Dis Pros, can you please point me in the right directions?

[Austriankrystl]

Hi RVMH,

I didn't see your message until just now (something with the notice function doesn't seem to work for me).

To be honest, I just got out of the hospital a week ago. I fainted about 2 weeks ago at work and they don't play around. After determining that i was NOT pregnant, they decided to keep me a few more days to make sure things were "fine" then the MRI machine broke down (what are the chances of that? ). Nothing was found--I really did just collapse because of the heat and low blood pressure (first time).

The good news is: a chronic pain paralysis was determined and a lovely neurologist got my records from a car accident 3 years ago, found a medication that had been recommended but never prescribed. So I've spent the week adjusting to a new medication which wipes me out (neuroanaglesic) right now but with which I am finally able to start using my arm, hand and fingers again!

Disney had me MAD with the losing BOG despite a screenshot of the reservation. yesterday was my first day "back online" after a 2 week break!

I was soooo HAPPY to hear from you! How are you doing?

 

[Austriankrystl]

PS: Details falling into place. Airline tickets finally ordered and our boss has given written "approval" for our vacation (39 days in the USA returning on New Year's Eve in time for our party!).

Airline tickets are FABULOUS! Great price and direct--so luggage cannot get lost! We arrive in Atlanta Wed. before Thanksgiving.

We are spending Thanksgiving weekend with friends before heading down leisurely to Port Canavaral. I hope to see the national parks and most definitely Kennedy Space Center.

That Saturday we board the Liberty for our first cruise. 1 day of history/culture (Mayan ruin), 1 day of snorkeling (Shark reef in Belize or in Roatan?), 1 beach day, 1 adventure day (still undecided).

Then WDW!!!!!! Still hoping for pixie dust (see, I've been reading the DIS). We are on the dining plan but cannot afford the MVMCP (or cannot justify it). Wanted to do it for the "atmosphere" but we aren't into everything else--character meets, etc.

I was REALLY upset when they cancelled the late EMH (actually all of them) for MK that Monday and shortened every other day because of MVMCP for everyone except when the only EMHs for other parks were in place. Only 1 option per park for EMH plus extremely shortened hours.

Seriously even concidered cancelling WDW or moving "offsite". Onsite just seems to lose the benefits it had when you lose those hours/flexibility. It just didn't seem worth the price anymore. We leave literally the day the MVMCP is over and things go back to "normal" (but with overly crowded parks). It just seemed to push adding cost to our stay just to get "normal" activities (ok--bit more offered but still).

Sad.

We'll see. I don't know about the Processional, either. The speaker for the nights we are there I don't know at all--SNL actress??? listened to a YouTube of her and, well, I'm not sold.

Sad, again.

On the other hand, I did get some of my TD set up the way I wanted (50's with Fantasmic, Boma evening, Chef de France). I just have to take my time and stop wishing and dreaming...

And... I have to figure out what we are doing for the following week. Ideas???? Not amusement parks. Something with nature and relaxation and....

 

[RVMH]

WOW! Glad you had a compete workup as fainting for any reason (except maybe winning the lottery) is cause for concern. The experimental med sounds promising if it means you have better range of motion and movement. Keep us posted.

I, too, have been off the boards for a bit - eye surgery has kept me preoccupied. Routine stuff for those of us of a certain age, but anytime someone takes a knife to your eye it's a little traumatic. Off to the beach tomorrow to play with grandchildren for a few days. Hope your continuing BOG saga goes better. It is a beautifully themed restaurant, but there are so many things to see and do that you have to keep the reservation there in perspective.

Look forward to continuing updates !

 

[RVMH]

Sorry, I hadn't read your second message. Sorry you're sad, BUT I think there's a bright side! I agree that MVMCP probably isn't worth it for you; we have only done it once and won't again; however the MK is traditionally less crowded on CP days so you can see a lot before exiting. Then, take the monorail and explore the hotels, beautiful trees at WL and GF especially. Drop in at a few of the lovely lounges for a glass of wine and enjoy the fireworks and then the water pageant. Take the boat to the campground and explore some of the loops with their "over the top" decorations, or visit Downtown and see the dancers at Raglan Road or take a boat to Port Orleans Riverside where there is free (and very funny) entertainment 3 or 4 x's a week (YeeYaw Bob)Don't focus on the parks as the day's agenda; WDW is much more than MK. Hope this pep talk helps a little !

 

[Austriankrystl]

I know, right? Well, I am 1000000% sure I am healthy and well.

