Dec '10 TR:I Will Not Stop Stalking ADRs Until I Get To WDW!(MARCH TR LINK) 3/26

[Tinkermom76]

UGH I can't wait till the weekend

 

[wdwgirl03]

MVMCP!!! I love those pictures of the castle lighting..it really shows how they light it up section by section. Really cool.

Hmm, I wonder where you'll be sitting for the parade.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

UGH I can't wait till the weekend

Sorry! It's just one day away, I won't make you wait till Sunday night

MVMCP!!! I love those pictures of the castle lighting..it really shows how they light it up section by section. Really cool.

Hmm, I wonder where you'll be sitting for the parade.

You'll have to go and see it sometime!!!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

MVMCP PART II

HAPPY FRIDAY DIS FRIENDS!!!!

I was going to wait until tomorrow to post the update because ever since we got back from dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory, my tummy has been doing flip flops and my head is starting to ache My mom said she feels the same way yuck!

Anyways, we'll see if I can get this posted in the meantime, I've taken an Exced. Migraine and we'll go from there!

SUNDAY DEC 12, 2010
MVMCP PARADE


When we left off, we were making our way back to the front of the Hub to check out our special seats for the parade! In Oct, when my bro was still a CM and mom went to see him, his friends (who work the MK parades) got them special seats for the parade which consisted of X's on the street holding their spots. Let's just say that we didn't have to have X's on the street!

We made our way across the bridge out of Liberty Square (by the Xmas shop and funnel cakes) and just across the first bridge there is a little sitting area off to the right (behind it is where Tiana's area is and faces the castle)...
That is where our seats were for the parade!

I guess it's a VIP area but if they seats aren't sold by a certain time, CMs (who work the MK parades as parade audience control) can sign family and friends onto the guest list to sit there! We entered the area and there were already 2 families there with kids who were also family/friends of a CM manager. The seats in front of us were also taken by a family that had GR (guest relations) with them = $$$ We ended up chatting with the GR family. They had 2 small kids, mom, dad, and a grandma (who was in a wheel chair covered up with a swim towel). We thought it was a bit odd that with all the $$$ they were spending for GR, why grandma was riding around covered in a swim towel?! The poor GR CM had to run to their "car" to get things twice before the parade started but assuming they had him, I'm sure their car was close by. They said they lived in Miami and that the drop in temp was not what they were used to! We saw a name on the bag but didn't recognize it.

Soon the parade started!!!

The kids of the CM's family were a tad annoying to be honest. They kept jumping up and down and trying to climb over the rope to high five characters, even the ones on the floats. I would say they were anywhere from 7-12 years old and the parents didn't do anything to tone them down so that is why I have random hands in my pics!

After noticing the hands in the beginning of the pics, I did try to shoot over the kids or wait till the float passed by them!

The parade area was awesome!!!!! I'm not sure how much they would normally charge for that but it was so nice and peaceful not to have to fight for a spot and you got to sit down! I have done some pretty cool things as a CM (for free), the best being, seeing the Castle Suite, but that was a pretty cool thing to do too!! Since we were the only people in the area in between the 2 bridges, we got all of the attention which made for some great pictures as you can tell! My brother used his fancy camera so of course his pics were way better but mine were pretty good with my Sony Cyber Shot!

After the parade ended, we said bye to the Miami family who we actually saw 2 or 3 more times later that night and headed off to find a spot for the fireworks and to thank bro's CM friend for the special parade viewing spot!!!

UP NEXT:
-MVMCP FIREWORKS + WILL WE MAKE IT TO MIDNIGHT OR FREEZE BEFORE 12AM?!
-MARCH TRIP UPDATE!!!

 

[Trentmom]

WOW..that is so awesome you got seats there

Cute parade pics....


Hope you feel better soon

 

[Nermel9]

LOL I always wonder who gets to sit in those seats every time I walk by them, now I know! That's awesome, what a great way to watch the parade! You got some great pictures too, mine are terrible from the Christmas party, they came out so blurry.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

WOW..that is so awesome you got seats there

Cute parade pics....


Hope you feel better soon

Thanks! Feeling much better today! I'm not happy about the 1-3 inches of snow that we are supposed to get today but it's Sat and I don't have to drive in it to and from work so that's good

LOL I always wonder who gets to sit in those seats every time I walk by them, now I know! That's awesome, what a great way to watch the parade! You got some great pictures too, mine are terrible from the Christmas party, they came out so blurry.

