Disney Gives Me the Warm Fuzzies. January 2010 PreTrip Report. Update 11/6 Pg. 79

[cjackearl]

I can understand your not going to Disney in September blues, but think about how much easier getting around will be in January.

Great ADR list. Appys and desserts sound perfect, especially with Disney portions and the gift card idea? Genius! Just make sure to make a copy of the numbers on the back of the card JIC.

All this GPS talk is making me jelous. I feel like you all have friends in your car talking to you all the time. I want a car friend! And if he happens to sound like Hugh Jackman or Gary Sinise I probably wouldn't complain.

 

[Charleston Princess]

All this GPS talk is making me jelous. I feel like you all have friends in your car talking to you all the time. I want a car friend! And if he happens to sound like Hugh Jackman or Gary Sinise I probably wouldn't complain.

Don't be too jealous -- I don't have a GPS to murmur Australian-accented directions in my ear -- just my two kids trying to shout over each other.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Don't be too jealous -- I don't have a GPS to murmur Australian-accented directions in my ear -- just my two kids trying to shout over each other.

The Aussie tried to get us lost on Saturday when we went to the state fair..... good thing we already knew the way. We were just pretending to listen to humor him.....

 

[eandesmom]

The Aussie tried to get us lost on Saturday when we went to the state fair..... good thing we already knew the way. We were just pretending to listen to humor him.....

Fiona (my mom's gps) got us lost on Sunday trying to find my cousin's house....darn new streets! It takes up to 3 years for all the various databases to get updated.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Yay for only 4 months until your trip!

I think all the Fantasyland changes look and sound amazing. I am particularly excited about the new Pixie Hollow. I saw something on the Disney Channel a while ago about the PH at Disneyland and it is AWESOME. And a Little Mermaid ride! Ahhh can't wait.

I really can't wait for Little Mermaid ride! I had to watch it the other day because I was just so excited.

OMG-I am so sorry about the loss of your beloved polenta...
(It's really hard when you have your heart set on a certain dish only to find that poof...it's gone...)...

but just like TarzansKat said maybe you can have them make it special and it is actually the sign of a good restaurant when they try to stay fresh and current and seasonal...-who knows you may even find a new favorite...

I love the idea of putting the food money on a gift card...

It's only natural that your sad about your Sept trip-but it in end its all for a greater good -your health-and that will make you Jan trip that much more spectacular...

I know, I'm really sad about the polenta but oh well. Marc makes a great polenta dish and there seems to be a lot more polenta dishes at other WDW places so I will be trying those!

I'm really ready for January, I can't wait. I just keep focusing on that and trying not to be too bummed.

LOVE your plan with the giftcard for meals. That is brilliant! And I agree it will be a great way to end the trip picking up special gifts in Downtown Disney!

Sorry about the salmon polenta. I agree - can't hurt to ask and see if they can whip it up for you. They seem like the kind of place that would go out of their way for you if it is at all possible! Thank goodness they invented the Cobb salad - otherwise I'd be worrying that it could disappear too.

Big appetizer fan here too. Looking forward to a dining report!

Oh and I'm right there with you making plans for 2012!!

Oh yes, plans are being made for 2012! I can't wait. Is it wrong to wish the next 3 years away in order to see some new Disney attractions?

I love appetizers! They are just so yummy.

I love the giftcard plan, as well as the "leftovers" plan! What a great way to stay in budget but not stress about the adding as you go nightmare.

Definitely look into a special request for your polenta, you deserve it

Yeah, I like to avoid the adding as you go situation. This works out well for me. I used the gift card last trip for most of my spending. You know cause once it's gone, you think about those souvenir purchases a little bit more once you are paying with "real" money.

Thanks for posting the link about the Fantasyland expansion. I wish it were happening sooner!!! I'm thinking a D23 membership is in order

I love love love the idea about putting the food money on a gift card. So smart!

I'm looking forward to your tr and Jen's food report.

