Give me an AP & look what happens - 2 for 1 PTR!! NEW 3/11 p.63 TR Link

[Charleston Princess]

I like the sound of that mystery trip! I hope everything works out so that you could do it. You're right -- the allure of Food and Wine, MVMCP, and the Osborne Lights is pretty tempting!

Adorable picture of you and Tim! Glad to hear he survived the morning and the plunge was successful!

 

[oOJulieOo]

That sounds like a perfect week for a Disney trip for sure! I think you should definitely make a reservation just in case. Can't let that pin code go to waste!

That's a great photo of you and Tim!

 

[mousescrapper]

Did you not read my post about the mystery trip on the Spectrum Moms report?

oh yeah duh

any suggestions on BLT or BCV?? Otherwise we don't need to book airfare until May (I'm guessing Southwest will release November around May).

do I NEED to answer this

This year's Penguin Plunge had a pirate theme. Here is the one picture I have of us from the day. Thanks to my friend Viki who posted it on facebook:

See Julie - I wore the scarf!

Tim is drinking his liquid courage before the plunge.

love it ARRGH!

 

[20thingamabobs]

My mom are thinking of a trip that week too instead of Oct. because of being able to do MVMCP, Osbourne, and F&W! I think Beach Club looks amazing and I would really like to stay here some day but that being said, I LOVE BLT! My DBF and I stayed there in Jan. over our marathon weekend and it's absolutely amazing! The locations is awesome being so close to MK and still able to use the monorail and the rooms are really nice! There's some pics of our studio in my TR (the links in my signature)

 

[mom3sonstt]

There you have it! I'll keep you posted... If we book a villa we need to do so by the end of the month - I may put down a deposit on one just in case... any suggestions on BLT or BCV?? Otherwise we don't need to book airfare until May (I'm guessing Southwest will release November around May).

So please send pixie dust that Tim can really get on board with this idea... I'm hoping some February/March Disney magic will have him begging to go back.

Your trip sounds fun! Since Food & Wine would still be going on - if you have your heart set on Beach Club I would try to book it right away. I don't know how it is for "cash" rooms, but I know for DVC rooms, Food & Wine at the Epcot resorts is hard to get in. Not that it's not possible, we stayed at Boardwalk the last 2 years during the end of Food & Wine, but this year we had to get a 1 Bedroom instead of a studio because all of the studio rooms were already booked by the time we were able to make our reservations.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Your mystery trip sounds fun! I think you should just book and go for it. Cute picture of you and Tim.

Still crossing my fingers...

I so hope a November trip works out for you. Sounds like a perfect week to go. And I think it's a great way to celebrate an anniversary..kids or no kids!

I'm secretly hoping to plan a November trip as well....sshhhhhh. It is SO tentative and would include only a DTD trip, not a park trip. Jeff wants to take the boys on the 4 night Bahamas cruise we went on last May. We are looking at MAYBE doing it during Thanksgiving. It will really depend on no major unexpected expenses and a lot of willpower and saving on our part. Our last trips have depended on a big bonus and tax refund in March and that won't be available this time. I am not telling the kids it's even a possibility and am trying not to get excited. See how that's working out??

Anyway...my fingers are crossed for YOUR mystery trip!

Yay for your November trip!! That would be so much fun to take the boys on the cruise... and a bonus if you get a DTD day.

If my November trip happens, we won't tell the boys until November. After our October 2007 trip I swore I'd never take the kids out of school in the fall again. It's just too hard for them to get settled into their routine knowing there's a trip around the corner. If we do this one, it will have to be a surprise - just to keep them focused on school.

I like the sound of that mystery trip! I hope everything works out so that you could do it. You're right -- the allure of Food and Wine, MVMCP, and the Osborne Lights is pretty tempting!

Adorable picture of you and Tim! Glad to hear he survived the morning and the plunge was successful!

It's the perfect week! I hope it works out for us.

Tim survived the plunge but the two teachers from our school who did it have been out sick this week! One was just out Monday, then the other was out yesterday & today! I'm sure it has more to do with working in a school than jumping in the ocean, but I'm sure it didn't help!

That sounds like a perfect week for a Disney trip for sure! I think you should definitely make a reservation just in case. Can't let that pin code go to waste!

