Everything is Satisfactual - A TR (9/22-9/31) Updated 12/9 Last Day

[If U Had Wings]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I'm leaning towards getting the non-expiration passes now, without the hoppers. This way it will be one less expense I have next year. Then I can have a much cheaper vacation next year.

Pete, I definitely would be interested in a dis-meet. When it gets a bit closer we can exchange some info.

 

[skier_pete]

Pete, I definitely would be interested in a dis-meet. When it gets a bit closer we can exchange some info.

Sounds good....Barely 2 months away! BTW, I think all your tales of trips past and future are great!

SkierPete

 

[Donald is #1]

Hi! Somehow, I have missed the link to your pre-trip in your signature until now! But I am on-board now.

Grandma Tink sounds like me when it comes to cooking on vacation. I always eat out when I am on vacation.

I will be the odd man out for your park hopper question. My recommendation is to go for the park hopper. Then again, I park hop at least 1/2 of each trip.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I will be the odd man out for your park hopper question. My recommendation is to go for the park hopper. Then again, I park hop at least 1/2 of each trip.

Thanks! I'm still on the fence about the park hopper add on. I think I'm going to have to sit down and really pay attention to what I want to do that weekend.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I've been sadly neglecting my little pre-trip report here. Last week I was out of sorts all week. I was feeling down about being single and childless, more so than usual. I was weepy, and wanted nothing more than to curl up in a ball on the sofa and avoid everything (work included). I eventually dragged myself to work, only because I knew if I didn't go I'd be cutting into my Disney vacation time. I don't know how productive I actually was while I was there, but I went. Then I found out a good friend of mine had a tragedy happen Monday morning, so having to attend a funeral didn't really help any last week.

Oddly enough it was talking to the two princesses on the phone Thursday that really helped bring me out of my funk a little bit. Princess Cin chatted with me for about 15 minutes about what color her nails were currently painted (2 pink, 1 blue, and 2 purple on each hand - plus sparkly decals), and then Princess Jasmine got on and only wanted to tell me how much she loved me. When I told her I loved her too, I was told I wasn't saying it loud enough. (Obviously these things need to be screamed). I don't know how she always seems to know exactly what I need to hear, but she always does. I felt worlds better after getting off the phone with them. I may not have a man, or my own kids, but I have the best nieces ever and that's a truly wonderful thing to have. I am very, very lucky.

I partook in a little pre-trip shopping therapy as well. I'm trying to hold off on clothing for now, although unless I stick to my diet for the next 2 months I am going to need to pick up some new shorts. They all fit, but are a bit uncomfortably snug. It won't take too much to fit correctly so I'm not going to worry about it yet. I'll give it to the beginning of August. I have plenty now, so I'd rather not have to waste any money if I don't have to.

I did however succumb to a bit of Dis shopping pressure and picked up one of these:

I have always watched the threads with people discussing the merits of the Baggaline bag and would watch, but to be honest I really didn't need a new park bag. I have a Vera Bradley look alike backpack that I just picked up last year. It's lime and turquoise, lightweight and holds everything that I need it to easily. Then I clicked a link someone posted on the budget board for bagsbuy. With the discount code they had posted, and another discount for registering for the site it came to slightly less than $20 shipped. (And if better judgment gets the best of me, free shipping back is included as well). I picked it up in lime, although I was tempted by the turquoise as well. I guess we never really need a new bag, but...

I also picked up 2 of these:

These may be the greatest packing accessories ever. Eagle Creek Pack-It folders. They keep everything perfectly neat and organized in my suitcase. I bought some a few years ago for a Disney trip and got hooked on them. You can even use them in a duffle bag (which I have done) and everything arrives, neat and wrinkle free. I lent my small ones to my mom a few years back. She claims she returned them, but I have torn my entire house apart and have found nothing. She went and bought herself new ones, and I had borrowed hers last year. Since we are all going together this year that wasn't an option and I had to shell out for some new ones. Luckily I found a great sale. Normally they sell for about $20-$22 for the small ones, but I found a place selling discontinued colors for only $9. Whoo Hoo!!

