Dreamin' of the Dream...and more! A PTR *updated 9-4*

[melmar136]

Although I've been to WDW many times, I just recently found the Disboards! So glad I did! But, now DD and I spend hours checking out posts, especially the trip reports and dining reviews. For that reason, DD has been bugging me to start our own PTR. This is my first, so please bear with me!

The cast: Me, Melissa. 39, (divorced) single mom to:
Megan, 11 going on 25, (likes to be called Meg. She says I only call her Megan when I am mad at her)

here we are! Hope I got the size right!

The trip: August 20-August 28, 2011. A split stay, half WDW and half DCL.
We are booked at POR for now, 8/20-8/25 This could change...more on that later. Then, we board the Dream 8/25-8/28.

I hope you'll join us as we continue to plan our trip!

 

[melmar136]

In 2009, we went to WDW, but stayed offsite, in a condo that I was able to rent from a coworker very cheaply. But, for us not staying on property was a bit of a let down. I hated having to drive to and from the parks, and just didn't get that full Disney feeling.

Last year, we went on a cruise (Meg's first) to Alaska. It was on Holland America, and was a Twilight themed cruise. The Twilight activities were fun, and Alaska was great, but I didn't think there was a lot of kid's activities, and although we had fun, I kept telling Meg she had to experience a Disney cruise instead.
I have only been on one, on the Magic, in 1998 but loved it!
So, we started planning last September (2010).

I booked the cruise in October through a TA recommended by a coworker.
We were assigned cabin 5188 I think it was, which thankfully I found out here had a tiny little balcony. Luckily, we were able to switch, but now just have GTY in cat 5A instead.

We stayed at POR in 2007, so decided we would stay there again this time. Can't really afford the Deluxe anymore, and not a huge fan of the All-Stars, although never tried Pop....

I was able to book a great fare from Boston to MCO, on the way. We were planning on leaving 8/21, but found the great rate on the 20th, so extended the trip by one day. Didn't mind having to add a day at all! We got $67 on Southwest!

Of course, I couldn't find a good fare on the way home for a few weeks...I kept checking kayak.com until I found something I could live with. We ended up with Delta on the way back for $129.

This is the first time I haven't just booked a round trip with the same airline. (Probably wouldn't have without great dis advice) We had to get flights with stop-overs and plane changes, which I don't normally do either, but the price was much better!

Stay tuned for more!

 

[melmar136]

We've REALLY been looking forward to going to Disney! After all, we had soooo much snow this winter!

this was in Feb. Glad it is Spring! But, we did get more snow on April 1st, so we're really hoping it's over!

Dreaming of our Disney trip, and looking at the Disboards helped us get through the horrible winter!

Coming soon....changing resorts? and ADRs!

 

[melmar136]

Sort of OT for my PTR, but I am wondering what others would do in this situation?

For the last 13 weeks at work, I have been participating in a "Biggest Loser" challenge. Today, I found out I came in 3rd in highest % of weight loss! (I lost 18 pounds! yipeeee!) AND, I won $100!
So, my dilemma is do I save the money for Disney or do I spend it on something nice for myself now?
We're starting another BL this week, for 13 more weeks. Hoping to lose another 18, then I'll be very close to goal! Right in time for vacation!

 

[melmar136]

well, I decided to spend the $ from the above post. Got a Chamilia bracelet! Since I had really been eyeing the Disney charms! DD got me the Dreams Really do Come True charm for Easter!

 

[melmar136]

Big news since last posting in April...

Long story, but I was on a deed to a DVC (with my mom, who died in 2003 and my stepfather). I had forgotten up until recently that I was even on it, contacted my stepfather about it, and I am buying out his share of it.
Sooo, that opened up some other options for our resort. When I called, there was SSR, OKW, and AKV available.

After reading everyone's comments, we went with AKV-Kidani. No savannah views, but oh well. Meg is really looking forward to seeing the animals, since we aren't going to the AK park this time.

She doesn't remember, but we stayed at AKL on her very first trip to WDW when she was 2 1/2! She walked in, looked at my mom, and said, "oooh Grammy, I LIKE this place!"

And now, we might be making another trip in Nov! (Now that I'll have extra points to use and all!)
We were talking to a friend, who has NEVER been to WDW. It took very little convincing, and a good price for a flight, and we may begin planning another trip! Just waiting to see if she can get the time off from work.
Although, when I called to see what is available for DVC, you guessed it...the same 3...SSR, OKW, and AKV. Kind of disappointed by that, as it is just at the 7 month mark. Is it always like that?

Now that I know I have the points to use, I guess I'll have to book right at the 11 month mark.

Still not sure I should even make another trip 3 months after my Aug trip, but Meg sooo wants to see the Christmas decorations. Guess she doesn't remember those from when she was little either!

 

[BerrysGirl]

That sounds awesome! Subbing and can't wait to hear more. And tell your Megan that this Megan is super excited she gets to stay in the resort with the animals No savannah view will be no problem since they have that amazing porch off the lobby with the rocking chairs!

