Blue Goose Trip

[2BigKIdz]

Hi Everyone,
I would love to go on the 2007 trip (I travelled alone last year for the 2006 trip). I'm really undecided about this because as a single traveller, I never really hooked up with any smaller group(s) on days two and three. Most of you already knew each other from corresponding on these boards and many people had already made plans to stay together. Consequently, I spent two days at the parks alone- I had asked a couple of individuals to call me and let me know where I could meet up with everyone but I never got any call. I switched my flight and went home a day early. If I hadn't had dinner with Sarah and her mom and grandmom on the last night at WDW, I would have felt even worse than I did.
My point is this: There may be several people travelling alone who would like to know where everyone is going-would it be possible to decide on a meeting place at each park at a certain time. That way there is a common meeting place and time for everyone. Those who want to do the parks with a group would have that opportunity- those who don't can go off on their own.

Hi Pat

I had breakfast at your table at Crystal Palace. I think I would have been in the same predicament as you had I not spent time on the chat thread and made some friends before the trip, well probably I would have backed out of the trip completely if some hadn't talked me into coming. I am normally a very shy person until I get to know people and would not have felt at all comfortable calling people and asking to meet up etc. I am very sorry that you had a bad trip I think, as others have suggested, if you spend a little time on the chat thread (at least as time draws near for the trip) and get to know some of the other ladies that you will be able to enjoy the next trip! I hope you do not take this the wrong way, but with all of the ladies on the trip, the one's that weren't chatting on the thread, I had no clue who they were so it was harder for me to remember them and keep up with them. You kinda have to put yourself out there and just join in whichever group is doing what you would like to do! I just latched onto a couple of ladies and followed them the whole trip whether they wanted me to or not You are certainly not too old for this group, there are a wide variety of ages! I hope you re-consider and do join in for 2007. I can honestly say that I met a lot of great ladies and made some really good friends on the trip. I had a wonderful time, much better than I anticipated. (this has been my sappy confession for the month so please, no more kumbaya )

Kendra

 

[mommaU4]

I am in for this (and my friend too). Well I guess it depends on when I leave, right now I am planning on leaving the day you are planning this, but that might change so I will just have to wait and see!

Oh, I hope the two of you can stay longer!! Everyone is staying until the 6th and some till the 7th. We won't want you to leave early. And once you are there and having so much fun, you won't want to.

The only reason it was on Monday was by default basically. From what I read it's only offered M-F, and Thursday is out since not everyone will be there yet. Friday we were going to Earl's and the AC. Soooo, that left Mon.

I do hope you can make it though. I'll call and double check on the dates too.

The Festival Bay Mall is huge, but as I found out in November, it is practically empty! I am sure more stores were coming but it felt almost abandoned, except for the Bass Pro Shop, which I am sure all you ladies love to shop They were opening a Ron Jon indoor surfing place which sounds really cool

Has anyone been to the Mall at Millenia (or whatever it is called)?

Personally I am open to any mall. And in fact I suggested the Mall at Millenia, (it looks awesome on the website) but some who had been there said it was too foo-foo .
Guess they thought security might kick out a group of loud ladies parading around in shorts and Crocs, instead of heels and Prada.

As long as we hit the Cheesecake Factory, I don't care if we shop at K-mart.

 

[mommaU4]

A group dinner possibility -

The Pepper Market at CSR. The dining area is huge, tables could be easily moved to accommodate large numbers. They have a large selection of food (sandwiches, salads, mexican (yummy!), steaks, oriental etc), and everything I have eaten there has been good. You pay your own bill at the cash register, so there are no bills to separate and if there are people on the dp that works too (actually is a cs credit so it's a great deal!!!). There are areas that are sort of off to themselves so we could get in that area so as not to disturb others.

I ate there twice last time, since we were staying there and it was quite good. A nice selection of various foods.

I'd be open to that if people would rather do that instead of Earl's on Friday.

Or maybe that could be our back up plan. We can plan for Earl's and DTD, then if the weather is bad and we can't eat outside at Earl's we can go there instead.

