Dole Whip is a Dish Best Served Cold. A Sept PTR- 10/2 - TR POSTED!

[teekathepony]

I didn't do a trip report, but if you have any questions about the ABD tour, let me know! Did Germany last year and the London/Paris tour the year before! Aulani this year, but hope to ABD again next year!
Sounds good, I might take you up on that. The Adventures by Disney have always intrigued me.

Thanks for the directions to cape Breton! ;-)
Any time! You should visit.

Oh man! A gummy wedding cake? How do you cut that or do you just scoop?! lol
Haha scoop, I guess? I'm not sure if they were stuck on or not! Maybe you just pick at it, one gummy at a time.

I love love love your pictures! It looks so beautiful and old worldish! I hope to get there some day! You don't need to worry about Disney content if you have more Germany! Although I am curious about next years big trip!
Thanks! It's so different. It's really mind boggling how different the towns and cities are. There's lots more Germany to come!

Thanks, unfortunatly the medical issues are pretty big ones. Getting better as we go through.. Both my husband and son are down for the count right now but go back for post surgery rechecks next Monday/Tuesday

I am so sorry to hear that. I really hope everyone is back to 100% very soon!

I loved seeing all of your Germany pictures on Facebook.

You said breakfast of bread rolls, deli meats, and soft cheeses, and I just yearned to go back to Belgium! I miss that so much.
I do love their style of breakfast. Wish I lived within walking distance of a good bakery for some fresh breakfast rolls!

That cake is crazy! So yummy looking.
I know, I want it.

Your pictures of Germany and all the food pictures make me miss Germany!

Jill in CO

Oh I know the feeling, it had been a while since I'd been there before this trip and I was missing it too, especially the ice cream!

Drool is pouring down my face over those cakes. Why does everything food related look so much better in Europe?
It's not even fair how much better the food is there. Especially the desserts!

We, as Disers, cannot stop when it comes to Disney related merchandise. It's hard wired. But, it's a cute shirt!
So true, it's a sickness.

Wow. That is a lot of gummy stuff.
The town looks so charming.
That outfit is adorable but yeah pretty steep price to have it sit around.
Cute Mickey / Minnie sweater!

I loved the towns, charming is a perfect description.

 

[teekathepony]

Wendy and Johnny: Story of Addiction

Crouched on the floor like animals.

Gotta get to Disney

Breaking open the ceramic bank, sharp shards cover the floor.

They grab, hungrily at each coin, counting and sorting, sorting and counting. Everything gets counted, even the old pennies.

Just a little more. Just a little more.

Gotta get to Disney

Run to the truck, scrape around in cup holders and under the seats.

Just a little more.

Check the couch cushions. Check every jar we've ever put spare change in. Check again.

Just a little more.

Count it up. Tally the pennies. Tally the bills.

Gotta get to Disney

Looking good.

Finish it up. Final number:

$577 and change

Gonna go to Disney

​

This was the scene in our living room just mere minutes ago. Johnny and I got into our little bank to see what we had saved up in cash. I was impressed at what we've been able to put away since last November, just in change and the odd bill when we could.

I got the official OK from my boss to take a week off in September (although he did laugh at me, "ANOTHER week??") and Johnny is asking his boss Tuesday (hopefully for real this time!) so we needed to nail everything down.

Item 1. What is the final cost of this trip going to be?

We can't be sure yet. Johnny's mother, the travel agent, thinks she can get a cheaper Disney ticket. We have to wait on her but I won't wait much longer. We only have 41 days to go and I want my tickets fairly soon so I can make some FP+ reservations when 30 days comes!

Shellie, Billy and family have decided on a two day base ticket. They will do one day at Magic Kingdom, and one day at Hollywood Studios. Not ideal, but we (Johnny and I) are going to get a three day base ticket and do the same two days with them, as well as one full Epcot day. Should be enough, though a big part of me will really miss Animal Kingdom this year.

Next year, Wendy. Next year.

I have to keep reminding myself that there wasn't supposed to be any Magic Kingdom or Epcot this year either, so even just those little things are a bonus.

Item 2. What do we have saved, and what is already paid for.

Paid for already: The flights and the accommodations*. That's great because that's a giant chunk of the total.

*Of course the accommodations were free.