Sorry to hear that have had "close encounters" of the knife experience. Ouch. Hope things went well and you are on the mend.

Enjoy those kids while you can! They do grow up so fast!

BOG just had me frazzled that it came through and was then erased. I am not worried--I realized that a lot of these forums, etc. can make you really stress out about things you would never have known to stress about!

Instead, I have 3 options open for me--the FP lunch, asking a CM at the resort to check it out for cancellations (Dining recommended this strongly), and if I feel like it--check back in myself later.

The good news is, some of the things reading has caused me to worry about (the EMH being removed, etc.) were so not worth the worry as they have resolved themselves. I have stopped making serious plans now and am on the "wave" of waiting for it....

I am not even sure I am going to FP myself to death. I don't know what we are going to want to be doing each day and am sure that if it is worth it, it will be worth the wait. None of my days are rated above a 4 on the crowd forcast. I think we'll manage the old-fashioned way (without cell phones or internet--we are going almost "off grid" ).

The only things I am on the fence with is pre-ordering the photo package. Simply because it is hard for 2 people to get couple's photos everywhere and carrying a camera is not always fun. We have so few pictures of the 2 of us--and a few are not "complimentary" because the person taking it was rushed or not interested. On the other hand, I am sure that people would take photos of us if we just plucked up the courage to ask. I'm not into "magic shots" or creating borders of pixie dust around pics, etc. We'll see. $100-150 is a lot but then so are any pictures we would buy without it. sigh.

I am so glad you wrote me to see where I was--it truly made me feel missed. You made my day!

 

[Waiting2goback]

I am glad you are doing OK now. I have been less active on the boards the last couple of weeks as well. The future ex-wife is making things difficult for me. Despite training for, and paying for, my October trip to run the ToT Ten Miler she has now said I cannot go. So I have been pretty bummed.

Anyway, if BOG is that important to you then you might want to go to the Christmas party. Assuming everything is the same between the Hallween party and the Christmas party then you can't make reservations for dining during the parties. I know I tried for the Halloween party but could not. (Couldn't make FP reservations either) And, from everything I heard from the podcast I listen to, the dining and the rides are usually less busy during the party because everyone is watching the parade and meeting characters, etc... You might be able to get in to BOG then. I do agree that the ticket is high. At first I was so aggravated that when I was going to be there the parks were closing at 7-9pm because of the Halloween party. But, I figured I would suck it up and pay for the Halloween party because it was something I haven't experienced yet at Disney so it might be worth it.

Perhaps someone who has been to the Christmas party can let us know if the dining would be less crowded. Like I said, I just base that theory on the podcast and what they said. I have no firsthand experience so I don't want to steer you wrong.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Only a few of the restaurants even stay open during MVMCP and MNSSHP. To avoid disappointment, it's best to check in advance the list of which restaurants that will stay open. Usually I think it's mainly some of the counter service ones.

 

[Austriankrystl]

Ouch, Waiting! That's rough. I cannot pretend to know what that feels like but I do know the disappointment of preparing and planning for something big being cancelled by a third party. Keep your head up. Divorces are dirty things a lot of times (unfortunate but true) and I totally understand that you haven't been around as much with that drama going on.

Hey, it's your own personal soap opera! OK, maybe that doesn't help.

I am keeping the idea of the MVMCP in the back of my mind--and I know that the price just about that of one day after the $10 day price reductions (so in that way we would be "breaking even" according to Disney. Only, it does feel different and free cookies just doesn't seem enough of a draw for us.

Also, BOG is only open until 6pm and booked solid all 3 MVMCP days (those really give me a headache--3 times of 1/2 day MK days in 1 week! ouch! If that was our only draw, that would be a reason not to go. Especially with no late EMH there anymore (only 1 1hour emh, not interesting for us).

Daisy, you are right, not a lot is open during that time. Thanks for the tip, though! So glad I have people here looking out for me. I should do a trip-planning report just to give everyone here kudos and prove that even newbies can do this DIS-approved.

Please keep giving me tips and gentle shoves in the right direction as I navigate planning this vacation! I am so thankful!

Thomas, however, has said that if it were him, he would have given up long ago with all the "extra planning" needed. It would give him a headache. (Good that I love doing this!)

(but with smile) Other news: we may have found a house to buy. It is not "perfect" but really nice and has a lot of things we are looking for AND is in budget! What a major topsy turvy year of changes.