 

[melmar136]

That sounds awesome! Subbing and can't wait to hear more. And tell your Megan that this Megan is super excited she gets to stay in the resort with the animals No savannah view will be no problem since they have that amazing porch off the lobby with the rocking chairs!

You're my first poster! I was starting to think no one actually reads these things!
I'm going to check out your PTR too!

 

[beebeeryan]

Joining in...I SO want to take the kids on a Disney cruise. Hoping to next summer, but WOW are prices crazy expensive!!!

Looking forward to hearing more!

 

[melmar136]

Joining in...I SO want to take the kids on a Disney cruise. Hoping to next summer, but WOW are prices crazy expensive!!!

Looking forward to hearing more!

Hey, thanks for joining in!!!
Yeah, DCL is expensive. That's the reason I chose the Aug 25th 3 day one. It was the cheapest for all of the summer! And Meg doesn't start back to school till Aug 30th thankfully!
I know it will seem way too short, but it will be nice to get to go!
She's already pushing for a seven night for next year when I turn 40 and she turns 13!

 

[melmar136]

Aaaah, those are nice words to hear! I paid the rest of the cruise off yesterday!

I got the $200 gift card offer from Disney Visa a few weeks ago, and was REALLY hoping to use that to pay the cruise with (for the points) but didn't get it yet. So, with only a few days left to pay, I reluctantly had to pay without the new Visa. Oh well, I'll book the next one with it!

I was really hoping that my GTY status would change to an assigned room magically, as soon as I paid, but I was "dreaming" (lol) on that one! Still GTY.

Online check in starts May 27th. Yippee! Although Meg isn't keen on any shore excursions in Nassau. I was thinking of the dolphin swim one at Blue Lagoon, but after reading a thread on here decided maybe not after all. And, if Meg really wasn't sure she wanted to, I'd be out $400 for the 2 of us to do it! I'll save that $ for a spa treatment or something instead!
And, she says she'd rather stay on the ship and explore. Lots of rides on the Aquaduck perhaps!?!

 

[melmar136]

Here is a list of our ADRs I made awhile back...

Sun 8/21: Planet Hollywood for lunch. If we're shopping at DTD, I'd rather have a giant sundae from Ghiradelli and call it lunch, but Meg wanted to try it here.

I have another ADR in here but can't name it, as it is a surprise and Meg will surely be checking this out! Although, even mentioning it will get me lots of pleading and begging, as she hates surprises! Meg's "graduating" from 6th grade next month and moving up to the middle school next year, so this is a gift for her doing such a great job in school!

Sun 8/22: 50's Primetime Cafe for lunch. This is a must do all the time. We love it here! Meg always has to set the table, and gets "yelled at" for having her elbows on the table! The first time they did that she was a little shocked until I explained it to her!

Hoping to get to Starring Rolls too for some dessert!!!

Mon 8/23: Via Napoli. We were originally going to do this for dinner, but changed it to lunch after getting a group together for an Illuminations Cruise on this night. (BTW, still have one slot open if you're travelling solo!)

We have never done a cruise to watch the fireworks and are so glad we found that idea here on the boards!!!
Although, when Meg was little we were on a boat, shuttling between FW and MK and the driver stopped for everyone on board so we could watch the fireworks. Meg turned to my mom, thinking she had arranged it just for her, and said "oh THANK YOU Grammy!!!" My very favorite Disney memory, as I know my mom would have arranged it then if she could have.

Ok, back on topic...planning to get pizza at Via Napoli, as I have read that is very good there. Any other suggestions there?

Tues 8/24: Crystal Palace, lunch. We always do the breakfast buffet here, so we decided to try something different and do lunch. It HAD to be the CP, as Pooh is Meg's very favorite!
I thought she'd want to skip it this year, being "too cool" at age 12, but she still needs her pooh fix!

We'll need a Dole Whip for a snack that day, as I have never had one! Meg did, with her father and loves them!

Thurs 8/25: Boma, breakfast. Since we're staying here now, I figured we could have a nice breakfast before leaving on the cruise. We tried Boma way back in 2001 when we stayed at the AKL when Meg was 2 1/2. Of course she doesn't remember and I really only recall the juice....yum! (Frunch is it called?)
The other days I figure we can eat something like cereal or something in our room, as we'll have the little fridge and stuff. This will save some time and $ but I just LOVE going out for breakfast. I read they have the zebra domes at breakfast here...is that right? I haven't tried them, but they look sooo good!

And then, it's on to the Dream where we can continue to stuff ourselves!

 

[BerrysGirl]

I made my parents go to Planet Hollywood one year too for dinner. Once was definitely enough!
I've never been to 50s Primetime Cafe!!! Matt's family always go to Disney for Christmas and his Mom asked if I had any ADR requests for the trip. So I requested 50s Primetime! Matt must really love me because he HATES these kind of place (apparently he always gets put in the corner or the waitress tries to find him a girlfriend in the restaurant). He even gets embarrassed when people sing him happy birthday in restaurants. But he put on a brave face and agreed that we should go! I'm so excited!