 

[Zoemakes5]

Does anyone know, if you're on the meal plan can you use any of the credits towards the International thing? Like double or something?

 

[Disney Freak Numero Uno]

Hi 2BigKidz,
I remember you from the Crystal Palace breakfast. You are absolutely right about getting to know people beforehand. I am also extremely shy and my husband was afraid that I wouldn't have a good trip because of that. I really didn't mean to open up a can of worms with this topic. I do think that for many who travelled alone, it was difficult to call strangers and say "hey, where are you all and I'm coming to join you".
The Crystal Palace breakfast was great because almost all of us were there and we all stayed at MK that day. Unfortunately, for Saturday and Sunday, there was no large breakfast planned where everyone could have met. But I think that everyone ended up in the same park on both Sat and Sun. A central meeting place and time would have served a purpose for those of us who were alone. I haven't completely ruled out future trips and I do know that my problem on the last trip was definitely at least 50% my fault.
What I'd like to know from all of you is where you find the time to post on the chat board. I have a full-time job, a part-time job, three sons, two dogs and one husband. I barely have time to sleep!!! Anyway, thank you all for you responses to my posts. I do appreciate your kindness.

 

[Zoemakes5]

I think another thread would be a good idea....an "intro" thread for those who are going. Have "teaser" questions that everyone should answer, and then have everyone post an intro. of themselves. The chat one is a bit amorphous right now, honestly, and there are so many various chats going on about so many different things, it makes it hard to find out about people. Plus, by having the intros, we can connect with others who have similar interests, are from the same region, whatever.
I'd be happy to "host" that post, so to speak.
Even though we never will get everyone to the same place at the same time, I still think it would be great to plan a few events that are part of the itinerary, and people can choose to attend or not, but that way we still have a group.
Also, maybe a "coordinated solos meet up" would be great. Many of us would be newbies and may be completely solo, while others may come down with friends from the boards, or friends/family IRL, so the meet up would be a great way to hook up with others who are solo. Then, if those who are with groups are interested in having others join their groups, they can show up too, if not, then they could skip it, and the solos wouldn't feel so left out.
I love the idea of getting everyone's itinerary beforehand. That would be great!
I want everyone to know, I'm totally not being critical, just putting my ideas out there. I so want to go! If I do, it will be a big financial committment for us and I want to have a great time. And, I personally don't like to do anything truly solo, so it would be a leap for me if I don't have my friends join me. I spend most of my time over on the Budget and DL boards, so I don't "bump into" many people. I am going to post over there, though, to encourage people to "join up"!

 

[Disney Freak Numero Uno]

Hi Zoemakes5,
I think your ideas are excellent. Unfortunately, I'm not clever enough to have thought of them myself but that's exactly the kind of plan I was trying to suggest!!

 

[MUFFYCAT]

Yes, the thread is long but to everyone out there, we have known each other for almost a year and we are friends not just Disney fans.
We have developed a friendship among each other due to the first trip and other meetings. For some of us we see it as a reunion.

This is a vacation in which we are paying ourselves.
There are no rules on where to go and who to meet.
If anyone wants something like then a tour group with travel agency is what you are looking for.

I know I don't speak for everyone but if I paying for the trip no one is telling who to see, eat and where to go.

If new people find the thread overwhelming then start a new one for them to
get to know one another just as we did last year.

 

[kelsco99]

I would be happy to post on a "get to know you" thread Zoe!

It is tougher to jump in when the thread is going fast and furious (I know this because I was a latecomer the first time around) but that is really the best way to get to know people. Finding the time is hard but I always try to set aside a couple minutes a day to pop on and say hi...even when it means giving up some extra sleep or slacking on the chores.

These guys are my friends and I make it a priority to stay in touch.

 

[Disney Freak Numero Uno]

I don't think that Zoemakes5 is proposing that anyone be forced to participate in anything. She is simply proposing options for solo travellers.
She also suggested a new thread for newcomers.