I want to get the D23 membership too. I've been wanting one but have been trying to be good.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm really behind, but I wanted to comment on your Concord trip. I am so JEALOUS! I'm such a history person. I want to come to MA now. I'll add it to the ever growing list.

I can see the weight loss as well. So exciting. :

So glad the Band-Aid stuff is working for you. It worked wonders for me.

Our GPS is named, Margie.

Yes, add it to your list and tell me when you are coming.

It really does work well! I'm keeping it in my purse for when I'm out just in case I need it!

All caught up now!

The gift card idea is such a great idea! A friend and I are thinking about a trip in a few years and that would make dining so much easier!

I am so amazed by the Fantasyland redo!! It will be just in time for my DD because I'm sure at that point she will be obsessed with all things "Princess".

I'm drooling over your ADRs. YUMMY!!

Oh I am sure she will just be in Princess Heaven with the new Fantasyland things!

See what happened!?! I didn't get much Dis time the past few days and I missed your update! Darn it!!

First, OMG thank you for sharing the video of the announcement! I saw the rumors and actually posted about them in my PTR. I'm so freakin excited about this I actually teared up!! It looks incredible!!!

Your ADR list looks fantastic!! I kinda glad you changed your mind about Coral Reef. The worst meal I have ever had I had there. I hate to think that my diser friends would have the same experience!

I'm so sorry about the polenta!! Why do they take away the good stuff!?

We had an okay meal at Coral Reef in September, it's more the atmosphere there than anything else for me. Maybe Brown Derby will replace it with something even more YUMMY!

I think it would be normal to be a little down around the time you had originally thought you be taking a Disney trip. You will have a great time in January, though, and you will feel great waltzing through Magic Kingdom with a new look!

A brand new Fantasyland especially for your 30th sounds great!

Great idea about the gift card and about buying each other a last little gift. Very fun!

It is fun, it will be neat seeing what we pick out for each other!

Looks like a great ADR line up! Sorry to hear about the Brown Derby menu change. I'm sure you'll find something on the menu that you'll enjoy though.

Oh, I'm sure I will too. Give me a chance to try some new things.

I'll be dangerously close to 40 by the time the Fantasyland addition comes to life and you'll only be 30 I'm sooooo old!!!!!

Did you ever get your present????

You are not OLD! Pfffffffffffft!
And yes, I did get my present. Thank you so much!

Hi! Subbing! I'm trying to find PTRs for January since that's when I'm going too. 32 pages?!??? I'm glad you have chapter links in your first post. I need to get caught up!

Thanks for joining in!!

Fun update. Sorry about the trip blues-just think of how great you will look and feel then! Great idea on the gift card-may do that myself if we don't get the dining plan.

I know, that is what I keep telling myself. I like the freedom of the gift card, it's like you have a dining plan almost but you can just order what you want like appetizers!

I can understand your not going to Disney in September blues, but think about how much easier getting around will be in January.

Great ADR list. Appys and desserts sound perfect, especially with Disney portions and the gift card idea? Genius! Just make sure to make a copy of the numbers on the back of the card JIC.

All this GPS talk is making me jelous. I feel like you all have friends in your car talking to you all the time. I want a car friend! And if he happens to sound like Hugh Jackman or Gary Sinise I probably wouldn't complain.

That is a very good tip on the gift card numbers! It is like having a car friend, Julie & I have become the best of buddies.

Don't be too jealous -- I don't have a GPS to murmur Australian-accented directions in my ear -- just my two kids trying to shout over each other.

The Aussie tried to get us lost on Saturday when we went to the state fair..... good thing we already knew the way. We were just pretending to listen to humor him.....

Yes, sometimes Julie has to "re-calculate".

Fiona (my mom's gps) got us lost on Sunday trying to find my cousin's house....darn new streets! It takes up to 3 years for all the various databases to get updated.

Oh no!! That is crazy!