Yay! I always have to play with my camera for the first few pics. I find it's better if I take the flash off so that's what I did for those pics so I ended up taking double because some would turn out blurry so I'd have to quickly snap another one but that' what I about the Sony Cyber Shot!!!

 

[dismagiclover]

Those are awesome seats! I guess you get perks when you know people

 

[exwdwcm]

Okay, it took me a while, but i am here and finally caught up!!!

loving the report! You and your mom are just too cute!

sorry about the POP experience- ugh! I am curious to hear what they say based on your letter and glad you wrote a letter- they can't know there are problems unless guests like us tell them by letters etc.

looks like some great meals so far! bummer on the no rope drop though, i would get frustrated too- i love sleeping in as much as the next guy at home, but at WDW, i am miss early bird! i just hate wasting those precious early morning/low crowd hours.

yeah for your March bday trip too! i also think FQ is a good idea, since it is a short trip and you won't be in the room much.

MVMCP looks great- you had amazing pics of the lighting ceremony and parade! darn those annoying kids (well the parents that didn't control them). i had an annoying guy next to me that walked up at the last moment and tried to push his way through and was totally blocking my view and camera. don't you hate that?

anyhow- can't wait to read more!!! oh and love the steelers pics! i guess I know who you will be cheering for tomorrow. I haven't seen any players around town, but i haven't ventured out either with the crazy snow and ice outside in Dallas right now.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Great update and great pictures! We haven't been to the World since they started lighting the castle, but it's definitely on my must do list! I think it's the most magical sight!

Can't believe you left us hanging......

 

[Wonders10]

Hi there!

I am only on page 7, but wanted to post and say I'm enjoying your TR so far! My mom and I are also going in March, arriving on the 26th though.

I'm also a CP alum - but back in 2002, right after graduating college. Man I feel old. Anyway, I did attractions at the Wonders of Life pavilion in Epcot (RIP). I am still really good friends with one of my roommates and it was a really fun time in my life. I work in a school, as a speech pathologist, and on those crazy, awful days I just wish I had a time machine that could transport me back to Vista Way!

I had to take the Praxis (for speech pathology) to get my national certification, but didn't know teachers took it as well (obviously a different test). What is it a requirement for? By the grace of God, I passed it the first time, but I also took it while still in grad school while everything was fresh and it was a requirement to take a prep course for it so I think that helped. When do you take it? Good luck!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Okay, it took me a while, but i am here and finally caught up!!!

loving the report! You and your mom are just too cute!

sorry about the POP experience- ugh! I am curious to hear what they say based on your letter and glad you wrote a letter- they can't know there are problems unless guests like us tell them by letters etc.

looks like some great meals so far! bummer on the no rope drop though, i would get frustrated too- i love sleeping in as much as the next guy at home, but at WDW, i am miss early bird! i just hate wasting those precious early morning/low crowd hours.

yeah for your March bday trip too! i also think FQ is a good idea, since it is a short trip and you won't be in the room much.

MVMCP looks great- you had amazing pics of the lighting ceremony and parade! darn those annoying kids (well the parents that didn't control them). i had an annoying guy next to me that walked up at the last moment and tried to push his way through and was totally blocking my view and camera. don't you hate that?

anyhow- can't wait to read more!!! oh and love the steelers pics! i guess I know who you will be cheering for tomorrow. I haven't seen any players around town, but i haven't ventured out either with the crazy snow and ice outside in Dallas right now.

As of today, I have not gotten the comp tix that the CM said she would send when I talked to her on the phone 2 weeks ago. I figured I'd call tonight and leave a message. I thought it might be odd to have her answer and ask where my free tix where that I never got

Great update and great pictures! We haven't been to the World since they started lighting the castle, but it's definitely on my must do list! I think it's the most magical sight!

Can't believe you left us hanging......

Haha. Well it's all out in the open now and I'm glad I was able to share the location with everyone. It wasn't the only Pixie Dust of the trip but it was some good Dust!!

Those are awesome seats! I guess you get perks when you know people

Yes!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Hi there!

