"Diva" Trip - "Cliff Notes" p.236 OLD THREAD!

[DizNee Luver]

Since I know for sure I won't be doing the Fantasmic dessert seating, but there are already several ladies interested, I was wondering if anyone would like to volunteer to be the contact person for that event?

I need someone who is going to be attending the dessert seating, is able to oversee the list of those who will be signing up, and to find out all the details involved with booking for a group.

If you are interested, please let me know. Thanks!

I know Bridget handled this last time & did a great job especially since the show was cancelled & she had to refund everyone's money.....hopefully she'll pop in & volunteer for this again!!!

 

[Belle Ella]

what?! The books are Ah-mazing!!! Well, the last book was not her best, but there are so many great characters that have been left out of the series....like Quinn the WereTiger....yum!

I don't know what it is but something about the books themselves just don't do it for me. I had to force myself to keep reading them and ended up giving up halfway through book 4 and still can't get myself to read any more. I'm so used to being so hooked by a book that I cannot put it down until I finish it. Didn't happen with them. For once I actually like the movie (in this case, show) more than I like the original material.

 

[mommaU4]

I know Bridget handled this last time & did a great job especially since the show was cancelled & she had to refund everyone's money.....hopefully she'll pop in & volunteer for this again!!!

That would be nice if she's already done it.

 

[princesskayla]

Thank you for the warm welcomes! I am so looking forward to this group trip.

Hi Joni!

Welcome!!! I'm glad you stumbled upon our thread. We love to get "newbies!" Also welcome to the West Coast. I will have to say, that moving from Georgia to Alaska is a huge change. Especially in the weather. LOL!! I hope it goes well for you and your family.

PS- Have you ever been to DL? Us veterans love to get a hold of DL virgins!!

I have been to DL three times. Once as a baby, once as a teenager with a huge bunch of friends and once by myself not that long ago. We are hoping to go in Oct as a family right before our 7 day Mexican Riveria cruise.

Alaska is interesting. We live in Bethel, AK which is only accessible by plane or boat. It is a city of about 6000 people and it is the main hub of about 56 smaller villages that are in the region. I am a nurse in L&D and was offered a job here. We had never been to Alaska and wanted to come and so I took the job. Our family is kind of exciting that way. We like to mix things up. But it is a huge change from Atlanta!!

Linda.

Joni - Welcome to the thread, it's a great place to stumble upon! You definitely should come along for next year. I was a newbie for this past years trip and all I could think afterward was "why on earth hadn't I done this sooner?!" How long have you been in Alaska now?

We have been in Alaska for 23 days! So we are complete newbies here. The area that we live in is the Tundra. It is very flat, with permafrost under the ground. There are mountians 40 miles away. It is not what you picture when you think Alaska. My husband is currently in Anchorage interviewing for Alaska Airlines. We are hoping and praying that he gets that job. Airfare to get out of this town is very expensive and it will be near impossible for all 5 of us to leave at the same time. Food and supplies are very expensive here and it would be nice to be able to fly to Anchorage for supplies and food that are considerable cheaper.

 

[mommaU4]

Thank you for the warm welcomes! I am so looking forward to this group trip.



I have been to DL three times. Once as a baby, once as a teenager with a huge bunch of friends and once by myself not that long ago. We are hoping to go in Oct as a family right before our 7 day Mexican Riveria cruise.

Alaska is interesting. We live in Bethel, AK which is only accessible by plane or boat. It is a city of about 6000 people and it is the main hub of about 56 smaller villages that are in the region. I am a nurse in L&D and was offered a job here. We had never been to Alaska and wanted to come and so I took the job. Our family is kind of exciting that way. We like to mix things up. But it is a huge change from Atlanta!!



We have been in Alaska for 23 days! So we are complete newbies here. The area that we live in is the Tundra. It is very flat, with permafrost under the ground. There are mountians 40 miles away. It is not what you picture when you think Alaska. My husband is currently in Anchorage interviewing for Alaska Airlines. We are hoping and praying that he gets that job. Airfare to get out of this town is very expensive and it will be near impossible for all 5 of us to leave at the same time. Food and supplies are very expensive here and it would be nice to be able to fly to Anchorage for supplies and food that are considerable cheaper.

When in October will you be at DL? There's a bunch of the Divas going in October. The list is on the first page. It would be fun to say hello if you're there the same time as some others!


