Dragging a grumpy DH back to the World ~ Single Digits!!

[Lynn5700]

OMG girl you have so much going on!!! I hope the next few months fly by for you and you have better luck!!

yay for the fairy tag getting you!! I love it loL!

 

[Lynn5700]

Did you say that qoute on the American Idol thread?

 

[debraW76]

Sorry you are having a rotton week. Here's to hoping it will get better.

 

[autumnpalm]

Oh my gosh. You sure have been through a lot this past month. Life always seems to pile all the bad things together, doesn't it? I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and hoping things get better soon. Sending hugs!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

OMG girl you have so much going on!!! I hope the next few months fly by for you and you have better luck!!

yay for the fairy tag getting you!! I love it loL!

Seriously...it's been stressful these last few weeks! But, I've been finding the humor in it all and just decided to laugh it off. I'm just hoping I've gotten all my bad luck out of the way this year. I'm ready to have some fun, dang it!

Don't you love the tag fairy? I was so excited!! Yeah, it was from the last week in the Idol thread (which I just love!!). I'm not sure why I was on a mullet kick. I think it was that hideous hairstyle that Allison had.

Sorry you are having a rotton week. Here's to hoping it will get better.

Thank you!!!

Oh my gosh. You sure have been through a lot this past month. Life always seems to pile all the bad things together, doesn't it? I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and hoping things get better soon. Sending hugs!

Seriously...when it rains it pours! Life is definitely funny like that. Thanks for the positive thoughts! It's funny, b/c I've just decided to roll with the punches. I started laughing over all my special "luck" this past month. Nothing else you can do, you know?

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Good news...

I emailed Undercover Tourist yesterday about my lost ticket. Well, they called me almost immediately and they were able to fax over a copy of my ticket!!! I was BEYOND excited!!! The lady was so nice, and EXTREMELY helpful! Now, all I need to do is give Disney the ticket information and I can get a replacement ticket!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At first, I had my doubts about using Undercover Tourist to buy my ticket. Now, I'm so happy I did. I HIGHLY recommend them! They have great ticket prices and AWESOME customer service!

More good news...

I was able to get my license taken care of yesterday. It only took me about 15 minutes, too!!! Unfortunately, the picture is just HIDEOUS! They told me that I couldn't show any teeth if I wanted to smile. Well, if someone tells me I can't do something then of course I'm going to do it. The person got me right before I was about to smile. Oh well...at least I didn't have to wait long!

Not so good news...

On my way to work yesterday, my car died THREE (yes, THREE) times in the middle of the road (of course). It's not that very old, and I've never really had any problems with it. But of course, this week I would. Thankfully, I was able to get to work safely. My Grandpa picked up my car yesterday afternoon and was able to drive it over to the repair shop. We still don't know what's wrong with it, though. I swear...

 

[debraW76]

Oh Dear!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

So, first off...things are going much, MUCH better! Nothing has leaked, no bug invasions, wallet accounted for and all appliances are operating properly. PHEW! I'm hoping we've gotten all of those hideous home repairs out of the way...at least for now. On to the updates...

I broke down and bought the Unofficial Guide on Friday night. Aaron received a gift card for Christmas that he didn't really care to use, so he gave it to me!! I didn't even have to beg, or anything. I must say, I LOVE the book. I love to read all the different advice/opinions that other readers have submitted. I even found one sent in from Bloomington, IN -- where I'm from! I also like that I now have access to the crowd calender on the Touring Plans website. I'm currently working on a tentative itinerary for our trip -- obviously, very tentative as I STILL have to wait until May 25th for our 90 day window...ugh! I also have a subscription to TGM, so I'm excited to compare the two.

Oh...and I FINALLY purchased our airfare today!!! Southwest released dates through October 30th today and I just happened to luck out with an awesome fare of $137.20/per person. The only bad thing (not terrible, not what I wanted) is our departure/arrival times:

Sunday, August 23
Depart Indy at 11:30am
Arrive MCO at 1:50pm

Saturday, August 29
Depart MCO at 9:35am
Arrive IND at 12:00pm

I actually hoping to extend our trip for one day, and depart Disney on August 30. Unfortunately, Aaron starts class on August 31 and wanted some time to relax and get his stuff together on Sunday. BOO!! So, I wish we were getting there a bit earlier (think 9am) and leaving a bit later (think 6pm). BUT...I'm still really excited to get such a great rate AND we don't have to worry about paying to check our bags!

 

[DisneymoonJess07]

We booked tickets too today...just updating my PTR with our details! We fly in on the 30!!!

