of what I love. Classic Disney colors -- red, white, black, yellow. The patterns I love -- damask, damask and more damask.

I didn't even finish reading the trip report, I just went over to Etsy and found this seller and started a conversation with her. Can I get one? I asked.

She told me she could put me on her list. It would be two months before she could start work on it (she had her own Disney trip planned in there, but she also had a list of already ordered bags). Put me down I said.

One day a few weeks ago, I got a message from the artist on the DISboards. Did I still want a bag?

Did I? Heck yes.

So we exchanged a few messages about what I was seeing in my head.

She kept me updated on the progress.

Then, on Saturday, she posted pictures.

And Monday it was in my hands.

Tuesday, we did a little photo shoot.


1704120001 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

and a close up of the outside:


1704120002 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

I got to choose how I wanted the inside of the bag configured (did I mention this bag was custom made for me?). I chose a row of pockets to fit my iphone, a sharpie for autographs, and one extra pocket. On the other side, I had her put a zippered pocket. I like zippered pockets. It's nice to be able to put keys in them and then they're not lost in the bottom of the bag when it comes time to grab them. Or worse, lost when I go to pull out ponchos and they go flying.


1704120003 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

In addition to the bag, I got a little zipper wallet and a lanyard. The lanyard is mostly for the Universal portion of our trip. And next year at work. I'm going to be so stinking cute... forever.


1704120004 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

And a couple of fun ones of me with the bag.


1704120005 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

I really cannot wait to use this bag at the parks. It's exactly what I need, and more than I could have wanted. A bit beyond what I originally budgeted, but the quality is well worth it. And remember, I custom tailored it to me, my tastes, and my uses. Dorine has gotten a lot busier since I ordered, and she's now booked about six months out. However, if you're interested, it's worth it to email her. You can read her own trip report and contact her through DisBoards here.

I totally love your bag. It is one of my all time favorites. I recently ordered the messenger for my daughter because I still can't decide on what I want for me

 

[DMGeurts]

Chapter 13: My Ultimate Park Bag

So let's go back in time....

A quiet Sunday afternoon in February had me clicking on PTR which would change my life.

OK, maybe that's a little dramatic. But it was pretty amazing.

I have this bag thing. I am always on the search for the perfect bag for the perfect purpose. Camera bag = rose jo tote. Daily handbag = Vera Bradley. Luggage = rolling duffle.

Park Bag? Well, I had a mini messenger bag that I loved at Disneyland in 2009, but it was really going to be too small for what I wanted this summer. What I wanted was something close to a Vera Bradley Hipster... but not quite.

So I clicked on a pre-trip report written by someone who started out to sew her way to Disney by creating American Girl clothing. And then she decided to make herself a park bag.

And it really was perfect. If you want to read her qualifications, she's got a great explanation here.

I read. And I knew.

I must have.

The applique presented a problem. While I love Disney, I'm not a huge "character" person. OK, I love Sulley Monster, but I don't see myself as the type who walks around the theme parks with James P Sullivan on my hip. I've always found myself drawn to more subtle bits of Disney magic.

So I had an idea in my head of what I love. Classic Disney colors -- red, white, black, yellow. The patterns I love -- damask, damask and more damask.

I didn't even finish reading the trip report, I just went over to Etsy and found this seller and started a conversation with her. Can I get one? I asked.

She told me she could put me on her list. It would be two months before she could start work on it (she had her own Disney trip planned in there, but she also had a list of already ordered bags). Put me down I said.

One day a few weeks ago, I got a message from the artist on the DISboards. Did I still want a bag?

Did I? Heck yes.

So we exchanged a few messages about what I was seeing in my head.

She kept me updated on the progress.

Then, on Saturday, she posted pictures.

And Monday it was in my hands.

Tuesday, we did a little photo shoot.


1704120001 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

and a close up of the outside:


1704120002 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

I got to choose how I wanted the inside of the bag configured (did I mention this bag was custom made for me?). I chose a row of pockets to fit my iphone, a sharpie for autographs, and one extra pocket. On the other side, I had her put a zippered pocket. I like zippered pockets. It's nice to be able to put keys in them and then they're not lost in the bottom of the bag when it comes time to grab them. Or worse, lost when I go to pull out ponchos and they go flying.