So left to pay for are the Disney tickets, the Universal tickets, the rental car, the parking, the luggage fees, the dinner theatre, and food. We found $577 in our bank which is great, more than we expected. We both have some in our savings and with that we have enough to cover everything. If I could sell a few more paintings, Johnny could pick up a few more overtime shifts (he's doing one now) and I can squeeze in another camera class or two, bonus!

Item 3. MAKE PLANS!

Well, this one's hard for now. We need our tickets to make our Fastpasses, we need to figure out which ones we're going to make. We were supposed to figure that out today but then Johnny got a call to go in for an overtime shift. I might do a little planning on my own, see what I can make of it. We also want to go over the lists of quick service restaurants to figure out which ones might be best.

So that's about it for now. When I have some more of that stuff ready, you'll be the first to know!

 

[MEK]

Like I ever had a doubt that you would be going!!!!! WOO HOO!

 

[teekathepony]

Like I ever had a doubt that you would be going!!!!! WOO HOO!

Where there's a will, there's a way!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I was slowly following this with quiet anticipation... waiting to see where this was going... I have to admit, I love that you go through all that in your living room. Gotta get to Disney...

And 7 days for me to make FP+ ressies. Holy crap! Darn that rule change though on AP. Once upon a time it was 60.

It's coming together though!!!

Haha, I keep looking at that $577 and think... Hmmm... that's about what I paid for my trip. Of course I already had the AP (and just bought a Universal ticket this morning). But it's all paid except for food (and 1 day of Universal parking). Gotta love the free parking with the Disney AP which I will be using for the first time, lol.

But oh God... Gotta figure out Fastpasses!!!

 

[MidnightParade]

lol!! That's how I feel about my trip sometimes! Gotta get to Disney!

happy its all coming together!! Hopefully Johnny gets the thumbs up this week (finally! )

Oh man fastpasses! You want 7DMT be up and ready at midnight(Est) I wasn't and didn't get it for my first day(but still got it for the end of the trip) so just a heads up!

 

[KatMark]

I'm so glad that the money is there and the trip is a go. You will have to let me know which days you are going to the parks so we can coordinate saying hello.

 

[MonsterWDWmom]

so glad you are able to make it work!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Hahahaha, gotta get to Disney. Girl, that's the story of my life. Every bit of my money pretty much goes towards Disney.

You'll make it! I know you will.

 

[eandesmom]

I impressed with the odd change add up!!!!!

And yes, all that matters is you are going!!!

 

[teekathepony]

I was slowly following this with quiet anticipation... waiting to see where this was going... I have to admit, I love that you go through all that in your living room. Gotta get to Disney...
It would have been really funny to have on hidden camera I think. We must have looked a little foolish. (But hey, whatever it takes!)

And 7 days for me to make FP+ ressies. Holy crap! Darn that rule change though on AP. Once upon a time it was 60.
Wow! Me too, today! I don't even have a ticket yet! Now I'm stressing about not being able to get any FP+!

It's coming together though!!!

Haha, I keep looking at that $577 and think... Hmmm... that's about what I paid for my trip. Of course I already had the AP (and just bought a Universal ticket this morning). But it's all paid except for food (and 1 day of Universal parking). Gotta love the free parking with the Disney AP which I will be using for the first time, lol.
Yes, I'm a little envious of your AP and the parking privleges!

But oh God... Gotta figure out Fastpasses!!!
Oh man, I know!

lol!! That's how I feel about my trip sometimes! Gotta get to Disney!
Whatever it takes, right? We're all addicts here!

happy its all coming together!! Hopefully Johnny gets the thumbs up this week (finally! )
Omg if he puts off asking any longer I'm going to go straight out of my tree!

Oh man fastpasses! You want 7DMT be up and ready at midnight(Est) I wasn't and didn't get it for my first day(but still got it for the end of the trip) so just a heads up!
Oh man! I am so stressed about this. I don't even have my tickets yet. Wonder if there's any way I can possibly get them in time to make my FP+!

I'm so glad that the money is there and the trip is a go. You will have to let me know which days you are going to the parks so we can coordinate saying hello.