I did a bit more shopping for some other odds and ends for my trip as well. I picked up a new battery for my camera, as well as a new memory card. (I may pick up another memory card as well). I needed some new mineral makeup, so placed an order for that with Everyday minerals. Love that stuff in the heat. It's the only makeup I'll wear in the parks in the heat. I don't even realize that I have it on.

I also picked up a new pair of Keds for walking around the parks. I want to pick up another kind of shoe, so I can alternate them and cut down on my chances to develop blisters. I was going to wear my regular Nike sneakers,but I think they are going to be way too hot on my feet in August. I went to Dick's this weekend and looked at the Crocs they had on the clearance table. They had some Athens and Ithaca flip flops marked down to about $15, but of course not in my size. I'm not sure that I could handle a pair of flip flops all day long anyways. I tried on the new Adrana style and really liked them for the most part. I just wish they had a heel strap. I hate feeling like my shoes might fall off. I also went over to the LL Bean outlet and looked at their Teva-like shoes. My brother and SIL swear by those, but I can't get past how ugly they are. Then again I wear crocs so am I really one to talk about ugly shoes?

I'm thinking of starting to do some test walks to try out my crocs. I wanted to start doing some nightly walks to prepare myself for extensive park walking. (Plus it will help with that weight/shorts issue). I'm going to wear my regular Mary Jane and Cayman crocs and see how my feet feel after a walking for a few miles. Last year I wore my Mary Jane crocs to MNSSHP and they were fine, but that was only for half a day. I wore them for 2 shifts at my part time job this weekend (about 12 hrs. total) and my heels were very sore by the end of the day yesterday. My job requires me to stand in one place for the most part, so I'm hoping they work better if I'm actually walking in them.

Who knew it would be so hard to find shoes for Disney? Things are much easier when it's a bit cooler and I can just wear by regular sneakers.

 

[Princesskeyblade]

I did however succumb to a bit of Dis shopping pressure and picked up one of these:

I have always watched the threads with people discussing the merits of the Baggaline bag and would watch, but to be honest I really didn't need a new park bag.

I have this exact bag and I LOVE it! I love love love it!

I hope you like it too!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I have this exact bag and I LOVE it! I love love love it!

I hope you like it too!

I'm dying for it to arrive. I got the shipping confirmation last night, but nothing yet. I hate waiting!

 

[Hedy]

It took me 2 years on the DIS to gave to bagalinni peer pressure. Of course, now it might not come in time for my trip to other place...

 

[If U Had Wings]

The baggalini pressure is just terrible isn't it? I'm weak when it comes to bags anyways.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I, too, have oft coveted the Baggalini (if not in lime green) and considered it for this trip. But because it's just two of us, both adults (physically, if not mentally) and I didn't want anything draped across my shoulders, my little clutch with the wriststrap worked out better.

However, that certainly does not mean there isn't a Baggalini in the considerations for future trips! Particularly ones with the godson who will require much more "stuff".

 

[If U Had Wings]

I, too, have oft coveted the Baggalini (if not in lime green) and considered it for this trip. But because it's just two of us, both adults (physically, if not mentally) and I didn't want anything draped across my shoulders, my little clutch with the wriststrap worked out better.

However, that certainly does not mean there isn't a Baggalini in the considerations for future trips! Particularly ones with the godson who will require much more "stuff".

I brought a wristlet last year when I went with my bff, and sadly ended up having to use my larger bag. I just couldn't manage to fit everything into my little bag. Scary that even with just carrying around my own stuff I was still carrying a camera, poncho, trip itinerary, water bottles and a lightweight fleece. (Learned the hard way on that one after the first day. Lots of rain + a/c = shivering cold temps).

Oddly enough I normally carry the worlds smallest bags to work every day.

 

[willwriteforears]

My parents are leaving town in late June and I'm house/dogsitting. PERFECT time to go through photos!

Yes I'm quoting myself (found it again while scrolling to figure out where I'd left off). Because I am currently house sitting and have yet to go photo-hunting. Methinks I'll have to do that tonight. Considering that the Internet may still be out, I ought to have the time!