I am only on page 7, but wanted to post and say I'm enjoying your TR so far! My mom and I are also going in March, arriving on the 26th though.

I'm also a CP alum - but back in 2002, right after graduating college. Man I feel old. Anyway, I did attractions at the Wonders of Life pavilion in Epcot (RIP). I am still really good friends with one of my roommates and it was a really fun time in my life. I work in a school, as a speech pathologist, and on those crazy, awful days I just wish I had a time machine that could transport me back to Vista Way!

I had to take the Praxis (for speech pathology) to get my national certification, but didn't know teachers took it as well (obviously a different test). What is it a requirement for? By the grace of God, I passed it the first time, but I also took it while still in grad school while everything was fresh and it was a requirement to take a prep course for it so I think that helped. When do you take it? Good luck!

I didn't live in Vista when I was a CP, I was in Chatham I'm glad I made the right decision bc my college roomie was in Vista the program before mine and hated it! She's typically very easy going even though she's an only child but was used to roommates in college so when she didn't like it, I knew I probably wouldn't !!!!

In PA, you have to take the Praxis to get your teaching certification. You have to take reading, writing, and math before you do student teaching. For your cert, you have to take a Fundamentals and Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment exams to get your cert to teach. I passed the Fund my first time back in 2007 but I'm still working on the other one. I take it again March 12th. I failed by a point in Nov so we'll see this time around. Lang Arts/Reading is my worst of it so I've gotten out my old college books/binders and started just looking at those to refresh. I did horrible in the Lang Arts/Reading classes in college so now It's coming back to haunt me!

I'll have to check out your PTR!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

MAKE A PAYMENT

HAPPY SUNDAY DIS FRIENDS!!!!!

I hope you are all having a great weekend and are getting ready for the Super Bowl!!!!!!!!

I figured I would update the March PTR

You're probably wondering what I mean by the title since I have paid the trip off. Well, I've always loved the fact that you could make payments on the trip when you wanted to, based on your paychecks. I've never had to use the option because in most cases, the amount was less than $500 with a CM discount and we would pay it on arrival or when I went with friends, the cost was split making it cheap.

I'm now wishing we had booked earlier and used MAKE A PAYMENT. I thought I was doing great in terms of finances. I had paid off all of Xmas and was slowly putting $$ back into savings. But then it just like all hit at once, WDW paid in full, my flight, going to the eye dr (no insurance), car registration, Praxis test, 4 friends with birthdays in Feb, my health insurance, + more and suddenly my once lowered CC bill is now $1200+ I make about that much in a month so it looks like I'll be dipping into my savings to get by till March! Lesson learned, next time, I'll book earlier and use Make a Payment!!!!


THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS...

Walt Disney world vacation
Megan’s birthday trip!!
March 17-21, 2011

Thursday march 17, 2011
 9am-1pm: Work
 1:45pm: Leave for Cincinnati airport
 3pm: Checked in at airport, security, grab a snack
 4:25pm-6:32pm: Flight to Orlando
 6:32pm: Land in Orlando and head to DME
 Check in at Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
 Unpack in the room
 Grab dinner at POFQ
 Explore the resort to take the boat/bus to DTD to go shopping
 Bed by 12am

Friday march 18, 2011
• 7:15am: Wake up
• 8:00am: Breakfast at POFQ
• 9:00am: Animal Kingdom rope drop
• 12pm: Lunch at Yak and Yeti or Flame Tree BBQ
• 1pm: Leave AK, head back to POFQ for pool/shower time
• 4pm: Leave for Epcot
• 6:15pm: ADR at Coral Reef Restaurant
• 9:00pm: Illuminations fireworks
• 9pm-12am: EMH Epcot


Saturday march 19, 2011
 8:30am: Wake up
 9:30am: Leave for Contemporary Resort
 10:35am: ADR at Chef Mickey
 12pm-4:30pm: Pool time at French Quarter
 5:00pm: Head to DTD
 6:00pm: Cirque Du Soleil La Nouba
 7:30pm: Take the bus to Polynesian Resort
 8:50pm: ADR at Ohana
 10pm: Wishes fireworks
 10pm: Take the monorail to MK and bus back to POFQ