Wow, you are newbies to Alaska!! But how exciting. That sounds exactly like something I would do with my family. I love an adventure. I grew up in SoCal but my family is all in northern Michigan, so in 2004 we moved there for about 3 years. Once I grew tired of the snow, we packed up and moved to Las Vegas which is where we are now. When we first moved we didn't even have a place to live. Just showed up in town and spent our first week here in a hotel. It was fun!

An L&D nurse sounds like it would be a good job. Never boring. I've been a stay-at-home mom for over 14 years now, but way back when, an L&D nurse is what I was interested in. Just seemed like something I'd really enjoy.

Good luck to your husband on the job with Alaska Airlines. Hope it works out for him!

Again, we're glad to have you join the group. Post some pics of AK if you get a chance. One day I'll make it there in person.
Oh, and speaking of pics, once you find a pic of yourself, either post it here or send it to me in a PM and I'll add you to the first page. Thanks!!

 

[princesskayla]

Great news!! My husband got the job at Alaska Airlines!!!

 

[tinkermell]

Great news!! My husband got the job at Alaska Airlines!!!

That is wonderful news!!!

 

[21yankees]

Great news!! My husband got the job at Alaska Airlines!!!

Welcome to the group.

Congratulations on your husband's new job.


Hope you all had a nice day. I only have to work tomorrow before a long weekend.

steph

 

[sahbushka]

Great news!! My husband got the job at Alaska Airlines!!!

Awesome about the job! Congrats!


Beth, I feel the same way about WOC - it's ok but I LOVE F!

I hope everyone is having a great evening and I am so excited about the new t-shirt! I love bright pink and I love that design!!!!!!

SarahMay

 

[Zoemakes5]

Is anyone interested in doing the Fantasmic Dessert Seating? I know we missed it this year because of problems with the boat tracks. I am, just wondering if anyone else is?


steph

I'd be up for it for sure. I still have never done one.

 

[mommaU4]

Great news!! My husband got the job at Alaska Airlines!!!

That's great news!! Congrats to him and you both!

Hope you all had a nice day. I only have to work tomorrow before a long weekend.

steph

I bet you are counting the minutes until that long weekend. Enjoy it!!

Beth, I feel the same way about WOC - it's ok but I LOVE F!

Whew, glad it's not just me. It's not a bad show but it just didn't blow me away. But with Fantasmic, even after all these years of watching it, I still get teary eyed and chills when the music starts!

 

[sahbushka]

So last night I was all ready to get the rest of my WDW trip planned but my daughter decided I needed to lay in bed with her. She is terrified of fire works and people have started lighting them off in our neighborhood. I think I feel asleep before she did. Oh well, I will try again tonight.

SarahMay

P.S. Steph - I hope they figure it out soon! Be healthy my friend!

 

[sierranevada]

Since I know for sure I won't be doing the Fantasmic dessert seating, but there are already several ladies interested, I was wondering if anyone would like to volunteer to be the contact person for that event?

I need someone who is going to be attending the dessert seating, is able to oversee the list of those who will be signing up, and to find out all the details involved with booking for a group.

If you are interested, please let me know. Thanks!

I know Bridget handled this last time & did a great job especially since the show was cancelled & she had to refund everyone's money.....hopefully she'll pop in & volunteer for this again!!!

Bonjour! Posting from Paris! I would be happy to do it again along with the dining reservations. I have been working with the same lady in vacation planning for several years and she makes everything easy!

Beth - if you can just have a sign up on the first page, I'll take care of it

Big to Joni! I was a newbie last year and this is now my home away from home!!

 

[Jodi_Luvs_Disney]

Good Morning!!

Had a great time last night - went to see Midnight in Paris. Love it and out to dinner with a friend. I felt like I was breaking a law or something going out on a weeknight but I did have fun. I'm definately feeling it this morning though.

Joni - Welcome aboard...I sure hope you can make it on the trip. This group is so welcoming and fun. I know you'd have a great time.

Steph - Have a great extended weekend! You deserve it.

Bridget - Bon jour, mon ami. You rock! Thanks so much for handling the Fantasmic thing again. I hereby volunteer to wait in line with you again (or for the first time ) to get our seats. Maybe we can get enough people to go we just take up the whole thing No that would be fun.

Beth and Mel - Very excited about the new t-shirt. I love the design and I'm sure that it will look wonderful.