That's a great photo of you and Tim!

Oh, about that pin code...

oh yeah duh

do I NEED to answer this

love it ARRGH!

I know there's no need to ask you which resort to choose!

My mom are thinking of a trip that week too instead of Oct. because of being able to do MVMCP, Osbourne, and F&W! I think Beach Club looks amazing and I would really like to stay here some day but that being said, I LOVE BLT! My DBF and I stayed there in Jan. over our marathon weekend and it's absolutely amazing! The locations is awesome being so close to MK and still able to use the monorail and the rooms are really nice! There's some pics of our studio in my TR (the links in my signature)

It would be a really hard choice for me... I think I'd be leaning more toward BCV for DH. I think being able to run over to Epcot to grab something to eat (during F&W) would be a big plus for him. And it's been my dream resort, and SAB...

But BLT would be just as amazing... So confusing...

Your trip sounds fun! Since Food & Wine would still be going on - if you have your heart set on Beach Club I would try to book it right away. I don't know how it is for "cash" rooms, but I know for DVC rooms, Food & Wine at the Epcot resorts is hard to get in. Not that it's not possible, we stayed at Boardwalk the last 2 years during the end of Food & Wine, but this year we had to get a 1 Bedroom instead of a studio because all of the studio rooms were already booked by the time we were able to make our reservations.

I absolutely get what you are saying about the Epcot resorts & F&W. Unfortunately there was a snafu with my pin code so any booking will have to wait for now... more to come on that.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Tomorrow I will be able to say that I'm going to Florida in two weeks... it won't be two weeks until Disney quite yet, but vacation will begin in two weeks!!

First a quick update on the fall trip... I goofed! The pin code I received is good through the end of 2011 but has a few black out dates. I swear I looked at it carefully before even considering a deluxe villa. I sat down to call and find out exact pricing, availability and maybe put down a secret deposit when I realized that our week is blacked out!!! Oops!!

So the pressure is off & we have some extra time to figure it all out. Southwest will release airfare through 11/4 in mid-March and we'd be booking 11/5 or later so we'll have until at least April or May to figure out that part, which is what always makes it feel definite to me. If down the road some great deals come out for our week then maybe we'll think about it again, but for now I'm going to focus on showing Tim a good time on our Feb/March trip, plant some pixie dust & hope for the best.

The only thing that we might want to figure out is whether to upgrade Tim and/or the boys to APs while we're down there in a few weeks. I'll have to do the math... I don't know that it makes sense for the boys but if staying off-property is always makes sense for one adult to have an AP (for parking & TIW). But the question is when will we go back after that? If we plan to go back next April, maybe I just get a new AP (not a renewal) in November that would be good for November & April. Or should Tim upgrade now & get an AP for this trip & November? You never know when I could sneak in another girls weekend... Fall 2012 could prove to be a good time for another getaway.

OK - on to what you really want to hear about... My trip in two weeks!!

Here is my updated to do list:

Before Jan trip:
• Work on Alex’s “rules”/Self Help cards – DONE
• Organize trading pins - DONE
• Get ink for printer - DONE
• Start working on kids ID cards – DONE
• Buy Earplanes for the boys - DONE

4 weeks to go: (1/24 – 2/2)
• Get new sharpies for autographs – DONE
• Coordinate pet care - DONE
• Work on packing lists – DONE
• Start grocery list (for villa) - started
• Work on touring plans - DONE
• Organize ipods/ipad - music, videos, games – moved to 2 week list
• Make emergency phone number & travel info list for neighbor/moms-DONE
• Inventory batteries – buy more rechargeables if needed? - DONE
• Buy more Ziploc bags - DONE
New:
Buy new markers for boys – DONE
Buy glow sticks - DONE

3 weeks to go: (2/3 – 2/9)
• Put menus in phone - DONE - have a menu app
• Put ADRs in phone - DONE
• Put Touring Plans in phone - DONE
• Let schools know about kids 2/24 & 2/25 – DONE
• Start matching outfits and putting in Ziplocs – DONE
• Organize/label toiletries - DONE
• Watch the “Stranger Danger” DVD – do this weekend
• Submit Diamond Lane form - DONE & called to confirm
• Roll coins from change jar