 

[Yardbird]

Hi 2BigKidz,
I remember you from the Crystal Palace breakfast. You are absolutely right about getting to know people beforehand. I am also extremely shy and my husband was afraid that I wouldn't have a good trip because of that. I really didn't mean to open up a can of worms with this topic. I do think that for many who travelled alone, it was difficult to call strangers and say "hey, where are you all and I'm coming to join you".
The Crystal Palace breakfast was great because almost all of us were there and we all stayed at MK that day. Unfortunately, for Saturday and Sunday, there was no large breakfast planned where everyone could have met. But I think that everyone ended up in the same park on both Sat and Sun. A central meeting place and time would have served a purpose for those of us who were alone. I haven't completely ruled out future trips and I do know that my problem on the last trip was definitely at least 50% my fault.
What I'd like to know from all of you is where you find the time to post on the chat board. I have a full-time job, a part-time job, three sons, two dogs and one husband. I barely have time to sleep!!! Anyway, thank you all for you responses to my posts. I do appreciate your kindness.

Pat, I do know that it is hard from some to find the time to post on the thread, it's sounds like you have a pretty busy life! At the moment I'm not working, but I was last year, and had no opportunity to read or post while at work. I did miss a lot, but wanted to try and check in a little every day. Very soon I will again be working full-time, and know that I won't be around as much as I'd like, but I will keep at it the best I can.

I really don't see how you can put 50% of the "blame" on someone else for a less than perfect trip. I am 100% responsible for my happiness. I don't feel that I can blame another person because they didn't live up to my expectations. I don't mean to sound harsh, that's just how I see things.

I think another thread would be a good idea....an "intro" thread for those who are going. Have "teaser" questions that everyone should answer, and then have everyone post an intro. of themselves. The chat one is a bit amorphous right now, honestly, and there are so many various chats going on about so many different things, it makes it hard to find out about people. Plus, by having the intros, we can connect with others who have similar interests, are from the same region, whatever.
I'd be happy to "host" that post, so to speak.
Even though we never will get everyone to the same place at the same time, I still think it would be great to plan a few events that are part of the itinerary, and people can choose to attend or not, but that way we still have a group.
Also, maybe a "coordinated solos meet up" would be great. Many of us would be newbies and may be completely solo, while others may come down with friends from the boards, or friends/family IRL, so the meet up would be a great way to hook up with others who are solo. Then, if those who are with groups are interested in having others join their groups, they can show up too, if not, then they could skip it, and the solos wouldn't feel so left out.
I love the idea of getting everyone's itinerary beforehand. That would be great!
I want everyone to know, I'm totally not being critical, just putting my ideas out there. I so want to go! If I do, it will be a big financial committment for us and I want to have a great time. And, I personally don't like to do anything truly solo, so it would be a leap for me if I don't have my friends join me. I spend most of my time over on the Budget and DL boards, so I don't "bump into" many people. I am going to post over there, though, to encourage people to "join up"!

You have some really good ideas! I'm sure that this has been very overhwhelming for Beth at times, but she has done such a great job. With new people being added to the mix, maybe a new intro thread might be something to ask Beth about.

The original thread is so much more than just a trip thread now, I can see how it would be overwhelming. However, I would feel such a loss if it wasn't as it is right now.

Yes, the thread is long but to everyone out there, we have known each other for almost a year and we are friends not just Disney fans.
We have developed a friendship among each other due to the first trip and other meetings. For some of us we see it as a reunion.


This is a vacation in which we are paying ourselves.
There are no rules on where to go and who to meet.
If anyone wants something like then a tour group with travel agency is what you are looking for.

I know I don't speak for everyone but if I paying for the trip no one is telling who to see, eat and where to go.


If new people find the thread overwhelming why not start a new one for them to
get to know one another just as we did last year?

Great idea Joanne. The best part of the trip is the planning, and the connection made with others.

 

[4greatboys]

Zoe (sorry I forgot your name) I think most of us would post on a getting to know you thread. As you see we have several different threads going on with our chat/trip planning thread.

I also think you guys should jump in that thread and start posting. Its not something you need to start at the beginning for because most of that was planning our last trip. We talk about our families and everyday stuff on the chat thread while we are making plans for the next trip.
However Beth does have a quick reference thread for that trip as well so things will be easy to find.