 

[debraW76]

Glad things are turning around for you. Me thinks that is a great deal on airfare.

I borrowed someones UG in 2004 and loved it so much I have purchased two since then. The 2006 one I let someone borrow and they never returned and the 2007 one I bought and read from cover to cover!! I have been interested in TGM and how they differ. After you get a chance to look at both would you mind doing a comparison for me?

 

[lisalonglash]

That's a great deal on airfare! I'm still waiting and watching for flights for us in September (that currency exchange is harsh ). I'm glad things are looking a lot better on the home front

I loved our UG (it was last year's Unofficial Guide to WDW With Kids) - so helpful and informative! This year, I purchased the Passporter (I'm a sucker for the pockets in the back)

I need to go borrow the current UG from our library (if they have one) - so I can access that crowd calendar

Oh, and a big wooohooo for not having to pay for checked bags!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

We booked tickets too today...just updating my PTR with our details! We fly in on the 30!!!

WOO!!! I tried to convince Aaron to come back on the 30th instead, but he wanted to get home on Saturday to relax before class starts. BOO!! Oh well, I'm still really excited we found such a great deal on Southwest. Don't you love them? I'm really happy that we don't have to worry about all those extra fees for checked luggage! Now I can bring back all the souvenirs I want.

Glad things are turning around for you. Me thinks that is a great deal on airfare.

I borrowed someones UG in 2004 and loved it so much I have purchased two since then. The 2006 one I let someone borrow and they never returned and the 2007 one I bought and read from cover to cover!! I have been interested in TGM and how they differ. After you get a chance to look at both would you mind doing a comparison for me?

Thanks!! I just need to have a little Disney magic and I'm back in business!!!

UG is so addictive!!! I used to look at it every time I went into a bookstore. So now, I finally decided to get my own copy. I'll definitely do a comparison b/t it and TGM. I'm still undecided if I really think TGM was a smart idea for me. I'm hoping it will be better next month, once the hours are FINALLY posted. ::crosses fingers::

That's a great deal on airfare! I'm still waiting and watching for flights for us in September (that currency exchange is harsh ). I'm glad things are looking a lot better on the home front

I loved our UG (it was last year's Unofficial Guide to WDW With Kids) - so helpful and informative! This year, I purchased the Passporter (I'm a sucker for the pockets in the back)

I need to go borrow the current UG from our library (if they have one) - so I can access that crowd calendar

Oh, and a big wooohooo for not having to pay for checked bags!

I'm sending you LOTS of good airfare price vibes.

I'm going to have to check out the Passporter. Everyone has been raving about it and it's snazzy pockets.

Wow, you have an awesome idea! I would definitely get UG from the library to gain access to Touringplans...good thinking. I'm sure others would flame us for that, but I think it's a brilliant idea!

Yeah, aren't those fees for checking bags ridiculous?! I mean, $15 PER BAG?! Not to mention charging for seat assignments, blankets, etc...What's next, peanuts and water?

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hi Kirsten! Just found your PTR while reading somebody else's (I noticed your ticker was very similar to mine...looks like we'll be there right around the same time as you!) and thought I'd join in.

I haven't read everything yet but enjoyed your post about the summer. We also have never been during the summer (and again like you, swore we never would!). Our closest experience was when I went in Oct. a couple years ago with my dad and sister when Orlando had record high temperatures-it was in the 90s every day and really humid. So I'm thinking if I could survive that summer will be OK!

Can't wait for more!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Here goes my first attempt at an itinerary...obviously, this will change (MULTIPLE TIMES) until August -- especially when the park hours are released. But, based on the crowd calender on Touringplans, I wanted to take a stab at it. It looks like the parks are mostly 5's, with a couple 7 day's mixed in. I've been to the parks on 5 days, and I thought the crowd levels were great! I'm hoping this is true again this year.

Sunday, August 23

Get to the airport by 10am, check bags, grab breakfast, etc...
Flight leaves at 11:35am EDT
Arrive in Orlando at 1:50pm EDT
Pick up rental car, head to POP
Check-in
Lunch at Everything POP!

Then...I need to decide on the two options below:

Option A

Relax at hotel, swim
Head to DTD
Dinner at Carrabba's

OR...

Option
Head to MK - depending on closing time and what (if any) evening EMH are.

Monday, August 24

Magic Kingdom OR we might do Universal (if we get tickets -- still undecided)
Dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe -- if I can get ADRs, of course.