2 weeks to go: (2/10 – 2/16)
• Buy snacks for travel day
• Buy extra cat food & litter - DONE
• Pull apart Disney binder and take only what’s needed
• Start packing into suitcases - started
• Get money organized
• Get my glasses/sunglasses adjusted at Lenscrafters
• Make list of addresses for postcards/get postcard stamps
• Make list of DISers/TGMers who have overlapping trips (put in phone)
• Find/redo DIS tag
• DH finish loading ipods
• Organize DVDs & kids games
• Organize ipods/ipad - music, videos, games - DH
New:
Pre-order Photopass CD - waiting for the rest of the $ to arrive from the group

Last week: (2/17 – 2/23)
• Pedicure
• Chiropractor
• Haircuts
• Print entertainment schedules from Steve Soares site or put key times in phone
• Get Quarters
• Park hours in phone
• TGM viewing spots in phone - DONE from last year
• Check weather – started peeking...
• Remind school about kids missing days
• Final laundry/packing
• Print grocery list
• Charge everything
• Southwest online check-in
• Clean house/change sheets
• Finalize rental car
• Pay Bills/check online banking
• Program addresses into GPS
• Clean Frog Tank
• Stop Mail & Paper

I feel like I'm doing pretty well. I took advantage of a quiet day Monday and got everything for the giant pile that was accumulating in my bedroom into individual suitcases. I feel very organized now.

I'll be back tomorrow with some dancing & my traditional "in two weeks" update.

 

[Charleston Princess]

What a stinker about the week you wanted being blacked out. Hopefully another deal will come along.

You are getting more and more checked off your lists! Awesome!

Woo hoo for two weeks until vacation!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Too bad about the blackout dates....bummer.

Your lists look amazing...so many DONE's is always a good feeling! Two weeks....

 

[mousescrapper]

I LOVE BLT! My DBF and I stayed there in Jan. over our marathon weekend and it's absolutely amazing! The locations is awesome being so close to MK and still able to use the monorail and the rooms are really nice! There's some pics of our studio in my TR (the links in my signature)

don't mean to highjack...but Amy loves me

so Miss 20thingamabobs...what do you think of the studios at BLT? have a trip booked there in Oct. stayed just past Nov in 2 BR but this time it's just DH & I going....thanks


Amy...sorry again about the blackout...and my brain is spinning w/ how you think about the next trips....LOVE IT!


can't believe you are coming up on 2 weeks...crazy!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Ugh about that blackout date... love that you were putting down a secret deposit. Fingers crossed it still works out.

Two weeks!! Wow and as always, I'm so impressed with your organization. You're in great shape!

 

[carissanboys]

I'm secretly hoping to plan a November trip as well....sshhhhhh. It is SO tentative and would include only a DTD trip, not a park trip. Jeff wants to take the boys on the 4 night Bahamas cruise we went on last May. We are looking at MAYBE doing it during Thanksgiving. It will really depend on no major unexpected expenses and a lot of willpower and saving on our part. Our last trips have depended on a big bonus and tax refund in March and that won't be available this time. I am not telling the kids it's even a possibility and am trying not to get excited. See how that's working out??

Fingers crossed for you too Missy! I'd love to go on a cruise right about now.

Here's a 2 week dance, Amy!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Congrats on the "mystery trip" and whatever will come of it!!! Regardless where you end up staying, it will be great. I hope this upcoming trip really gets your DH on board with it!

And whoaaaaaaaa! You've gotten a ton done!!! I have gotten a few things off my list, but nothing like you! I'm totally impressed!

We are at 16 days today, I just can't believe it!

 

[DisMomAmy]

What a stinker about the week you wanted being blacked out. Hopefully another deal will come along.

You are getting more and more checked off your lists! Awesome!

Woo hoo for two weeks until vacation!

There seem to be a lot of deals out there to be had if you grab them when they come out... We weren't really ready to commit yet so this just buys some time.

Too bad about the blackout dates....bummer.

Your lists look amazing...so many DONE's is always a good feeling! Two weeks....

Yes - a bit of a bummer, but it will work out if it was meant to be.