 

[Waiting2goback]

It is hard to find the perfect house on a normal person's budget. So, as long as you find one that fits most of your criteria then that is good. You need to be the super rich to be able to afford your ideal house in the perfect location in most cases.

I'm glad you looked into the hours BOG was open during the party. I have good intentions when I suggest something but this, along with the other one I suggested a while back, are no good. I apologize.

 

[Austriankrystl]

Waiting--sorry if I came across wrong. I think you have great ideas and I love getting them. It gives me more options and ideas.

One of which is my internal debate between MVMCP yay or nay. You nailed it on the head! PLEASE let me know how the halloween party goes--perhaps it will give me a better idea of what is best for us.

Concerning BOG--well, it will be what it will be. I cannot change things now and I am not going to let it get me in a funk. Plus my FI is going to someday have me capped... he says I need to relax and let it go...

ps: you're right about the house--especially here. now to talk financing, etc. I'll let you know what happens.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Waiting--sorry if I came across wrong. I think you have great ideas and I love getting them. It gives me more options and ideas.

One of which is my internal debate between MVMCP yay or nay. You nailed it on the head! PLEASE let me know how the halloween party goes--perhaps it will give me a better idea of what is best for us.

Concerning BOG--well, it will be what it will be. I cannot change things now and I am not going to let it get me in a funk. Plus my FI is going to someday have me capped... he says I need to relax and let it go...

ps: you're right about the house--especially here. now to talk financing, etc. I'll let you know what happens.

Don't worry, you didn't come across the wrong way. I just feel bad I haven't been able to provide you with the correct information yet. I guess I am still a rookie myself.

Sadly, I don't think I will be able to provide you with any info about the Halloween party. I talked to the wife today and unless she suddenly develops a heart I don't think I am going on my trip and won't be running my race. She told me she doesn't care about my goal (to finish my race). She said she'd rather me waste the money and miss my race than actually go run it.

So, at this point I am just looking forward and I will keep my running. The Disney race is what kept me motivated to run and now it is becoming part of me. I will make it to a runDisney race eventually. I will win in the long run though. I may not be running my race this October but I will eventually run it. She will always be angry and hateful and that is not a life I want to live.

Anyway, not trying to bring down your thread. I still believe in marriage. I hope one day to get married again and be planning my next Disney honeymoon just like you are now. I don't know you but my wish for you is to have a happy and longlasting marriage. The wedding and honeymoon are nice and exciting but they are just a couple days in what will be a lifetime together.

 

[Austriankrystl]

Waiting, you are NOT bringing me down! I love that you are so authentic in what you right and brainstorming with me! And that includes the amazing ability you have to relate to me while going through such a painful experience. WOW! Talk about inspiring to me.

Seriously--the title of this is: point me in the right way and was sidetracked by me ages ago. My bad! You guys are just too nice to write with and it's more real.

I am so sorry to hear that your "goal" has been postponed--that is really an awesome achievement! I cannot run to save my life and since the car accident haven't been into any sports--I've become even more of a wimo, sigh. When I started reading about WDW I immediately saw the Tinkerbell 1/2 plus weekend and the challenge to do East and West Coast in 1 year. I told FI: I'm going to do that! I can do that. He said: good--start running! I haven't managed to get into it yet. (And it is a lot of money for me to spend to just get there. BUT saying I've done it... WOW! just need a running--uh, walking--partner!)

I am so sorry that you are being hurt and disappointed--but it will get better and you WILL make it to Disney and run your marathon and finish and do even better than you would this autumn! DIS should have a thread for people to cheer those on in these goals... perhaps finding a cheering section!

We are in completely different places (and I hope we don't end up where you are, to be honest). Thank you for showing interest and happiness in my life and the steps we are taking!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Good, I am glad you are finding this helpful. And, for what it's worth, I hope you don't end up where I am right now either. It kinda stinks.

I was never a runner either. I played soccer and was pretty athletic but HATED distance running. But, after we decided on the divorce I decided it was time to focus on myself, since I spent so much time trying to make her happy. It was time to challenge myself. I LOVE Disney so why not sign up for a race and challenge myself with that. Now it is a love/hate kinda thing. I don't look forward to running but when I am doing it I push myself to get better and it helps reduce stress. We live near a lake so I run down by the lake, which is relaxing. When I am done I feel better. So, I guess I enjoy it.

