F&W, Hanson, Halloween, Disney, Free Dining - The Planets Have Aligned!!! PTR

[budafam]

Where to begin!? This trip was a complete surprise to me and it's going to be an even bigger surprise to my 5 year old son when he finds out!

A little history on us & Disney before we begin: We visited Disney World for our first time this past May (yes, in 2011)!!! We drove the long drive all the way from Wisconsin with 2 kids, 2 adults & our minivan. The trip was absolutely spectacular. I couldn't have wished for better weather. It was amazing. You can read my trip report in my siggy if you really want more details.

So DH has been BEGGING for a cool new phone. I just couldn't justify paying the extra money (yeah, I'm cheap or "frugal" as some say). One day we were driving in the van to visit my mother in law and he said "If I can get a new phone, you can go to Disney"... I told him to not joke about such a thing. He said he was serious. As long as I could book the trip for under $1500. Well, where there's a will, there's a way and I was instantly beginning to plan my trip. This was October 1st when I ended up booking.

5 nights/6 days at Pop Century. October 30th-November 4th including the first night with MNSSHP tickets.

My son is 5 years old and absolutely LOVES Halloween. Our entire family is a bit crazy about the holiday to be honest. We have an extensive collection of decorations and usually throw a party. We decided to keep this from DS until that morning before we leave for the airport.

I have only flown once (to and from Vegas) and that was 8 years ago. I am terrified of flying but if anything will get me on a plane, it's going to be Disney & Hanson. DS has never flown.

This brings us to Hanson. Yes, I am a fan... have been for over 15 years now. I have seen them so many times I can't count & I've met them twice. The last time I met them, I was pregnant with my daughter and I told them I was naming her Lucy (after one of their songs). I also have a yorkie named Penny (after Penny & Me).

We are now 16 days out and I simply cannot toy with my ADR's any longer or I'm going to go crazy. So I thought I'd start a PTR... I'll list my ADR's eventually & how we plan to surprise the little guy.

As if this isn't stressful enough, we've been planning a surprise 50th birthday party for my mother in law the day before we leave. She is going to have our kids for 2 days beforehand and we're going to tell her that we're surprising DS with the trip that day at 3pm but she needs to arrive right at that time and pull in the driveway. I'm going to make it sound like we hired Mickey Mouse himself to be here when really, the surprise will be all for her. I hope all goes according to plan. I don't think she has any idea because of the trip going on.

 

[ShesAPirate]

We'll be there at the same time. Well, overlapping a few of the days, anyway!

I know what you mean about the ADRs, I really have to stop myself from looking at them. They're set and I know I just need to leave them alone, but it's so hard not to play around with them, even with the trip so close!

So this will be your first F&W and Halloween party, right? Same here! So exicted!!!

 

[budafam]

So this will be your first F&W and Halloween party, right? Same here! So exicted!!!

Yes, this is only our 2nd time to Disney (first was in May of this year and we're returning already... lol... I'm hooked!) I am so excited for the Halloween party even though I'm sure it's going to be insanely busy. I'll just be happy to be there

 

[budafam]

Our ADR's as of right now:

Arrival Day: Dinner at the Plaza

Halloween: Lunch at Biergarten & Dinner at Coral Reef

November 1st (AK Day): Breakfast at Ohana, Lunch at Yak & Yeti & Dinner at Boma

November 2nd (DHS Day): Breakfast at Hollywood & Vine, Lunch at 50's Prime Time Cafe & Dinner at Hollywood Brown Derby

November 3rd (MK Day): Lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern & Dinner at Narcoossee's

November 4th (Departure Day & Partial MK Day): Breakfast at CRT before park opening (can't believe I scored this only 3 weeks from the day!)

So this is it (for now) I'm really trying to stay happy with this. I think I have a fair amount of signatures (2 credits), character meals & a few others that I've been wanting to try... I know it's going to be a ton of food (especially with throwing F&W in there) but we're going to take it easy and use the meal times as our rest times as well so hopefully we won't need to take breaks every single day.

I've also begun my workout routine to lose a few pounds so I can gain them back while on vacation... So far I'm down 8 lbs.

 

[budafam]

11 days!!! I'm beginning to get nervous! DH was explaining to me about the airport last night and it just all seams so surreal. I have all of our clothes picked out and in a pile next to the suitcases. I'm worried about the weather... it's showing cooler temps for FL now but either way, it'll still be warmer than the blistery 40 degrees we're getting in Wisconsin!!! Yuck!

Last night I made a quick run to the drugstore to grab some Vitamin C for DS. I'm so worried about him getting sick before the trip. He has 4 1/2 days of school left after today.

This weekend we're going to a costume party at our zoo... the kids are dressing up like Mickey & Minnie Mouse... we have some super warm costumes for them. This way they get to be together dressed up for something since DS won't be here for trick or treating

I'm still waiting on my Mickey Mail. I got my Magical Express stuff about 2 weeks ago but haven't received "the" envelope with the coupons and stuff... ah well.

Tomorrow is online checkin!!! I have a feeling the next week is just going to drag. Good thing I have that party the day before to keep my mind off of everything.

 

[thadarkslayer]

The countdown is on!

 

[prisjoyce]

Ahhhh! lol I hope the MIL AND kiddo surprise goes well!

I am exactly the same way w/ my ADR's. My husband keeps telling me to leave the alone, but I can't help tinker here and there!

Have a great trip!