I'm feeling good about my to do list.

don't mean to highjack...but Amy loves me

so Miss 20thingamabobs...what do you think of the studios at BLT? have a trip booked there in Oct. stayed just past Nov in 2 BR but this time it's just DH & I going....thanks


Amy...sorry again about the blackout...and my brain is spinning w/ how you think about the next trips....LOVE IT!


can't believe you are coming up on 2 weeks...crazy!

Yes - I love you Julie - highjack any time.

I think I have a problem - one trip approaches and I start to feel the need to plan another!

Ugh about that blackout date... love that you were putting down a secret deposit. Fingers crossed it still works out.

Two weeks!! Wow and as always, I'm so impressed with your organization. You're in great shape!

"Secret Deposit" - funny, huh? I cracked myself up with that one.

Fingers crossed for you too Missy! I'd love to go on a cruise right about now.

Here's a 2 week dance, Amy!

Thanks Carissa!!! I can't believe it's getting so close!

Congrats on the "mystery trip" and whatever will come of it!!! Regardless where you end up staying, it will be great. I hope this upcoming trip really gets your DH on board with it!

And whoaaaaaaaa! You've gotten a ton done!!! I have gotten a few things off my list, but nothing like you! I'm totally impressed!

We are at 16 days today, I just can't believe it!

Better get your butt moving lady! It seems like the next two weeks will drag by, but it will be here before you know it! Aren't you one of those people who just packs carry-ons? I don't know how you do it with a toddler! I'll be impressed with myself if we keep our bag count under ten!

 

[DisMomAmy]

It's been a super crazy day today but I finally made it here to celebrate!! I'm so happy they have WiFi at karate!!

Two weeks from today... We'll be in Florida!!

We'll be flying from Manchester to Tampa on the 24th then driving for about an hour to Tim's brother's house. I can't wait to see Jeff, Karen & the kids. The boys are even more excited! Maybe we'll be at the pool watching the boys swim, maybe we'll just be hanging out. Wherever we are, we'll be on vacation!

I got a few more things done on my to do list today... I picked up my new Vera. I got some more body glide at Dick's Sporting Goods, found a nice Vera thermal cover for my straightening iron (thanks for the tip Rachael), picked up some more melatonin to keep everyone sleeping well and grabbed a birthday gift for a party Zach has to attend next Saturday. (Go figure - he gets another party invitation, for next Sunday, in the mail today... so I guess I have to put that back on my list!)

Of course this wouldn't be a DisMomAmy PTR without an update on the weather!

The first day of our trip is included in the accuweather 15 day forecast. For now, they are saying we can expect a high of 73 and a low of 55. Sounds just about perfect to me. With the exception of two days that the highs only reached 64 & 59, the highs have been in the 70s & 80s so far this month.

Tune in tomorrow to hear about day two!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Of course this wouldn't be a DisMomAmy PTR without an update on the weather!

Makes it easy for me....I can just read about the weather here!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Personally, I LOVE the weather reports! They take me away to a place where you can walk outside without your toes freezing instantly and the wind making breathing nearly impossible! Weather forecast here....TOO COLD!

 

[Charleston Princess]

You know I enjoy the weather reports! Sounds like heavenly weather for your trip! I have a serious craving for warm weather!

Your first day sounds great -- hanging with Jeff and Karen in sunny Florida will be the perfect kick off!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Makes it easy for me....I can just read about the weather here!

Personally, I LOVE the weather reports! They take me away to a place where you can walk outside without your toes freezing instantly and the wind making breathing nearly impossible! Weather forecast here....TOO COLD!

I was loving the below zero temps this morning! Ok it wasn't exactly below zero here but much of NH was. I think the thermometer in my car said 8.

You know I enjoy the weather reports! Sounds like heavenly weather for your trip! I have a serious craving for warm weather!

Your first day sounds great -- hanging with Jeff and Karen in sunny Florida will be the perfect kick off!

I can't wait to get out of this frozen ice world... we've had so much snow, then we had a little bit of melting & now we're in the deep freeze so all of the snow banks are like giant chunks of ice. It's awful! And of course, most of the snow looks all brown and disgusting now. How can snow be so pretty when it falls & turn so ugly once it's been around a while.

 

[mousescrapper]

I am not reading your weather reports