Happy Anniversary while singing in the rain @ WDW! UPDATE-PPass p.14 & BFF p.15 9/18

[JenAusty]

Hey guys! I just wanted to say that I might be going to DISNEY WORLD for Spring Break! Nothing is set in stone.. but Austin's best friend called him yesterday and told him that he wanted to go with us next time we go to Disney World. He knows how much of a disney fan I am.. and we told him the next time we were going was Jan. 2011 with my parents and brother.. he said he didn't want to barge in on a family vaca but he wanted to go sooner anyways. They said they found a deal through AAA for 3 days- with tickets for 200 in somehting. I'm not exactly sure. Austin told him when we got home that night that I would try and find us a deal. We talked about driving.. flying.. and how long to stay. We were thinking at least 5 days. But it is last minute planning, and we are trying to do it on a cheap budget. Because in Jan. 2011 I'm going again with my parents- and we are staying there longer and stuff. So.. anyways, I got online when I got home and i couldn't find that special. I did see that Disney was offering that free 2 or 3 days.. but its a little more than we wanted to spend.. but either way if we go 5 days- its 2 or 3 free days. So I'm not sure what we are doing.

I was surprised how fast DH said YES to going for Spring Break. But before he hungup- he told his friend "you know now that Jen is going to get all crazy with disney again because of you right?" hehehehe His friend said he knew how much I loved disney, loved planning, and have some experience with it so he wanted us to go together. So.. we will see.. were searching deals now.. will prob. go for about 4 days.

I'm sooooo excited but don't want to get my hopes up. I was thinking last night laying in bed- that is we do book it- then we have less than 180 days to make our dining resses.. hehe I'm already stressing. hehe But for this trip if we do go- I'm going to try and be more free and relaxed- and not so much with planning because we are going with friends, and I get to be the SUPER planner for my trip with my family.

By the way, my parents are super excited about it. They seen a thing on the travel channel that they remembered and my mom called me. hehe On Sunday, we went over there for dinner- and my mom was talking about the rides they remembered and stuff my brother said. It made me excited and happy for that to.

I have to go for now but I do want to try and post an update by this weekend!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Hey guys! I just wanted to say that I might be going to DISNEY WORLD for Spring Break! Nothing is set in stone.. but Austin's best friend called him yesterday and told him that he wanted to go with us next time we go to Disney World. He knows how much of a disney fan I am.. and we told him the next time we were going was Jan. 2011 with my parents and brother.. he said he didn't want to barge in on a family vaca but he wanted to go sooner anyways. They said they found a deal through AAA for 3 days- with tickets for 200 in somehting. I'm not exactly sure. Austin told him when we got home that night that I would try and find us a deal. We talked about driving.. flying.. and how long to stay. We were thinking at least 5 days. But it is last minute planning, and we are trying to do it on a cheap budget. Because in Jan. 2011 I'm going again with my parents- and we are staying there longer and stuff. So.. anyways, I got online when I got home and i couldn't find that special. I did see that Disney was offering that free 2 or 3 days.. but its a little more than we wanted to spend.. but either way if we go 5 days- its 2 or 3 free days. So I'm not sure what we are doing.

I was surprised how fast DH said YES to going for Spring Break. But before he hungup- he told his friend "you know now that Jen is going to get all crazy with disney again because of you right?" hehehehe His friend said he knew how much I loved disney, loved planning, and have some experience with it so he wanted us to go together. So.. we will see.. were searching deals now.. will prob. go for about 4 days.

I'm sooooo excited but don't want to get my hopes up. I was thinking last night laying in bed- that is we do book it- then we have less than 180 days to make our dining resses.. hehe I'm already stressing. hehe But for this trip if we do go- I'm going to try and be more free and relaxed- and not so much with planning because we are going with friends, and I get to be the SUPER planner for my trip with my family.

By the way, my parents are super excited about it. They seen a thing on the travel channel that they remembered and my mom called me. hehe On Sunday, we went over there for dinner- and my mom was talking about the rides they remembered and stuff my brother said. It made me excited and happy for that to.

I have to go for now but I do want to try and post an update by this weekend!

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!
Keeping everything crossed for you!! Hope we hear some good news soon!!! How fun would that be?!!! SOOO jealous, keep us posted!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Pixie dust for a possible spring break trip! That would be fantastic!

 

[JenAusty]

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!
Keeping everything crossed for you!! Hope we hear some good news soon!!! How fun would that be?!!! SOOO jealous, keep us posted!!!