Jen - Glad you had a great time in SF. I haven't been down there in a long time. I would love to do the zoo again with Madi soon. When the time comes around, we should try to arrange our flights out of Sac together. I'm hoping to take the first flight out on Thursday morning.

Jess - Are you still making signature blocks? I definately need one but figuring that I just found the "More" button for the smily face I'm not sure I could figure out how to do it.

I hope everyone has a great day. The weekend is almost here and I'm ready for it.

Take Care - Jodi

 

[tinkermell]

Bonjour! Posting from Paris! I would be happy to do it again along with the dining reservations. I have been working with the same lady in vacation planning for several years and she makes everything easy!

Beth - if you can just have a sign up on the first page, I'll take care of it

Big to Joni! I was a newbie last year and this is now my home away from home!!

You are in Paris?? Now where have I been?
(Well, I know where I have been, but still.......)

Have a wonderful and safe trip!


Good morning everyone!

 

[karylrocks]

PrincessKayla - welcome to the group! How exciting about your Alaska adventure and congrats on the job for your hubby! Sounds like you are living the dream! It will be great having you this year. It looks like it is going to be a big group this year! I can't wait to see what the list is going to look like; I bet we hit 50.

Beth - it looks like you guys are planning to have about 20 people in your villa. How many Divas do you suppose we could fit in one? We could probably fit us all into 2 or 3. Calcutta at the Grand!

Sarah - have fun planning your WDW trip! It seems like forever since I have been there. I told Mike that I need to get out there soon even if I go by myself (hey it's a business trip!). I would love to take my grandson to stay in the Cars section of the Art of Animation Resort.

Bridget - Paris, how exciting! Thanks for agreeing to be our event planner again. I will probably not do F! but we will see; since I am bringing my DD and plan to pay for most of her trip, I need to keep the splurges to a minimum.

 

[mommaU4]

Good morning, ladies!

Today is going to be one of "those" days for me. All four kids have a dentist appt, then I have to take my in-laws to the bus because they are going back home today, then run to the grocery store (how is that possible when a week ago I spent almost $300 on food!!!!!!!!!!!!! UGH!!!!), and finally pick up Ruben from work since I kept the van today.
All in the lovely Las Vegas heat.

So last night I was all ready to get the rest of my WDW trip planned but my daughter decided I needed to lay in bed with her. She is terrified of fire works and people have started lighting them off in our neighborhood.

Aw, poor dear. She's going to have a rough weekend! Lots of fireworks going off everywhere I bet.
When is your WDW trip again? November?

Bonjour! Posting from Paris! I would be happy to do it again along with the dining reservations. I have been working with the same lady in vacation planning for several years and she makes everything easy!

Beth - if you can just have a sign up on the first page, I'll take care of it

Bonjour! J'espère que vous avez un moment de plaisir.
Thanks for offering to make the Fantasmic dessert reservations! I will take care of the sign-ups and just give you the final list.
So, to be clear, are you saying you can make every single dining reservation?? If so, that would be awesome!!!!

Good Morning!!

Had a great time last night - went to see Midnight in Paris. Love it and out to dinner with a friend. I felt like I was breaking a law or something going out on a weeknight but I did have fun. I'm definately feeling it this morning though.

Hi Jodi! Sounds like a fun time. I can't stay out very late anymore. I think once or twice a year, we'll have a really late night if friends are in town. We'll stay out until 3 or 4 in the morning! But it takes me days to recover. lol

I will probably not do F! but we will see; since I am bringing my DD and plan to pay for most of her trip, I need to keep the splurges to a minimum.

I won't be doing the dessert seating either, so if you or anyone else wants to "camp out" you'll know where to find me.
One year I brought some blankets and saved spots. I don't mind doing that again. I think that year I had 6 or 7 ladies come watch with me. I saved the space and they joined me as it got closer to time.

 

[mommaU4]

With all the talk of meals and the dessert seating, I figured it's time we take a closer look at what we want to do versus what will fit into our schedule.
It's one thing to want to sign up for each meal, but with limited days, it's going to take some planning, and some meals might end up overlapping.