 

[brookelizabeth]

No Salmon Polenta?! What were they thinking?! First French Toast Loaf, now this. I am not a big fish fan, BUT, this was a popular dish! I really, truly hope it's a mistake. We look forward to hearing Jen's Super Secret Spy Mission report.

I think I've been watching too much Agent Oso.

Since I was over 10 pages behind, I missed your BIRTHDAY! So, happy, happy, happy belated birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You also have made several trip adjustments--your plans look fantastic! I love the idea of you two putting money on a gift card, then using the extra money to buy a gift for each other at the end with the leftover money. It will be REALLY fun to see what you pick out for each other!!!

Your trip pics were awesome too-I love history. I would have been gobbling all that up! When you said your GPS' name was Julie, and how it related to Disney, I immediately thought, "The DIS Podcast...there is a Julie." so you are wayyyy safe in relating that to Disney. Julie Andrews, GPS to take you to Disney, and DIS Podcast person.

I still haven't had a moment to watch those videos on Fantasyland, but finally did squeak in time at work to read about it....it sounds AWESOME-I can't wait to see it! I wouldn't doubt if they are done right around September-in time for the busy seasons.

 

[Lady Lallie]

No Salmon Polenta?! What were they thinking?! First French Toast Loaf, now this. I am not a big fish fan, BUT, this was a popular dish! I really, truly hope it's a mistake. We look forward to hearing Jen's Super Secret Spy Mission report.

I think I've been watching too much Agent Oso.

Since I was over 10 pages behind, I missed your BIRTHDAY! So, happy, happy, happy belated birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You also have made several trip adjustments--your plans look fantastic! I love the idea of you two putting money on a gift card, then using the extra money to buy a gift for each other at the end with the leftover money. It will be REALLY fun to see what you pick out for each other!!!

Your trip pics were awesome too-I love history. I would have been gobbling all that up! When you said your GPS' name was Julie, and how it related to Disney, I immediately thought, "The DIS Podcast...there is a Julie." so you are wayyyy safe in relating that to Disney. Julie Andrews, GPS to take you to Disney, and DIS Podcast person.

I still haven't had a moment to watch those videos on Fantasyland, but finally did squeak in time at work to read about it....it sounds AWESOME-I can't wait to see it! I wouldn't doubt if they are done right around September-in time for the busy seasons.

Thanks for the belated Birthday wishes! I was thinking of you down in Disney that day!!

You must watch the videos! It's going to be amazing. I really can't wait!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I know I have been slacking on the PTR updates but I promise one either today or tomorrow.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I want an update on you and how things are coming along!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I want an update on you and how things are coming along!

I will include an update!

 

[Native NYer]

I want to get the D23 membership too. I've been wanting one but have been trying to be good.

I've been trying to resist as well. But if you get membership by December 31, you're considered a charter member. Plus, you're able to buy pins just for D23 members. So, there's some incentive. I'm hoping next year's convention will be at WDW. Then I'll just HAVE to go for a weekend in September.

 

[Lady Lallie]

We are in that planning lull. You know the one that happens after you have picked your resort (for now...hehehe CP ), made the list for the ADRs you want and figured out how your Park Touring will go. Now you just have to hurry up and wait for your ADR window to open up, for AP discounts to be released and for the Park Hours to be published. That lull.

Sometimes what happens you begin to over plan. Or you don't plan at all. Or you do a minimal amount of planning.

I think I fall into the minimal amount of planning. I've decided on few things this past week.

#1 - I think I'm going to book our trip through a travel agent, Dreams Unlimited to be exact. Our ADR day is a weekday. BLECH. I'm stressed out over the ADRs and quite honestly I don't want to be. I don't want to wake up early, I don't want to stress out and I don't want to worry about making it into work on time that day. Plus they can help me secure the AP rate when the time comes and if there are any great discounts offered. I've heard rumblings.