We knew we were going to give it our best shot, but having a little cash cushion is so much more relaxing.
We are trying to nail down our days for sure, and as soon as we do I will definitely let you know because I absolutely want to meet up! So far it looks vaguely like this:
Sunday Sept. 21 -- Downtown Disney (we have a ressie at T-Rex at 3:30, but we plan to spend some more time shopping and wandering around DTD that day too.)
Monday Sept. 22 -- DHS all day. We won't have park hoppers so we're stuck in one park each day.
Tuesday Sept. 23 -- Unsure, but Johnny and I will probably do Epcot.
Wednesday Sept. 24 -- We have a ressie at 8:00 at Crystal Place and will be doing MK all day

I do believe Thursday we go to Universal, and Friday we're not sure yet. Let me know if anything works for you, our plans aren't 100% set in stone (other than MK day for that breakfast!)

so glad you are able to make it work!

Where there's a will, there's a way!

Hahahaha, gotta get to Disney. Girl, that's the story of my life. Every bit of my money pretty much goes towards Disney.

You'll make it! I know you will.

I knew you all would understand Usually we have more time to plan and save, so this scramble was a bit different, but funny.

I impressed with the odd change add up!!!!!

And yes, all that matters is you are going!!!

I was impressed too! I had estimated about $300 in our little bank.
The end result is good news, so I'm happy. (Even if everyone will be getting nothing for Christmas this year... )

 

[KatMark]

We knew we were going to give it our best shot, but having a little cash cushion is so much more relaxing.
We are trying to nail down our days for sure, and as soon as we do I will definitely let you know because I absolutely want to meet up! So far it looks vaguely like this:
Sunday Sept. 21 -- Downtown Disney (we have a ressie at T-Rex at 3:30, but we plan to spend some more time shopping and wandering around DTD that day too.)
Monday Sept. 22 -- DHS all day. We won't have park hoppers so we're stuck in one park each day.
Tuesday Sept. 23 -- Unsure, but Johnny and I will probably do Epcot.
Wednesday Sept. 24 -- We have a ressie at 8:00 at Crystal Place and will be doing MK all day

I do believe Thursday we go to Universal, and Friday we're not sure yet. Let me know if anything works for you, our plans aren't 100% set in stone (other than MK day for that breakfast!)

Monday September 22 at the Studios looks like it will work. We are haing with Tim and his family until about 12:30 and then we have to be at Beaches & Cream at 3:00 for late lunch/early dinner. Why don't we plan something around 1:30 that afternoon. We are at the MK on the 23rd (Tuesday) and the 24th (Wednesday) is our Animal Kingdom day when we do the Backstage Safari.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I've got some catching up to do but that is an impressive change haul!! Vacationing can be so expensive. We are dealing with that now too since I'm on maternity leave so we only have one real income coming in. I'm glad that the trip is a go!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

So far it looks vaguely like this:
Sunday Sept. 21 -- Downtown Disney (we have a ressie at T-Rex at 3:30, but we plan to spend some more time shopping and wandering around DTD that day too.)
Monday Sept. 22 -- DHS all day. We won't have park hoppers so we're stuck in one park each day.
Tuesday Sept. 23 -- Unsure, but Johnny and I will probably do Epcot.
Wednesday Sept. 24 -- We have a ressie at 8:00 at Crystal Place and will be doing MK all day

Watching this intently...

 

[jedijill]

Good for you! That reminds me that my Disney cookie jar/spare change bank is full and its time to cash it out for Disney gift cards...I will do that this weekend!

Jill in CO

 

[teekathepony]

Monday September 22 at the Studios looks like it will work. We are haing with Tim and his family until about 12:30 and then we have to be at Beaches & Cream at 3:00 for late lunch/early dinner. Why don't we plan something around 1:30 that afternoon. We are at the MK on the 23rd (Tuesday) and the 24th (Wednesday) is our Animal Kingdom day when we do the Backstage Safari.

That sounds great. I'll definitely confirm with you when our details are 100% set, but I think that works!

I've got some catching up to do but that is an impressive change haul!! Vacationing can be so expensive. We are dealing with that now too since I'm on maternity leave so we only have one real income coming in. I'm glad that the trip is a go!

We were pretty impressed with what the Disney Bank had to offer! It was a big help for this trip, that's for sure.

Watching this intently...

Will you be joining us???

Good for you! That reminds me that my Disney cookie jar/spare change bank is full and its time to cash it out for Disney gift cards...I will do that this weekend!

Jill in CO

That's a really good way to do it. Disney gift cards! Where do you get them? Online? Or a Disney store?

 

[teekathepony]

Hey everyone.

