First PTR that I'm actually gonna stick to!!! 7/2011

[carly3592]

Hi everyone!
So I tried a PTR in the past, but I realized that it's only fun if you have a trip that's actually in the works. So, here's hoping this one sticks through to the end! After a very successful trip to WDW last July with my BF and mom, I decided that we have to go back!!!

Here's my 'cast' (so far, things might change!)

Me, Carly, 18 (19 at time of travel). I've been to WDW 8 times (I think...) since I was 4, and I've been to DL twice. I'm currently a freshman in college and I hope to do the Disney College Program at some point before I graduate. I'm the "ringleader" when it comes to planning WDW vacations; I planned all of my last trip in July 2010 and the majority of my Dec. 2008 trip (my entire dad's side of the family- 14 people!). As much as I know, there's still a lot to learn, which I'm hoping to do this time around! Here's a pic of me and Tigger from July 2010 at the Crystal Palace:

My boyfriend, Austin, 17 (18 at time of travel). He's only been to WDW twice, once when he was very young (doesn't remember much from that trip), and once last summer with me. It was fantastic getting to bring him to WDW last year, and it was a trip we'll never forget. He's a senior in high school this year. He's not a huge Disney nerd like me, but he loved going to the parks, and the trip this summer was partially his idea! Here he is with Pooh from July 2010 at the Crystal Palace:

Our friend, Katie, age 17. She's a senior in high school as well. Her last trip was to DL last summer when her and her family went on a month long cross-country road trip. She's ecstatic for this trip, and can't wait to begin the planning. Her mom will most likely be the chaperone, which is really the last piece of the puzzle we have to find before we can start booking things. Here she is with her sister and Pluto from DL last year (Katie is the girl on the left):

My next entry will be about when we're planning on going, and where we'll be staying! Stay tuned!

 

[carly3592]

Chapter 1: Figuring Everything Out

So, ever since I came back from my last WDW trip (July 2010), I have been anxious to return. My boyfriend, who loved the parks more than I thought he would, wants to go back as well. This time, however, we decided to include our friend. We're trying desperately to get her boyfriend to join us, but he is DEAD SET against going. Despite our efforts, it seems like a losing battle for us, so it will probably end up being the 3 of us, plus a parent.

Now, since last summer was my graduation trip, this summer would be perfect for their graduation trip. We're looking mainly at July 2011, because I don't want to cut it too close to the end of school/college move in dates. Plus, for some reason, I love going in July. Call me crazy, but to me, Disney isn't Disney without the sweltering heat. Plus it makes the water rides even more refreshing. So now it's just a matter of zeroing in on a specific week (we're gonna probably do 7 days/6 nights).

Now, as to where we're going to stay... last summer we really lucked out because my aunt is a DVC member, and she gave me all of her points for 2010 so I could stay at OKW for free It was a very gracious offer from her and it helped A LOT with saving money for the trip. My parents are pretty much done with paying for my vacations, so I have to come up with (most of) my own share. We're looking to go as cheaply as possible, so we are looking at the Value resorts... POP or one of the All Star's. Since we're all theatre geeks, I was thinking All Star Music and stay in one of the Broadway buildings... but, since we will be spending most of our time away from our room, it really doesn't matter.

Of course, none of this can even be looked into until we have the O.K. from all of our parents, and a solidified chaperone in place. The next step after that will most likely be finding airline tickets.... which will be discussed in my next entry!