There are times even us oldtimers get behind on it. Some read everything and catch up. Some dont. I dont We just jump right back and go with whatever is the topic at the moment.

 

[Disney Freak Numero Uno]

Hi Yardbird,
I really didn't mean to place 50% of the blame on a person or persons or situation. I was trying to say that the problem was mine more than anything else. I recognize that I am very shy in purely social situations and that is no one's problem but mine.
By the way, I'm a genetic counselor-we like to thow percentages out all of the time. It's just a bad habit we all have.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

I just latched onto a couple of ladies and followed them the whole trip whether they wanted me to or not

That's exactly what I did. Do you think they'll ditch us this year?.

 

[AdventurerKat]

Personally, I don't want to lose the main chat thread. I have watched as people have come in and introduced themselves and I remember what I can about each of you, which, I'll admit, sometimes isn't much until you continue to talk about your lives.

Anyway, I have no problem with a getting to know you thread being started, but I will remain "chatting" on the main chat thread.

 

[Yardbird]

Hi Yardbird,
I really didn't mean to place 50% of the blame on a person or persons or situation. I was trying to say that the problem was mine more than anything else. I recognize that I am very shy in purely social situations and that is no one's problem but mine.
By the way, I'm a genetic counselor-we like to thow percentages out all of the time. It's just a bad habit we all have.

Pat, I do understand about being shy. For most of my life I was extremely shy. I still am not totally comfortable in many social situations. Believe me, if I wouldn't have gotten to know the women before the first trip, I would have felt less comfortable going into this.

I'm a counselor too, a different sort of counselor than you, and I get a little touchy when I "perceive" anything that remotely resembles blame. That's a bad habit of mine.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

Personally, I don't want to lose the main chat thread. I have watched as people have come in and introduced themselves and I remember what I can about each of you, which, I'll admit, sometimes isn't much until you continue to talk about your lives.

Anyway, I have no problem with a getting to know you thread being started, but I will remain "chatting" on the main chat thread.

Kat, I feel the same way.

 

[Yardbird]

Personally, I don't want to lose the main chat thread. I have watched as people have come in and introduced themselves and I remember what I can about each of you, which, I'll admit, sometimes isn't much until you continue to talk about your lives.

Anyway, I have no problem with a getting to know you thread being started, but I will remain "chatting" on the main chat thread.

I agree.

 

[Missy1961]

Personally, I don't want to lose the main chat thread. I have watched as people have come in and introduced themselves and I remember what I can about each of you, which, I'll admit, sometimes isn't much until you continue to talk about your lives.

Anyway, I have no problem with a getting to know you thread being started, but I will remain "chatting" on the main chat thread.

Me too. I have no problem with a new "getting to know you" thread, but I love our chat thread. I may not post there all the time, but I try to read it.

 

[mommaU4]

Does anyone know, if you're on the meal plan can you use any of the credits towards the International thing? Like double or something?

I think I read you can but it takes 2 or 3 of them.

Even though we never will get everyone to the same place at the same time, I still think it would be great to plan a few events that are part of the itinerary, and people can choose to attend or not, but that way we still have a group.

I want everyone to know, I'm totally not being critical, just putting my ideas out there. I so want to go! If I do, it will be a big financial committment for us and I want to have a great time.

Hi Michelle! Great ideas. And we will definitely plan more events. All I'm saying is do not expect everyone single person to show up. It won't happen.

These ladies are very Disney savvy and know what they want to do and when. And they like to wing it, kwim?

Truly the best way to make things work is to plan something and then see who is interested in showing up.

For example, last time, I wanted to do the Keys to the Kingdom tour. (wonderful tour, I highly recommend it!!) I just posted that I was doing it and when and then there were about 8 others who decided to do it as well.

So you aren't going to get huge groups of 30 people all doing the same thing. But you won't be alone either. There will always be someone to hang out with.

And this is a big financial commitment for me as well, so don't think you are the only one. It will be fun!