1704120003 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

In addition to the bag, I got a little zipper wallet and a lanyard. The lanyard is mostly for the Universal portion of our trip. And next year at work. I'm going to be so stinking cute... forever.


1704120004 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

And a couple of fun ones of me with the bag.


1704120005 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

I really cannot wait to use this bag at the parks. It's exactly what I need, and more than I could have wanted. A bit beyond what I originally budgeted, but the quality is well worth it. And remember, I custom tailored it to me, my tastes, and my uses. Dorine has gotten a lot busier since I ordered, and she's now booked about six months out. However, if you're interested, it's worth it to email her. You can read her own trip report and contact her through DisBoards here.

WOW! I can't believe I missed this! I dunno what to say - I am very flattered, thank you! I am still so happy that you like it!

The pictures that you took are just amazing Kim... I really need to hire you to take pictures of all my bags... LOL You actually make them look good. And I love how your personality totally shows in the pictures of you wearing it - You are just the BEST!

I can't wait to hear your review after you've been to the parks... and I can't wait to see pictures of you wearing it in the parks too - because I am sure it will look awesome with all your coordinating colors...

D~ <--- Who happens to like the new name of your PTR.

 

[JayhawkFans]

You haven't lost me. Guess I was having a blonde moment because I was getting the emailed updates that you had posted on a thread with Beast in the title and I couldn't figure out what report I had subscribed too. It finally clicked today so now I'm up to date. I have to have one of those bags. I want one identical to the one you ordered. LOL ... Going to contact the seller right away.

Keep writing and I'll keep reading.

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Ok, I so thought I had commented more recently. I think I am suffering from "end of the school year" brain!!

I LOVE that bag with my whole heart! . That is awesome!! Halfway thru your description, I thought "I have to have one", and then read she was booked 6 months out. So I will have to get on the waiting list and drool over yours in the meantime!

 

[MHTeacher]

I LOVE the bag!

 

[BrerMama]

You haven't lost me. Guess I was having a blonde moment because I was getting the emailed updates that you had posted on a thread with Beast in the title and I couldn't figure out what report I had subscribed too. It finally clicked today so now I'm up to date. I have to have one of those bags. I want one identical to the one you ordered. LOL ... Going to contact the seller right away.

Keep writing and I'll keep reading.

I was being a little sorry for myself, wasn't I? I hope you got in line for a bag. I look at mine sitting on my bookshelf and just smile.

Ok, I so thought I had commented more recently. I think I am suffering from "end of the school year" brain!!

I LOVE that bag with my whole heart! . That is awesome!! Halfway thru your description, I thought "I have to have one", and then read she was booked 6 months out. So I will have to get on the waiting list and drool over yours in the meantime!

I totally have "end of school year" brain. Unfortunately, my students are too young to know what summer means, and they do not have the same problem. They are up to new things every day, and I am just not really able to keep up with it. We did work something out Friday that should help us survive the next five weeks.

I LOVE the bag!

Me too!!!! Seriously, it's just adorable.

 

[BrerMama]

I totally love your bag. It is one of my all time favorites. I recently ordered the messenger for my daughter because I still can't decide on what I want for me

The messenger is sooooooooo tempting, but I wouldn't want to carry one around the parks and I have a carry-on type bag.... so I'll wait. Until my next trip.

WOW! I can't believe I missed this! I dunno what to say - I am very flattered, thank you! I am still so happy that you like it!

The pictures that you took are just amazing Kim... I really need to hire you to take pictures of all my bags... LOL You actually make them look good. And I love how your personality totally shows in the pictures of you wearing it - You are just the BEST!

I can't wait to hear your review after you've been to the parks... and I can't wait to see pictures of you wearing it in the parks too - because I am sure it will look awesome with all your coordinating colors...

D~ <--- Who happens to like the new name of your PTR.

I would love to take bag pictures for you, but the bag owners might not be too happy about having to wait longer. You did an amazing job with it. I'm so super thrilled!