I think I sometimes get a little too wrapped up in the planning. I become obsessed with Disney as my only focus. I begin to plan all of our vacations in Disney, I only want to talk about Disney, you get the idea. It's scary sometimes. I think I need to give up a bit of the control.

#2 - Which leads me to....I think Marc & I won't be going to Disney in November 2010 like planned. Honestly, I think I need a Disney break.

I know! It scares me too that I'm saying this and I'm terrified I'm really going to regret it. We love Disney, we really do BUT I've been working on planning the trip this week and it was stressing me out, the money was making me crazy, figuring out when I wanted to go, the ADRs, Marc's indifference. UGH. I don't want to go! I think we are going to rent a cabin in Maine for a week or two next summer. I'm looking forward to the relaxing.

I feel like I'm ready for new Disney experiences. I want to go to Disney with my future family. If that makes sense. I was talking to Jen about this and she said it did. I figure Marc & I might go in January 2011 or sometime later that year. If not, I know we'll go in 2012 for my 30th Birthday hopefully with baby in tow. I'm okay with that.

So yeah...that was a bit wordy! On to lighter topics!

#3 - I've always wanted to go Parasailing which Disney just happens to offer. I was planning on doing the Parasailing thing in November 2010. Well now we are just going to move that up a bit...hopefully. Currently I am a little over the weight limit so I've set that number in my sights because I want to go Parasailing in January. Jen thinks I'm completely crazy to be doing this in winter but I'm okay with that. I'm from hardy New England stock.

The rates from Sammy Duvall's Water Sports Centre are:

Regular- $95+ tax per flight (8-10 minutes at 450 feet)
Premium- $ 120+ tax per flight (10-12 minutes at 600 feet)

I think I'm going to go big and do the 600 feet.

I also have some big news from my May trip. Some of you might remember that instead of going to Disney, Marc had decided he wanted a big screen TV. Well I am happy to report that yesterday we brought home his 50" Panasonic Plamsa TV. He is VERY happy with it. In truth, so am I. I love it. The bargaining chip for January has already been paid up in form of a Wii. Which I am also enjoying quite a lot. Toy Story Mania for the Wii is an amazing game. I'm totally going to kick Jen's butt when we play in January.

As far as recovering from surgery I am doing well. My weight loss is kinda at a stand still right now as I haven't had a fill yet in my band to tighten it. I have to wait a few more weeks for that. I go to the doctor's on Friday so hopefully I will see a smaller number. I'm eating normally and feeling really good! I go back to work next Monday. I plan to take a picture of myself one month after surgery which is on the 26th, I'll post it for you all.

EDIT: I forgot the warm fuzzies!

Jen: The feel of the wind in my hair during Test Track.
LL: Dodging raindrops with your best friend.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I'm sleepy but am very anxious to see your picture! I'll be watching carefully so I can construct your new swimwear for your trip in Jan.

 

[Charleston Princess]

He he about picking your resort for now. Can you believe that I didn't change our resort once for the October trip? I think because it was a discounted room and all. You should be proud of me.

I think going with a travel agent just from the standpoint of your ADRs is a grand idea. That way you won't have to worry about making them and getting to work on time.

I don't blame you for wanting to take a break from Disney -- it will make it that much more fun when you go again, and really, three years (at the most) is not that long to wait.

Parasailing would be so cool! (Well, I would never really want to do it, but I think it will be so cool to read about you doing it. ).

It is a sad thing that I wasn't even considering getting a Wii until they came out with TSM -- Disney always knows just how to get me.

Can't wait to see the one-month picture! Enjoy your last week!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

My goodness, back to work already? The time has just flown by. I am so glad that you are doing so well. Congratulations!

Parasailing?!? Well, that's my reaction if I were doing it but since you're the one who is going to do it and it's been a dream of yours here is my reaction

Totally understand wanting to do different vacations. Hope you'll stick around on the DIS, though.

Hurrah for the new tv. I am dying to get one. And the wii.

Have a great week!