So this is what we want to add:
Cafe Orleans
Carnation Cafe
Napa Rose
Jazz Kitchen
Fantasmic Dessert seating
Thunder Ranch BBQ


And this is what we already have so far on the schedule:

SCHEDULE - 2012*subject to change ~ times and final plans TBD

Thursday, Feb. 23:
Arrivals at various times throughout the day.
Group lunch at new Paradise Garden restaurant area in DCA
Meet and Greet in the evening


Friday, Feb. 24:
Group photo at Princess Fantasy Faire in the a.m.
Group lunch at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ


Saturday, Feb. 25:
Group photo in the early a.m. - location TBD
Scavenger hunt in DL 9 a.m.-noon (times approximate)
Group lunch at Hungry Bear after hunt


Sunday, Feb. 26:



Monday, Feb. 27:
Last official day




So what we need now are suggestions from the group on how to work those meals into the current schedule without spending the entire day restaurant hopping.

Keep in mind most people leave at some point on Sunday even though the trip officially goes until Monday. So group meals/activities on Monday should be kept to a minimum, perhaps a group breakfast or something that day for those still in the parks.

 

[kelmac284]

Morning all.

Joni what an exciting adventure you are on!! Congrats on your hubby's job!! I have relatives that live in AK as well. Mostly in the Wasilla/Palmer area but my one Uncle goes up North to the high country to work quite a bit. Not sure the exact areas but I know he has to go in by bush plane. I have always wanted to go but just have never made it there. I have seen many pics and it is so beautiful. Someday!

In fact for those of you who remember my aunt Barbara who came on the trip with us last time she is going up to visit our relatives up there for most of the summer with our other cousin and her kids. They are going on quite the adventure! I can't wait to hear about it and see the pics!

We had a pretty fun day yesterday. I had to work in the morning but then we have this summer reading program at our community center and every week they have a different theme. We weren't able to go to the first 2 weeks but yesterday's theme was reptile day and they had a bird eating spider that looked like a tarantula that was bigger than my hand! EWWW! And he had a scorpion, a tortoise and several really large lizards, half the size of him and then of course some large snakes. The girls loved it. Then we had to go to swim and the girls had to do their makeup team pics since we missed them while at Disney. So it was a long but fun day. Now today we are going to a friend's house that has a pond and we are taking the girls fishing. They have always wanted to go but here you have to have a fishing license for everyone and we have just never gotten around to it so the girls are really excited. We are taking a picnic so it should be a fun day. Then we are hoping to go see Transformers tomorrow night and believe it or not on the 4th during the day mom wants to take us to see Cars since we were going to go this past week but never got around to it. We usually just sit around all day on the 4th anyway and don't do much till that night when we go see the fireworks so looking forward to that as well.

Anyway that's my latest. All the planning sounds good and I spoke with mom yesterday about what is going on so far but as far as F I think we are going to wait and see what all is planned first because money is always a factor and we want to see how many other "splurges" we are going to want to do first and then depending on that we may or may not do that.

Bridget so jealous about Paris! My daughter wants to be a chef and go to culinary school there someday and of course I just want to go period! So I am majorly jealous!! Have a blast!

Hope everyone else has a GREAT day and is getting some fun plans together for the holiday weekend!

 

[mommaU4]

OKay, this is my stab at it just off the top of my head. Let me know what you think....

Thursday, Feb. 23:
Arrivals at various times throughout the day.
Group lunch at new Paradise Garden restaurant area in DCA
Meet and Greet in the evening


Friday, Feb. 24:
Group photo at Princess Fantasy Faire in the a.m.
Lunch: Big Thunder Ranch BBQ
Dinner: Napa Rose/Jazz Kitchen (each person signs up for which ever one they prefer)


Saturday, Feb. 25:
Group photo in the early a.m. - location TBD
Scavenger hunt in DL 9 a.m.-noon (times approximate)
Lunch: Hungry Bear after scavenger hunt
Dinner: Cafe Orleans
Fantasmic Dessert Seating


Sunday, Feb. 26:
Breakfast: anyone interested in a character meal?? Or for those who aren't, maybe meet up at Riverbelle Terrace??
Lunch: Carnation Cafe
Dinner: ??? suggestions ??? (keep in mind many will have gone home by this point)



Monday, Feb. 27:
Last official day - perhaps those still here can plan to meet for a breakfast??




Well, that's just my quick stab at it. Please everyone, share your thoughts and ideas! Thanks!!


Oh, and for anyone new this year, as you can see we are usually on our own for breakfast since not everyone eats that meal. Some prefer to skip it and get straight into the parks.

Also we should plan another group photo op for Sunday. In my opinion, the group photos which show how big our group really is, are the best and most fun to take!! We take one at the Meet and Greet, we have the PFF one on Friday, and the main group one on Sat, but we should do another on Sunday. Just my thought.