As for having a place for support on here. They have one. If you scroll down to the "Just For Fun" section you will see a link to W.I.S.H. In there are all topics related to health and exercise. On the top of the page for that section there is another link to races and competition (I think that's what it's called). In there are links to specific Disney races. So, if you sign up for a race you can go talk to fellow races about preparing for it. It's pretty nice.

I haven't written on the ToT race page in a while because it will mean I have to finally admit to not being able to run it. It makes me sad.

But, after your honeymoon the good news is, you will be able to share info about your trip and that will help those of us who haven't been at Christmas time. I'm looking forward to it. Thank for your support. You may be on the other side of the world somewhere but it helps.

 

[RVMH]

Waiting: I do hope things work out for you for your race, but if not this year then next! Krystl: You are getting close to your travel time. It must be an exciting time to anticipate all the travel, fun experiences and wonderful people. Please let us know how your plans are coming together.

We are leaving for a month long trip to New England and some "leaf peeping". Maine and its lobster in the Fall is pretty wonderful. I'll check in along the way and look forward to hearing about your latest adventures !

 

[Waiting2goback]

I actually haven't updated you guys, because I didn't want to jinx anything. But, after I finally accepted I wouldn't be going and wouldn't be running my race the wife changed her mind out of the blue. She just randomly texted me that she agreed I could go. I think she is up to something because she never just does nice things for others. But, if I do end up actually going, I'll take it.

I am not getting my hopes up yet as she could very easily change her mind again but at least there is a chance. And, I got a job last week. I don't start until 10/6, which is the day after I get back from my trip coincidentally. I needed to make sure the baby (she'll be 3 next month) transitions well to preschool before I can go back.

So, we shall see.

I am from MA so I know all about fall in New England. I hope you have a great trip. Its been colder than usual here the last month so the leaves are starting to turn early.

 

[RVMH]

I actually haven't updated you guys, because I didn't want to jinx anything. But, after I finally accepted I wouldn't be going and wouldn't be running my race the wife changed her mind out of the blue. She just randomly texted me that she agreed I could go. I think she is up to something because she never just does nice things for others. But, if I do end up actually going, I'll take it.

I am not getting my hopes up yet as she could very easily change her mind again but at least there is a chance. And, I got a job last week. I don't start until 10/6, which is the day after I get back from my trip coincidentally. I needed to make sure the baby (she'll be 3 next month) transitions well to preschool before I can go back.

So, we shall see.

I am from MA so I know all about fall in New England. I hope you have a great trip. Its been colder than usual here the last month so the leaves are starting to turn early.

Fingers crossed for you. Let us know what's happening.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I just came across this thread today and it is wonderful! What a wonderful adventure you are on AK and I am so happy for your impending WDW honeymoon and other adventures during your wedding.

I know you mentioned being on the fence about the photo package. We bought the package for the first time on the last trip and about three months later I was so happy I did. I started to compile photos for my family year book (like a school year book but I started doing one for our family, which is just me and DH, married 2 years). I had loads of photos from our 2013 trip to WDW and I started to look back and years past and realized I only had about 10 photos from my other trips, some trips I had none! I am not big on magic photos or pixie dust borders either but I love having all of our ride photos and we have numerous photos in front of Christmas decorations! I also liked not having to carry around a camera. Just to give you a little tip though, if you decide not to buy the memory maker, any photo pass photographer will take a photo with your camera or phone.

I saw you also mentioned the MVMCP. I have been 3 times and liked it a little less each time. I have also been to the MNSSHP and actually much preferred it over MVMCP. I don't recall seeing the dates of your vacation but after the last MVMCP, they do the same things every night through Christmas (snow on main street, fireworks etc).

I am also subscribing to this thread because I have spent the past little bit catching up and I want to hear how things continue to go. In other news, I just looked at the clock and its 15 minutes past closing! This is what I get for Dising while I work. Good thing I'm the boss

 

[Austriankrystl]

WOW! I'm gone a couple weeks and look at who I missed.

Waiting--this could be really great and I hope that you can go through with your run. What is REALLY great news is that you have a new job to look forward to and forward movement in your life. And seriously! I am so happy you have a little one to enjoy.

I hope that you are wrong in your mistrust... but you know more about your situation than we do, so... be careful, be aware, but be thankful...

And thank you for being so happy for me despite all that is going on in your life. I cherish that greatly--believe me!

RVMH--have a great trip! Thank you for being here for me and helping me and sharing with my "not-so-thrilling" adventure. It's fun and frustrating and sometimes I wish that I didn't know as much as I do now to know the positives and negatives of Disney planning...