 

[MeMom]

We all go through different moods and stages through life, and if you're at a point where you feel the need to do something non-Disney, then you should go with it with no regrets. As it nears, you may change your mind, and Disney World will still be sitting there ready to enjoy. If not, you may have a super great vacation somewhere else doing other things, and that'll be great, too! It'll all work out for you. The thought of taking a baby with you when you celebrate your 30th is very exciting!

I'm glad you guys got your super-duper TV. I'm sure you are enjoying that!

Enjoy this last week of hanging out before you get back into the rat race of life!

 

[jenjolt]

I love the idea of going to a travel agent!! As much as I love planning my trips sometimes I think it becomes more and more about the planning and less about the experiences on the trip!! May was so much fun for me because you did all the planning LOL...now you can have a bit of that feeling just looking foward to being there!

Yes I totally get the whole need a break! Disney isn't going anywhere so we can always look forward to going back, but it will be nice to have other experiences!! A cabin in Maine sounds amazing, I know it would be something Prince P and I would love to do!!!! Of course I'm going to settle to moving to Austin and maybe going camping in Hill Country in a tent...I'll let you know if I survive that LOL!!!! However Disney at 30 with little ones in tow...let's make plans LOL!!!

I can't remember if I used the word crazy or the words certifiably insane...but yes either way you Parasailing in January...hmmm...I'll be on the dock with a good book some hot cocoa and my gloves just watching you and your dream!! I"m all for you doing it and me shivering LOL!!!

 

[TarzansKat]

I read the whole post, I swear, but one thing just grabbed me.

THEY HAVE TOY STORY MANIA FOR THE WII?????

Why has my husband not bought this game yet???

That's so cool.

Anyway, I know how you feel about the lull. It's frustrating. If you want to book through a travel agent, especially a reputable one like that, I say, let them take that stress of your shoulders. You'll have more enjoyment in the long run, you know?

Me, I'm too much of a control freak. If you can let go, I say good for you!!!

And you're right to put off a trip to Disney with Marc if you're not feeling it. When a vacation becomes stressful, it's not fun anymore. And renting a cabin will be relaxing, and I'm all for going to Disney for thirtieth birthdays.

Plus it's hard to plan a trip when you know you're wanting to possibly plan a family, so giving yourself a longer goal may be nicer. Plus, by then, hopefully, all the new Fantasyland expansion will be done, so that's something fun to look forward to!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I've been trying to resist as well. But if you get membership by December 31, you're considered a charter member. Plus, you're able to buy pins just for D23 members. So, there's some incentive. I'm hoping next year's convention will be at WDW. Then I'll just HAVE to go for a weekend in September.

(I happen to know that I am getting a D23 membership as an anniversary gift next month...don't ask me how I know...hehehehe...I'll let you know what I think...

1. I think going through a travel agents should alleviate some of your stress...they get to make your ADRs, room ressies, etc...Go for it...

It is easy to become a little OCD with Disney, obsessed, etc...I know I am/have begun to be as well......all good things in moderation...

2. YOU need a Disney break...LL....you wild and crazy lady you...I think it is very healthy to take a break...you can still love Disney, the parks, movies, etc and not go every year...(or multiple times a year... We've gotten a little tied in to going to Disney every year...and that isn't going to change next year but I think we'll probably have a break in 2011...(well we might do to DL for a couple day as part of a Grand Canyon to CA road trip...does that really count though...)

Maine is beautiful-we've only gotten up through the Yorks and Oqunquit and the Kennebunks...but what we saw was beautiful...I think that renting a cabin there would be a fabulous vacation...

(I will send all kinds of good wishes on the baby front...I think you'd be a great mom...)

3. the Parasailing-I am in deep admiration of your desire to do so -Go for it girl...on the other hand...I can kind of see Jen's point about the cold...but if you are a hardy New Englander and think you can handle...YOU GO GIRL...

I'm glad your recovery is going well...