I want to start my post today by saying my own personal goodbye to one of my favourite actors of all time. I'm sure you've all heard by now that Robin Williams passed away yesterday. I don't normally get broken up over celebrity deaths, but this one hit me hard. I was a huge fan and when I was little I wanted to be the next Robin Williams. His Genie in Aladdin made the whole movie come to life and I always remember seeing it for the first time in theatres. Genie always made me laugh.

Rest easy, Mr. Williams.

In trip news...

I just (and I do mean JUST) got off the phone with the MIL/Travel Agent. I bought our Disney tickets! She got them from Sunwing Vacations and we got a tiny bit of a deal on them. From Disney, two 3-day base tickets would have cost 583.62 USD (or about $640 Canadian) and she got ours for $620 Canadian. When you're on a budget as tight as mine, $20 is $20!

Now I'm not 100% sure what this means for FP+. Anyone else know? They are official Disney tickets, but coming through a wholesaler I'm not sure if it works the same. I hope so. We should have them 30 days from our trip (which would be in 9 days!) and I will try linking them to last year's magic bands and making some FP+ reservations.

Posted this yesterday:

Can you believe it?? I can't! It's coming so fast!

To finish things off for now, here's another installment of my Germany trip report.

Day 3 - Steinau
July 16

This was a fun day. We went to a neighbouring town of Steinau. First we went to the Freizeitpark -- a combined wildlife and amusement park. Mostly for kids, but as every good Disney lover knows, if you're a kid at heart then everything's fun!

We visited and fed some animals first.

The donkey was so sweet, he was really friendly and polite! The goats were typical rude pushy goats.

We rode a toboggan ride, a little like a luge where you sit on a sled and go down a half pipe. It was fun! We rode twice. We didn't take many pictures from this day I'm afraid.

IMG_2962 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_2969 by teekathepony, on Flickr

I went last, and had no camera so there are no pictures of me!

A quick stop for lunch in the adorable Snow White themed restaurant. (Just some fries, nothing exciting.) Do you think they got Disney's permission to use all those characters?
IMG_2987 by teekathepony, on Flickr

At 1:00 we went up the hill to another activity. Tree climbing, zip lining, and obstacles! We were harnessed up and shown how to go from obstacle to obstacle and away we went!

IMG_3033 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Very hard to see, but here are some of the stations:

Caro crossing from tree to tree with one rope to walk on and one rope to hold:

This is the platform you had to climb to do the long zip line (800 metres!)

We had a blast, especially Johnny. He could have kept going all day! Caro and I were tired so we stopped and had an ice cream (again!) while we watched Johnny climb like an ape.

After a while we headed back home and went to the public pool for a swim. Johnny got in trouble with the lifeguard for being in the deep end even though he can't swim. This lead to the saying "You're embarrassing." which we kept using all trip.

Selfie at the pool:

The pool complex was great. A normal pool with a water slide on one side and a very natural looking pool with sand and rocks on the other.

IMG_2546 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_2547 by teekathepony, on Flickr

After that... well I'm not too sure to be honest! I think I did a little laundry and got packed up. We were heading out the next day for a trip within a trip!

OH! I remember now. Hunde Pizza!

We went to an Italian restaurant for pizza and we brought the dog. Apparently he gets excited to go for pizza every week. (I have to be honest though, I saw nothing out of this dog that I could call excitement! Mellow wasn't even sufficient to describe him!)

The pizza was delicious, but in true Italian form they served you a whole pizza and I couldn't eat much. Having a small appetite is annoying because it makes people think I don't like the food.

And that's it for that day!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

$20 is $20, so I'd take that savings! And that's one more thing purchased for you. 40 days will go by so fast!

It looks like you had a great time in Germany, really beautiful places you visited!

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Looks like a fun day in Steinau. I love animals, but goats are totally pushy.

Hooray for finding $577 extra! That's impressive, for sure!

 

[teekathepony]

$20 is $20, so I'd take that savings! And that's one more thing purchased for you. 40 days will go by so fast!

It looks like you had a great time in Germany, really beautiful places you visited!

Yep exactly, $20 will buy the two of us some lunch in the park so I'll keep it in my pocket!
We were lucky to see some really incredible sights in Germany.

Looks like a fun day in Steinau. I love animals, but goats are totally pushy.

Hooray for finding $577 extra! That's impressive, for sure!

It was fun! I'm an animal lover too, but goats are just so annoying!
It was great to find that we had more cash saved than expected.