So many changes are happening in my life, I cannot even begin to list them all. I promise to sometime, honest!

 

[Austriankrystl]

Hi Pirate! Great name... our 13 year old is always one for Jack... he's not coming, though (another story for another day)...

Welcome to this very simple thread... Here, we are busy with so many things, I just don't know where to start.

We have decided to do the Memory Maker. We have joined a couple of acquaintances to make it more affordable.

I personally hope to get some great photos of us as a couple without "stressing" about it. I am working on avoiding the cliche male-female (mis)communication.

For my birthday my FI kidnapped me off to Venice... which was perfect except for the typical: "schatz, don't you want to eat gelato here on the grande canal before taking the boat to our car?" instead of "WOW! Gelato on the grande canal before a boat ride to our car! I would love to do that with you!".... with the cliche perfect response and misunderstanding... gosh i love this man--he is sooo sweet and loves me even when i am a very old 5-year old.

I posted somewhere else whether pics with photopass were offered in the delux hotels with the deco and how accommodating they were. Lots of people reading it, no responses... I really hope it is possible--I would love some great pics of us for the holidays...

At the same time I am trying to set up "loose day schedules" for each day... the TS. it's only partially successful... I have some set but others completely open. That includes the continuing debate of MVMCP... I guess I'll get those evaluated later.

Now comes the 90day FP+ window... and MDE doesn't work! Hoping for a response from Disney by next week. Thankfully, we aren't looking for hard-core commando planning fp+.

Well, I'm heading off to bed now. Hope to read from you some more, I am really thankful for your advice and sharing your experiences. Feel free to share anything that you think could make our trip "magical". I really appreciate it!

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Hi Pirate! Great name... our 13 year old is always one for Jack... he's not coming, though (another story for another day)...

Welcome to this very simple thread... Here, we are busy with so many things, I just don't know where to start.

We have decided to do the Memory Maker. We have joined a couple of acquaintances to make it more affordable.

I personally hope to get some great photos of us as a couple without "stressing" about it. I am working on avoiding the cliche male-female (mis)communication.

For my birthday my FI kidnapped me off to Venice... which was perfect except for the typical: "schatz, don't you want to eat gelato here on the grande canal before taking the boat to our car?" instead of "WOW! Gelato on the grande canal before a boat ride to our car! I would love to do that with you!".... with the cliche perfect response and misunderstanding... gosh i love this man--he is sooo sweet and loves me even when i am a very old 5-year old.

I posted somewhere else whether pics with photopass were offered in the delux hotels with the deco and how accommodating they were. Lots of people reading it, no responses... I really hope it is possible--I would love some great pics of us for the holidays...

At the same time I am trying to set up "loose day schedules" for each day... the TS. it's only partially successful... I have some set but others completely open. That includes the continuing debate of MVMCP... I guess I'll get those evaluated later.

Now comes the 90day FP+ window... and MDE doesn't work! Hoping for a response from Disney by next week. Thankfully, we aren't looking for hard-core commando planning fp+.

Well, I'm heading off to bed now. Hope to read from you some more, I am really thankful for your advice and sharing your experiences. Feel free to share anything that you think could make our trip "magical". I really appreciate it!

I am glad you ended up getting memory maker. I think you will be happy once you get back home and realize you have lots of photos. We made a point to try and stop whenever we saw a photo pass photographer so we would get our money's worth. I replied to you under your other thread regarding the deluxe resort photos and even uploaded a few of ours so you could see them. We also have lots of photos in front of the Christmas decorations at the parks.

What a wonderful birthday surprise!! Sounds like you picked a wonderful man who loves you. I have never traveled to Europe but hope to someday have the budget and vacation time to do so. I actually have a few distant relatives in Germany (Altenburg).

In response to FP+, you should be able to do that at the 60 day mark. Maybe that is why MDE isn't working for you.

While I absolutely love planning, I agree that WDW vacation planning can get quite stressful. Between booking your TS restaurants and FP+ reservations, it makes it much more difficult to have a casual vacation. If you are at all like me, once you arrive in WDW all of the planning and stress just disappears. There is no place on earth like WDW and it makes me so happy just to be there. I will tell you that we overstressed about the FP+. Once we arrived in WDW we didn't really worry about our FP+ reservations anymore. We were there the week before Christmas and most of the lines were reasonable so we let a few of our fast pass reservations expire. We still had a magical vacation!