Oddly enough it was talking to the two princesses on the phone Thursday that really helped bring me out of my funk a little bit. Princess Cin chatted with me for about 15 minutes about what color her nails were currently painted (2 pink, 1 blue, and 2 purple on each hand - plus sparkly decals), and then Princess Jasmine got on and only wanted to tell me how much she loved me. When I told her I loved her too, I was told I wasn't saying it loud enough. (Obviously these things need to be screamed). I don't know how she always seems to know exactly what I need to hear, but she always does. I felt worlds better after getting off the phone with them. I may not have a man, or my own kids, but I have the best nieces ever and that's a truly wonderful thing to have. I am very, very lucky.

It's amazing how children often seem to sense just what we need, isn't it? Glad you're out of your funk.

I partook in a little pre-trip shopping therapy as well. I'm trying to hold off on clothing for now, although unless I stick to my diet for the next 2 months I am going to need to pick up some new shorts. They all fit, but are a bit uncomfortably snug. It won't take too much to fit correctly so I'm not going to worry about it yet. I'll give it to the beginning of August. I have plenty now, so I'd rather not have to waste any money if I don't have to.

I did however succumb to a bit of Dis shopping pressure and picked up one of these:

I have always watched the threads with people discussing the merits of the Baggaline bag and would watch, but to be honest I really didn't need a new park bag. I have a Vera Bradley look alike backpack that I just picked up last year. It's lime and turquoise, lightweight and holds everything that I need it to easily. Then I clicked a link someone posted on the budget board for bagsbuy. With the discount code they had posted, and another discount for registering for the site it came to slightly less than $20 shipped. (And if better judgment gets the best of me, free shipping back is included as well). I picked it up in lime, although I was tempted by the turquoise as well. I guess we never really need a new bag, but...

I also have a baggalini and love it! Mine's sea green, though. I never filled it entirely while at the park, but I liked knowing I could if I needed to. And with kiddos in the group, I think it'd be all the better to have.

 

[If U Had Wings]

Once again I am completely irritated with my travel agent. I've been trying to get in touch with him to review a few issues with my reservation before we pay the final amount on July 7th. Our package is listing the wrong number of days, even though the check in/check out days are correct. It also has us listed for 10 day park hoppers, which we no longer needed since we shortened our package to take advantage of free dining. We only need 8 day hoppers now. I also had questions regarding trip insurance, and some questions regarding our balance.

I went to AAA to talk to him on Saturday, (which since they close at 5pm Mon-Fri. is the only day of the week I can actually go there) and he wasn't there. I sent him an e-mail yesterday and I haven't heard from him yet. I tried calling him, and their phone system has a weird glitch and when I put in the extension I keep getting connected to some woman who isn't even in my local AAA office.

It just makes me want to scream! I am never using a travel agent again. Seriously. I know more about what is going on then my agent does. I feel as if I wasn't pressing my agent, I would have never have gotten the deals that I did. Last time I booked a trip I used Small World, and while my agent always got back to me and was on top of new discounts, it was just hard since she wasn't located anywhere near me.

Never, never, again. I truly feel that in this day and age there is no reason why a response can't be made in a relatively short period of time. There is no reason to just leave someone hanging

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I truly feel that in this day and age there is no reason why a response can't be made in a relatively short period of time. There is no reason to just leave someone hanging

Except laziness. And when all is said and done, I would TOTALLY let AAA know how you feel.

I am also an AAA member and wouldn't think twice about letting them know when they aren't doing a good job. Since they so diligently remind me when my renewal payment is due. It's a service and they SHOULD know whether or not the service they are providing is helpful or harmful to their customers.

 

[willwriteforears]

Except laziness. And when all is said and done, I would TOTALLY let AAA know how you feel.

I am also an AAA member and wouldn't think twice about letting them know when they aren't doing a good job. Since they so diligently remind me when my renewal payment is due. It's a service and they SHOULD know whether or not the service they are providing is helpful or harmful to their customers.

What Tink said.

 

[If U Had Wings]

He finally sent me back, but only after I called once again. (Finally found a number that worked).

Now I have to call him back again, to see if I can get the new discount code applied to my 2 night room only portion. I think it's a bit better than the AAA discount.

My father is stopping by to pay tomorrow. What's the chance he's not there?

