DH gets a new job, so back to the World we shall go

[haley's mom]

Let me start by saying I have taken 2 trips to WDW through the years growing up. Both were with my majorette group and we performed at WDW. We slept at a local rec center in sleeping bags, showered outside, and had little time in the parks when we were not practicing, getting ready for the parade, or actually performing. We also went to Universal and other attractions.

Fast forward about 15 years to 2005. I was on the internet and saw an advertisement for “Free Dining” at Disney. My daughter was 2-1/2 years old . My mind started to wonder about how we could make this trip happen . With her being under 3, admission to parks were free, dining plan was free, Southwest just began to fly from Pittsburgh and I got $39 one way and $49 the other way. I checked the room rates and almost fell on the floor when I saw how cheap the value resorts were. We paid more than that for our summer vacation hotel room at Myrtle Beach . In fact we paid almost twice as much at Myrtle Beach than what we spent at All-Star Sports. Then I continue to read on Disney, and found out about Magical Express – so free transfers from airport. I had to talk to my husband. We agreed to go down the end of September for 3 nights . Just a short trip to check it out. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party was going on when we were there . I decided to purchase tickets for this special event, not knowing what we were getting in to.

We were hooked. Since then we took a 9-day trip in October 2006 this trip included the entire family – me, DH, DD and DSS(8) and DSD(14) . This trip we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside. We liked the hotel, but not as much as Sports. The theming at the the value resorts for kids is great. Again we got “Free Dining!” and got to eat at so many character meals.

Finally, I got addicted to the Dis boards and found out about the Pirate & Princess Party in early 2007. I said that sounds cute, but DH would die if I planned another trip. So I passed on it, until….. Until I found the dates. One party date was January 29th. That is my DD’s birthday . How cool would it be to have your birthday at WDW, and to also attend a special Pirate & Princess Party. OK, I was pulling at strings, but it was enough and DH agreed we should attend. It was going to be a short trip.

Then, I got the wheels turning again in my head . I know my DH hates it when I begin to plan trip (especially to Disney). I came up with the idea to add a Disney Cruise onto our January trip. The cruise is not real expensive and we will save money as we are already going to fly into Orlando. So we booked a 3-night cruise on the Disney Wonder, followed by 3 nights at Pop Century .

Then March 2007 came and DH lost his job . How sad, not that he lost his job, but I really wanted to go back to Disney . How strange is that, we were not worried about paying our bills, we wanted to see how we could manage a trip to WDW. DD keeps asking when we will go back.

May 2007, DH gets a job! Great, but now you usually have to wait to get vacation time. Actually, his company starts employees at 3 weeks of vacation. He will only get 8 days this year, as he did not work a full year. So I have to get back into major planning mode, I am months behind, when will we go? Should we do Free Dining again? Should we do Halloween Party again (as we missed so much the first time)? Should we do Pirate & Princess Party again (as it was so cold in January)? So much to do....

 

[pgsahm2]

Best of luck beginning to plan your trip! My dh hates it when I get into "plan" mode too. I talk nonstop about Disney and it drives him nuts. "Can we have just ONE day without talking about it?" LOL Oh well!