Sunday march 20, 2011
 7:15am: Wake up
 8:00am: Breakfast at POFQ
 9:00am: DHS rope drop
 12:00pm: Leave DHS and take the boat to Epcot
 1:15pm: ADR at Le Cellier
 2:30pm: Take the bus back to POFQ
 3:00pm: Pool time at POFQ
 5pm-6pm: Leave for Magic Kingdom
 8pm: Dinner at Pecos Bills or Columbia Harbor House
 10pm: Wishes fireworks
 11pm-2am: MK EMH

Monday march 21, 2011
o 9:00am: Wake Up + light breakfast at POFQ
o 10:30am: Pool time at POFQ
o 12:00pm: Shower + pack to head to the airport
o 1:15pm: DME pick-up
o 4:15pm: Flight to Cincinnati


SO...what do you think???!!!

Being that we have a short trip again, I'm going to sit down next weekend and plan out what rides I'd like to do at each park. I've also set up a DDP list of sorts too!!!

Walt Disney world vacation
Disney dining plan

Table Service Meals:
• 3/18: 6:15pm Coral Reef at Epcot (D)
• 3/19: 10:35am Chef Mickey at CR (B/L)
• 3/19: 8:50pm Ohana at Poly Resort (D)
• 3/20: 1:15pm Le Cellier at Epcot (L)
Counter Service Meals:
 3/17: POFQ food court (D)
 3/18: AK: Flame Tree BBQ or Yak and Yeti (L)
 3/20: MK: Columbia Harbor House or Pecos Bills (D)
 3/21: POFQ food court (L)
Snacks:
o 1.
o 2.
o 3.
o 4.

Well that is it for now. Since we're past the 45 day mark and are paid in full, we should be getting our DME and MYW package stuff soon!!! Our mail has been a little iffy the past few weeks as I've mentioned so hopefully it will arrive soon! I know they say that you get DME first so we'll hope for the best since I added the flight info the same day as I booked the reservation!

HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND AND GO STEELERS!!!!!!!


UP NEXT:

*DEC TR, OUR LAST FULL DAY AT DISNEY + FREEZING TEMPS!
*MARCH PTR: MOUSEKEEPING ENVELOPES!!!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Your plans look good so far but sorry, I have to say Go Packers!

 

[Trentmom]

Your plans look great

Getting so close now

 

[MaryAz]

All caught up
Sorry about your Steelers-well not really
Plans for March look good, glad you found a resort you are happy with Great ADR's-we are only doing CS this time since it is me and the girls.
Maybe we can meet up at MK on Sun night??

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Your plans look good so far but sorry, I have to say Go Packers!

Good game

Your plans look great

Getting so close now

I know!!!! I can't wait until we start getting all the Docs in the mail!

All caught up
Sorry about your Steelers-well not really
Plans for March look good, glad you found a resort you are happy with Great ADR's-we are only doing CS this time since it is me and the girls.
Maybe we can meet up at MK on Sun night??

I have no seen your schedule but if you say Sunday, Sunday it is!!! We thought about doing CS but since it's my birthday, I figured we'd see what ADRs we can get and by my list, we got some great ones! I'll have to keep an eye on the Le Cellier menu and make a decision the first of March!

 

[ChildAtHeart82]

The plans look great!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

The plans look great!

Thanks!!!




HEY EVERYONE!!!!

I just thought I would report real quick on the comp tix from GR. I had not gotten the comp tix via my email and it had been 2 weeks since I talked to CM Dawn on the phone. At 7pm'ish tonight I got a call from her who was returning a call from a message she got on Thurs.

I said I had not called or or left a message since we spoke 2 weeks ago which she thought was odd. I checked my phone to see if it was a mis'dial and nope! I'm guessing she got my message that I left on 1/21 (the first time she called me) and then when she didn't call back, I called on 1/23 and she answered and we talked about the letter/comp tix, etc.

Anyways, she said the emailing of the tix is not working so she's going to mail them in the snail mail. I thanked her and said I was going to call in a day or two if I didn't hear from her or get the emailed tix.

So she said they should be here by the end of next weekend and if not to call and let her know! I'll of course call and leave her a msg when I get them so she knows!

Well that is it, I'm taking sinus meds and heading to bed Gotta love sick kiddos who never stay home when they are sick..don't they know we don't get sick days (which is wrong to begin with IMO!!)