 

[If U Had Wings]

Another reservation was made for my trip, and a very important one at that. I worked out a time with Mickey and made appointments for the two princesses to get get all princessified at the castle Bippidi Boppidi Boutique location. I'm just doing the cheapest package (hair and makeup). I figured they'd lose the press on nails quickly, and they own enough princess dresses to clothe a small city already so the larger packages didn't really seem worth it. This will be my gift to them on this vacation instead of some souvenir.

I think they are going to love the makeovers. They are both complete girly girls so this is right up their alley. They are having them done right before lunch at the castle on their last day. They are bringing their dresses with them, so in the end they will look completely the part. I was lucky enough to get them appointments at the same exact time. I would have loved this as a kid, but we never would have had the money for this kind of thing. (Heck I would love it now. I'm still disappointed there is no party I can wear my Belle dress for while I'm down there). I love that I can spoil my nieces a little bit and do this for them. It's one of the great privileges of being an aunt.

I had wanted to keep it a surprise, but Ma Tink let the secret slip while painting their nails the other day. I don't know if they really got it though, because once Ma Tink realized that they didn't know what she was talking about she changed the subject. I think they thought she was just talking about eating at the castle.

I haven't said anything to my brother and SIL yet, but I will be one of the adults going in to sit with the girls while they are in the chairs. They each need to have someone sit with them, and one will be me. I figure, since I'm paying and not getting to do lunch at the castle, I'm allowed.

I've also allowed in my budget for them both to get crowns if they want them, and they chose one of the hair styles that don't come with the crown. They just won't understand if one gets a crown and the other doesn't. Things need to look perfectly equal, and I'm thinking that one of them may be opting for the styles with the extensions. Right before we leave for vacation, they both are getting their long hair cut off and are donating their hair to Locks for Love.

Princess Jasmine is really excited about doing this, but lately Princess Cin has been having some misgivings. She told us she doesn't mind having her hair cut but "she doesn't want the sick kids to have her hair." We really thought at first that she was just saying that to be silly, or that she didn't want her hair cut off, but no she just doesn't want anyone to have her hair. I think my brother was going to sit down with her to try to allay her fears. Her little 4 year old mind, probably can't understand why in the world there are some kids that want her hair.

Woo Hoo! Almost time to pay the balance on our trip!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I love that I can spoil my nieces a little bit and do this for them. It's one of the great privileges of being an aunt.

I can't wait to spoil my godson with Disney like this.

Right before we leave for vacation, they both are getting their long hair cut off and are donating their hair to Locks for Love.

Princess Jasmine is really excited about doing this, but lately Princess Cin has been having some misgivings. She told us she doesn't mind having her hair cut but "she doesn't want the sick kids to have her hair." We really thought at first that she was just saying that to be silly, or that she didn't want her hair cut off, but no she just doesn't want anyone to have her hair. I think my brother was going to sit down with her to try to allay her fears. Her little 4 year old mind, probably can't understand why in the world there are some kids that want her hair.

Aww. This is real sweet. A friend of mine just did this this past weekend. I'm sure Princess Cin will come around.

 

[Princesskeyblade]

Right before we leave for vacation, they both are getting their long hair cut off and are donating their hair to Locks for Love.

Princess Jasmine is really excited about doing this, but lately Princess Cin has been having some misgivings. She told us she doesn't mind having her hair cut but "she doesn't want the sick kids to have her hair." We really thought at first that she was just saying that to be silly, or that she didn't want her hair cut off, but no she just doesn't want anyone to have her hair. I think my brother was going to sit down with her to try to allay her fears. Her little 4 year old mind, probably can't understand why in the world there are some kids that want her hair.

Awwww... She will come around...

Do they have a place that will take and donate the hair on property? I want to get this done after MNSSHP and I was hoping that there was a place that cuts the hair and donates it on site.

 

[Hedy]

Awwww... She will come around...

Do they have a place that will take and donate the hair on property? I want to get this done after MNSSHP and I was hoping that there was a place that cuts the hair and donates it on site.

No they don't. You *could* always get your haircut there, then ship the ponytail off once you get home, but I wouldn't want to schlep around a ponytail in my luggage.