Tuesday, August 25

Animal Kingdom
Ride KS, EE, Dinosaur, PW
Lunch at Pizzafaria (DH LOVES this place)

Hop over to DHS
Ride ToT, RnR -- hoping for TSM

Check evening EMH -- if available, hop to that park

Wednesday, August 26

Rope drop at DHS
TSM (get FP too), RnR, ToT, Star Tours
Lunch at Toy Story Pizza Planet

Hop to Epcot
Ride TT, SSE, and Maelstrom

Check evening EMH -- if available, hop to that park

Thursday, August 27

Universal & DTD or we might head to the beach (any recommendations??)

Friday, August 28

Magic Kingdom

Saturday, August 29

Check-out
Get to airport by 8am

 

[autumnpalm]

What a great deal you got on your airfare!!

I'm so happy you got your tickets sorted out. Undercover Tourist sounds like a really great company! I hadn't heard much about them before this but I will definitely keep them in mind.

I'm a big UG fan too. I always bring it on the plane with me!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Hi Kirsten! Just found your PTR while reading somebody else's (I noticed your ticker was very similar to mine...looks like we'll be there right around the same time as you!) and thought I'd join in.

I haven't read everything yet but enjoyed your post about the summer. We also have never been during the summer (and again like you, swore we never would!). Our closest experience was when I went in Oct. a couple years ago with my dad and sister when Orlando had record high temperatures-it was in the 90s every day and really humid. So I'm thinking if I could survive that summer will be OK!

Can't wait for more!

Yay...welcome to my random PTR!!! Isn't it funny how you swear you'll never do Disney in the summer, yet when it comes down to it...you just can't pass up a trip to WDW!! We went last October, and it was pretty dang hot and humid, too. But, I figure as long as we are smart about it I'm sure we'll be just fine. Besides, a scorching hot day at Disney is still better than being at home...right?

I'm on my way to check out your PTR right now.

What a great deal you got on your airfare!!

I'm so happy you got your tickets sorted out. Undercover Tourist sounds like a really great company! I hadn't heard much about them before this but I will definitely keep them in mind.

I'm a big UG fan too. I always bring it on the plane with me!

My persistence paid off!! Or, maybe someone just thought I needed a break. Either way, I was ecstatic to get such a great deal. I saw over on the "Transportation" board that some people weren't getting that great of deals for Southwest. I guess it was pretty hit or miss.

Thanks...me too! I was so impressed with them before, and now I'm in love. HA!! They have really been great (and easy) to work with. Plus, you can get really great discounts on tickets!

UG is awesome!!!! I'm so glad I finally bought a copy. It's about time.

 

[lizet313]

Subscribing hope its ok

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Subscribing hope its ok

Of course, thanks for stopping by!! I love to have readers. I just visited your PTR and am getting ready to post all my favorites. Although, I don't really have a favorite Disney restaurant...isn't that crazy? My family never really ate at any table service restaurants and my DH is EXTREMELY picky when it comes to food. SAD!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

So, we FINALLY made a decision on the whole free dining debate. DH said he would, but since he's already grumpy about WDW I figured I wanted him to at least get food he liked. I still don't understand why he doesn't like any Disney table service restaurants. He's a weirdo! I let him go through all the menus and I even highlight things I thought he'd like. But, he was just NOT too enthused by it all. LOSER! No, I'm kidding -- I really do love my DH, even if he is raining on my Disney parade. At least we're going, right?

I did convince him to go to Whispering Canyon Cafe with me! I've always wanted to try it and so he agreed to that. Although really, I think he'll probably just sit there and watch me eat more than anything. Whatever, as long as I have fun that's all that matters -- right? Our 90 day window is May 25, which also happens to be Memorial Day. That shouldn't effect making ADR's, will it? It better not!

Here are the QS places we will probably go to:

Magic Kingdom
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe -- LOVE this place!!
Peco Bill's
El Pirata Y el Perico Restaurante -- I'm sure this place won't be open, but if it is we're going. I love this place, but it's ALWAYS closed while we're there. BOO!

Animal Kingdom
Pizzafari - For DH
Flame Tree - For me

DHS
Toy Story Pizza Planet

Epcot
Boulangerie Patisserie
**Amazingly enough, DH and I don't really care for food at Epcot. Ha, I'm sure people consider this blasphemy. But, we do love those French pastries!!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I broke down and FINALLY got my hair done (highlights and a cut). It had been nearly six months since I had it cut and about three months since I had it colored. My roots were looking a bit...rough, shall we say?

Of course, I had to take some pictures to share with you all (and for Facebook to show some friends on there-- feel free to add me: kirstenmphillips@gmail.com, I'm an addict). Here are some pics:

Cut -- I always feel weird, and slightly creepy taking pics of myself.

Highlights