 

[melmar136]

I made my parents go to Planet Hollywood one year too for dinner. Once was definitely enough!
I've never been to 50s Primetime Cafe!!! Matt's family always go to Disney for Christmas and his Mom asked if I had any ADR requests for the trip. So I requested 50s Primetime! Matt must really love me because he HATES these kind of place (apparently he always gets put in the corner or the waitress tries to find him a girlfriend in the restaurant). He even gets embarrassed when people sing him happy birthday in restaurants. But he put on a brave face and agreed that we should go! I'm so excited!

I hope you like the 50sPT as much as we do! We just found out friends of ours will be at Disney the exact same days we will, so they may be joining us, as they've never been there either!

 

[melmar136]

The planning is still going strong...only 78 days till we leave on our trip! Yipee!

We've been making our FE gifts...can't post those here, you know, some people may be peeking! Those will have to wait till after the trip. Although, I can give you a sneak peek:

But, I won't tell you what this pencil is going to be paired with!
Cool though, huh? Not a bad price either!

Our FE hanger thing arrived last night! Love it!

She even gave us a free gift for ordering well in advance:

What a cute little luggage tag!

And, since my first attempt at shirt making didn't go over so well with Meg, I tried again tonite:

She liked this one much more than the first! For the first one, I tried to do a bleach pen one. It came out fine, but when using a black shirt, the bleach turns it to a reddish orange color that she didn't like. Picky, picky!
I like this one better too though. Sooo easy! Spray fabric paint and a Mickey head paint sample from Home Depot to paint over!

I have a few more shirts to make. I ordered little embroidered Pooh and pals cuties for Meg. I am going to put those on a shirt for her to wear to CP. After all, Pooh is her FAV!
And, I ordered Mickey and Minnie cuties iron-ons for me.
I just love the Cuties!

I'll be posting those soon, so check back!

 

[Sappermont]

Oh wow, two trips in one year. That's awesome. I bet WDW is just amazing at Xmas time. Have fun at the AKL. Where will you stay at Xmas?

 

[MelissaFromRI]

Subscribing

 

[melmar136]

Oh wow, two trips in one year. That's awesome. I bet WDW is just amazing at Xmas time. Have fun at the AKL. Where will you stay at Xmas?

Well, we were waiting for my friend to see if she could get the time off from work, and missed out on a great airfare. Sooo, we MIGHT be going if I can get a good price again, but now I am waiting to see.... My company might be going on strike. So, I want to make sure that doesn't happen before I spend the $. I REALLY want to, but if not this year, we will do it next year!

Subscribing

Hey tablemate! Thanks for subbing! I REALLY need to update! Been so busy lately. Hopefully this week!

 

[melmar136]

So, today in the mail I got our DME tags, and some paperwork from the TA we used for the cruise part! Now it really feels like it is coming!

Although, I'm thinking of grabbing our luggage ourselves so that we won't have to wait for it to appear in our room. The flight doesn't get in until 7:05 pm, and I don't want to be in my jammies when it finally arrives!
Thoughts?

Since we got this stuff tonite, I decided maybe it was time to put in my GardenGrocer order. I have never used them before, but have seen lots of recommendations here on the boards, so I thought I'd give it a try.
I just barely squeeked by the minimum order amount....$40.09! But, by the time you add on tax, delivery charges, gas surcharge, and a tip it was over $60! But I figure, we can eat breakfast in the room everyday, except for the last one before we transfer to DCL. And I got a few snacks, some water, juice, etc.


I LOVE going out for breakfast....all those choices...eggs, pancakes, Mickey waffles! But, I thought it would save some $ and some time eating in our room. Because the one thing I love more than going out to breakfast is sleeping in! It IS sort of a vacation after all! Oh, who am I kidding? We come home from WDW more tired than when we left. But isn't that half the fun? Staying up late, getting up early, running around in the heat all day.....

And we'll have time to relax on the cruise! I doubt it, but a girl can dream, right... (catch that little play on words there? haha) I'm tired and getting punchy, so I'll wrap this up for now...Stay tuned!

 

[melmar136]

Forgot to say in the last update that we FINALLY got our stateroom #! 9522. Meg likes it cause it has her b'day in it (5/22).

Also, some great news...long story, and if you want to read it, check out this link
I am now the official owner of a DVC!!!

We have been working on finishing up our FEs, and getting those packed. OMG...a full suitcase of FEs and cruise stuff like our door magnets. Good thing we are only doing a 3 night cruise!!!

A very full suitcase! Good think Southwest lets you check 2 bags for free!!!

Here are some of our door magnets: (thanks to Shadowryter for the awesome DISigns and idrivealumina for the stateroom ears!)

Here are some we made:

The 2 M's...for Melissa (or Mum) and Meg

Note the cute cardinal in there...that's a symbol for my mom, so now she'll be with us in spirit on our trip!

Continued in next post