Celebrations Galore & Free Dining too! A Sept 2012 PTR (TR started!)

[Dancegrl624]

Maybe somehow you could do a countdown and make a 30-piece puzzle? Or something? Hmmm I'll have to brainstorm. You've done such beautiful things with counting up/down in the past!!

That is a good idea, but I don't think I'll have time now. Our 30 day mark is this Sunday and I'll just happen to be chillin at the Boardwalk listening to my awesome colleagues give some pretty cool presentations. EEEEE!!!! She hasn't really asked about a countdown, but I'd like to do one.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Hope you have so much fun on your agent's trip! And the next one (and our next one!) is SO CLOSE!!!!!!!!

Okay, I saw above about some Disney onesies?! If those go up to 24 months I am all over that! I feel a Target trip coming on!

 

[Pluto_fan]

Yesterday was a LONG day! We got to the park around 11:30/Noon and left sometime after 4pm. Before that, Maddie had dance from 9-10am. Once we got home, I was only home for about an hour. But, I had my best 5K yet!! I finished in a little over 32 minutes!!!

Awesome run, Meghan! Congratulations!
Hey, did you go to Darien Lake, by chance? (I think I told you my DH grew up in WNY)

Have a fabulous time on your agency trip! Can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Hope you have so much fun on your agent's trip! And the next one (and our next one!) is SO CLOSE!!!!!!!!

Okay, I saw above about some Disney onesies?! If those go up to 24 months I am all over that! I feel a Target trip coming on!

I woke up bright and early to check in for my flight tomorrow morning. I'll do an update in a few minutes with all that info.

I saw the Disney onesies at Target yesterday. They only go up to 9 month sizes though. I almost bought a set because they have the 2 sets of snaps, but I think they might be a bit snug on Cole. Why does every brand of clothing have different ideas on sizes?! So frustrating!

Awesome run, Meghan! Congratulations!
Hey, did you go to Darien Lake, by chance? (I think I told you my DH grew up in WNY)

Have a fabulous time on your agency trip! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Thanks! The run was really fun because it started at 8pm. By the time I was done it was dark out and it was a nice cool evening. It rained right before the race, so that cooled things down too. The course is fairly flat but you go downhill twice. I felt like Super Woman!

I did go to Darien Lake!!!! I do remember you telling me that about your DH. I don't know if it's because we went on a Wednesday, but it was not that busy. I remember going there as a teenager and it being packed no matter what the day. It's just not Disney though. Unfriendly workers, kind of dirty, paint chipped everywhere, rides not open or opening really late in the day....it's not cheap either! Thankfully, we bought discount tickets through my dad since it was his company picnic. Food was included too so it wasn't a bad price at all.

I can't wait for tomorrow! I couldn't even sleep last night and I don't leave until tomorrow...ha!

 

[BearcatsFan]

32 minutes?!? That's awesome, Meghan! Congratulations!

Hope your agency trip goes well - have a safe trip and talk to you soon!

 

[Dancegrl624]

32 minutes?!? That's awesome, Meghan! Congratulations!

Hope your agency trip goes well - have a safe trip and talk to you soon!

I'm very proud of my 5K time. I felt great!

Thanks!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I'm going to WDW TOMORROW!!!! I can't believe I'm leaving bright and early tomorrow morning. I am all packed except for the things I need in the morning...hair products, make-up, etc. I am so excited! I checked into my flights this morning and I got A51 and B2...I have a layover in Baltimore. I'm super duper tired right now because I could NOT sleep last night. My mind was just racing!!! I hope I can sleep tonight...my flight leaves at 6:25am! My mom will be picking me up and bringing me to the airport. I hope I'm not forgetting anything!!

Sorry if this post is all over the place. Like I said, I'm overtired and excited. Not a good combo to make sense! I'm really nervous too. I've never flown by myself, I'm leaving my family for 3 whole days (I land late Monday night)...I know it's going to be a tough morning for me. If you're one of my friends on FB I'll be posting updates and pics throughout the weekend!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

HAVE FUN!!!!!!! I know you're all kinds of anxious/excited! Enjoy every second of it .

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Have a great trip Meghan! Have fun and safe travels!!!

I'll be checking FB for your updates!

 

[disneyshakeygirl]

Very late, but congrats on your 5K time!

Have a wonderful time in WDW!

 

[jenny105]

Have fun! You'll be back with your family before you know it. These agency trips FLY BY they keep you so busy! Enjoy!

 

[cfw213]

I'm going to WDW TOMORROW!!!! I can't believe I'm leaving bright and early tomorrow morning. I am all packed except for the things I need in the morning...hair products, make-up, etc. I am so excited! I checked into my flights this morning and I got A51 and B2...I have a layover in Baltimore. I'm super duper tired right now because I could NOT sleep last night. My mind was just racing!!! I hope I can sleep tonight...my flight leaves at 6:25am! My mom will be picking me up and bringing me to the airport. I hope I'm not forgetting anything!!

Sorry if this post is all over the place. Like I said, I'm overtired and excited. Not a good combo to make sense! I'm really nervous too. I've never flown by myself, I'm leaving my family for 3 whole days (I land late Monday night)...I know it's going to be a tough morning for me. If you're one of my friends on FB I'll be posting updates and pics throughout the weekend!

Have so much fun! Can't wait to hear all about it when you return

 

[princess_momma]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH you are in Disney!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

HAVE FUN!!!!!!! I know you're all kinds of anxious/excited! Enjoy every second of it .

Have a great trip Meghan! Have fun and safe travels!!!

I'll be checking FB for your updates!

Very late, but congrats on your 5K time!

Have a wonderful time in WDW!

Have fun! You'll be back with your family before you know it. These agency trips FLY BY they keep you so busy! Enjoy!

Have so much fun! Can't wait to hear all about it when you return

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH you are in Disney!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!

I'm back home! This weekend really did fly by. It was just my agency....not a meeting put on by Disney. I'll give a full recap either later today or tomorrow. I'm super tired, emotional and very excited for my family trip next month.

 

[BearcatsFan]

So glad you are back and that you had a safe trip. Can't wait to hear all the details.

Let the countdown for the family trip begin ...

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Welcome back! Can't wait to hear all about your weekend!

 

[Dancegrl624]

So glad you are back and that you had a safe trip. Can't wait to hear all the details.

Let the countdown for the family trip begin ...

Thanks! It was the fastest weekend of my life! I had a wonderful time and managed to learn a lot too.

4 weeks from tomorrow!!!!!! AH!

Welcome back! Can't wait to hear all about your weekend!

Thanks Shelly! I managed to do something that I picked up from your TR's. Stay tuned!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Hello everyone! I'm finally ready to give you all a mini TR from my weekend away. Being gone over the weekend really messed me up....I would wake up and not know what day it was. I've also been super tired...I packed A LOT into my weekend! Add that in with the incredible heat I dealt with....my brain is fried!!! Anyways....I have uploaded all of my pics and I'm ready to get on with the show.

Saturday, August 18th

I woke up bright and early around 3:45am. I fell asleep ok that night, but kept waking up throughout the night...I was so excited/nervous! After I got ready, my mom picked me up a little after 4:30am to take me to the airport. The SW line wasn't too bad but the security line was wrapping around the front of the entire airport. I don't think they were officially open that early and it took quite a bit of time to get everyone walking through the queue. The line moved pretty swiftly, but I didn't have time to grab any breakfast. My plane boarded on time and I sat next to nice couple with their 9 month old son (made me miss Cole). The flight to Baltimore was only 50 minutes and it was uneventful.

I had less than an hour to hang out in Baltimore so I grabbed some McDonald's for breakfast....not ideal. Once again, we boarded on time and I sat next to a mom and daughter..this became a trend of my travels....I gravitate towards the families!!! Anyways...the flight to Orlando was once again uneventful but I could not sleep. I always want to sleep, but it never seems to happen. Anyways....upon landing I nearly raced down to ME!!!! I was like super power walking.

I'm here!!!!

The line at ME was SOOOO long!!! I then remembered it was Saturday. We haven't traveled on a weekend since Jan 2009 so I wasn't used to the crowds. The line moved fairly swiftly and I managed to grab a seat in the second row! Once again, I sat next to a dad. His wife and 3 little girls took up the whole first row of the bus. Once on the bus, the skies opened up and it started pouring!!!! I was checking my weather apps on my phone and discovered it should be clear by 1pm. The mom and dad started talking about weather and I told them what I found out. We started chatting about where the were staying, why I was there, etc. They ended up asking for my business card!!!!

The driver never even told us the sign was coming up! I had to really pay attention...check out all that rain.

We stopped at the YC and then the BC and then finally the BWI!!! I ran off the bus and found Kristen waiting for me (my roommate, fellow TA and fellow DISer!). She took me to our room which was right around the corner from the BelleVue Lounge. It was lovely! I didn't take any room pics (sorry). We chatted for a bit while I checked out the room and then we were ready to head to Epcot. We had after 2pm tickets (conf rate tickets) and we were allowed to enter at 1:45pm.

Some pics I took along the way:

While we walked to Epcot I check an app on my phone for the wait times. We really wanted to ride Soarin...it had a 60 min wait but there were still FP's available. We went straight to The Land and got FP's for 7-8pm. Not bad! We were pretty hungry at this point and decided to go to Mexico for some tacos. We stopped in some shops along the way and saw that Duffy was out! We hopped in line....yes, we were the only 2 adults in line with no kids, but we didn't care! I did get a Photopass card, but I'm not uploading it until after my Sept trip. We continued on and made it to Mexico. We both got the chicken tacos and a drink. It was SO weird not having the dining plan. It made me realize how much I enjoy it. I love having things "prepaid" and not worrying about how much things cost. While I was eating (and nearly done) a bee decided to land on my remaining food and walk all over everything. So aggravating! I wanted my chips! Anyways....we headed into the pavillion after that too cool off and take a ride with Donald.

We then met Donald outside..again, on the PP card. We then took our time walking around World Showcase which was wonderful.

We saw a lot of characters out and about, but the lines were too long (Belle, Aladdin & Jasmine). Once back in Future World, we decided to ride Imagination. Always a lot of fun! There was a 10 min wait which was quite strange. I have never waited that long! I think we did The Seas next.

We walked right onto our clam mobile and afterwards we went to see Crush. We made it right into a show! It was SO funny as usual. I'm fairly certain we went to The Land after this and I know we had some strawberry shortcake. I also had an iced mocha....delicious!!!! We actually sat and talked for at least an hour. That never happens on vacation with our families!! We still had some time to spare before Soarin, so we went over to Spaceship Earth. Again, it was a walk on and wonderful as ever. It was then time for Soarin!!!!!

From the time we got in line to the time we got off, it was about 30 minutes. I LOVE that ride! It really is my favorite. After Soarin, it was time to shop! Off to MouseGears we went. I looked at every little thing in that store. I didn't want to miss anything! I ended up getting myself a pair of earrings, Madison 2 sets of Disney bands and a Vinylmation (she is just starting to get into those) and I got Cole a very cute onesie and a Mickey stuffed animal. After our shopping, we headed back to the Boardwalk.

That clown is extra creepy at night! I never got a chance to go swimming...oh well.

We were really hungry so we decided to get some pizza from the pizza window...something I learned about here on the DIS! The line was pretty long and the woman in front of us made it even longer. She was crazy and was letting her 2 young girls run up and down the boardwalk. She was also trying to tell us how to do park touring the right way. Ha! If only she knew who she was talking to. Anyways...the pizza was delicious and we enjoyed sitting on the boardwalk and people watching. We then headed up to our room where we watched some Stacy and went to bed.

Cont....

 

[Dancegrl624]

Sunday, August 19th

We woke up early to start getting ready for our day. We had to be down at the conference room by 8am for breakfast. I was both nervous and excited to meet all of my fellow agents in person! Once we were ready, we walked down to the conference area. After we met everyone it was time for breakfast and time to get our meeting started. All of the presentations were great and very informative. We took a break for lunch (very yummy) and a snack. I had a Mickey ice cream sandwich. Yay! We were all wrapped up right before 4:45pm....right when I had to check in for my flight! Thankfully, I have the SW app on my phone so I checked in while we got ready for our group photo. (I took a picture of our welcome sign, but it has the name of my agency....the DIS will block it).

After the meeting, we went up to our room and talked for over an hour! Time flew by and then we had to quickly get ready for the dessert party. It had started raining, so instead of having our party outside in Italy, it was moved inside to Norway! We were above the shop next to Maelstrom...so cool! We were met at the International Gateway by a CM with a glowing blue wand (like a light sabre). He led us all the way over to Norway...I felt like a tour group!

We had cupcakes, cookies and ice cream sundaes

Drinks

After dessert, we were given ponchos and walked over to our VIP area to watch IllumiNations. So cool!

I loved trying out my new camera on the fireworks!

Afterwards, we chatted with some agents and said our goodbyes. We walked back to the BWI, I grabbed a swirl lollipop and cookies for Maddie and Tony at the bakery and we had another slice of pizza. It truly is the best pizza I've had at WDW. We took it up to our room this time and chatted. We were up late again and it was another early day for us in the morning.

Monday, August 20th

We woke up early to get ready for our day. While I got ready, Kristen was trying to make ADR's for Be Our Guest for some clients. Talk about a crazy morning! It just so happened that we were heading to the Disney Reservation Cener that morning for a tour. It's in a very plain building, but it is the coolest call center I've ever seen! I could have stayed there all day! The CM's were wonderful and we got to meet some of the CM's we talk to on a regular basis. There is a team that just takes calls from TA's...so cool! Before long it was time to leave the DRC and go back to the BWI. I only had an hour or so before ME was picking me up. I took some pics of the resort and grabbed a salad from the bakery.

View from our balcony

My room overlooked this courtyard

After lunch, I made my way outside to wait for the ME bus. The ride to the airport was very sad, but at least I knew I'd be back soon. Again, no issues at the airport, but my plane did take off late. It wasn't too bad though. SW has comfy seats by their gates and inbetween them, they have charging stations. I sat and charged my phone and my ipod and read my Kindle. I had to wait awhile in Baltimore for my connecting flight too and at that point I just wanted to be home. On both flights, I once again sat next to a mom or dad with a child. It made me feel at home! I actually talked to the dad & daughter the whole way from Baltimore to Buffalo. She had an American Girl doll so I was asking her about it. We talked Disney too.

So there you have it! My mini TR of my weekend trip. I have more Sept trip stuff to share, but I'll leave it at this for now.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Girl!! you had a busy day!! I always sleep on the plane,..I try to stay awake and visit with the kids,but I am always so tired!! I guess it's the hype of going and getting up so early! I hate getting stuck in line behind people like that!! ANd how hilarious she was telling you the Park-tour-plan!!!