Pixie dust for a possible spring break trip! That would be fantastic!

Thank you! While the news has changed a little.. there still is a trip in thoughts.. soo it might still be working.

 

[JenAusty]

Ok first off- Spring Break- well sadly, I'll say that it has changed a little bit. DH's friend and GF are super fans of Harry Potter- and they really want to go to Universal Studios(traders..hehe), and the new Harry Potter land.. I don't have much info on it. Although, i'm not the biggest fan or HP- that would still be pretty awesome.

So.. idk if they were thinking the HP was at disney or not.. or maybe they changed there mind after.idk. But they still want us to vaca together on SB. Soo.. they want us to go to FL stay offsite (no on US land), go the US, and to the Harry Potter thingy.. and do that instead. At first i was a little disappointed as I wanted to go to WDW soooo very bad. BUT I was also excited to finally go back to Universal because the last time I went there I was in 4th grade- and I've really missed some of the rides and have always wanted to go back but never wanted to rent a car while there, or didn't go to the Orlando area. I'm not even sure if any or all of theres rides are still there- ET (personal most favorite there), Back to the Future, Jaws, King Kong- I believe. I've always talked about them with Austin and so he has wanted to go there as well. I also think that staying offsite gives us more choices on vaca packages and things for cheapness, and to explore outside of WDW, even though it will be very very hard. But I've heard there are a lot of cool things to go to in Orlando- such as shopping, or the themed dinner shows.. sort of close- the ocean. So I'll keep you posted. At least i'm going to florida.. hopefully. Thats a smile in itself.


The next thing. For one of my senior class- communication classes I am thinking about doing a research paper/presentation on the disboards- in terms of social penetration theory and the media.. basically focusing on the relationships created, the intimacy- breadth and depth of information, the commitment we have, and stuff like that- and I was curious if I did choose to do this- if you would take part in a survey I create, or questionaires? Just so you know- I won't need any of your personal info such as name or address- I'll just use your Dis ID, and I actually really won't need to use that for the research paper- I will just need to use answers and things- it also won't be personal questions. If you guys are interested please let me know.

Ok- this weekend goal-disney update on trip!! Sorry i have been slacking on posting comments- I promise I will soon!

 

[tinkgurl]

Oooh I hope you go to WDW for SB! When would the dates be? That would be awesome if we were there the same time! Tell those traiters you have to go to WDW!

I am definately interested in answering questions for your research paper/presentation! Ask away!

 

[mebbradley]

I've loved reading this! Can't wait for more posts!

 

[JenAusty]

Hello Everyone. I just wanted to let you know. I have created a survey for my research topic on disboards and the friendships created. Please take time (if you'd like to) to fill out the survey. You can either post the answers back on here, send them in a message, or email me at jenausty@gmail.com. Either email with work. Please -if you email me- include your username. I do not need your real name, or any personal information. For privacy reasons I'm only going to use disboard usernames. If you have any questions- or don't understand them- please ask. I'll clarify. Also, the more information you give- the more helper it will be for my paper. so if I ask you a question and you want to add more to the answer- then yes or no- please do include it. Again, thanks for all that take part in my research.

As for an update- I have soo many cute, good little things to share. I've just been busy with papers, and research, and working, and lesson plans, and COE meetings. Which reminds me- did I even tell you guys I got accepted into the College of Education at school?!! If not- I DID!! And at the introduction meeting- they shared how this program is known around the world- and many states recruit from their graduates. which is sweeet! I knew it was a great program- but I didn't realize how great.

Ok, here if the questions.

Survey- This study focuses on the Social Penetration Theory and Media Ecology in Communication studies- if you are interested where my study is based.

1.What is the main reason you post on disboards? A. WDW vacation information B. Friendships created. C. To share my love of Disney World with other fellow Disney fans.

2.Do you feel comfortable disclosing personal information about yourself on disboards?

3.If yes, what’s the deepest layer of disclosure (Choose a number or specify): 1. generalizations about yourself (college student etc), 2. Preferences (things you like, pets you have, sports), 3. Goals & Aspirations (life goals, your career goals), 4. Fears/Fantasies/Religious Convictions- Religious beliefs, abortion beliefs, what you’re scared of, financial problems), 5.Concept of Self- your true self- basically you feel comfortable revealing everything about yourself.

a. Do you think it depends on the subjects and context? If you feel it varies and there are certain things you can talk about in deeper layers then others- please share.

4.Do you use any other blog/forum website as often at disboards to share reports and create friendships?

5.Do you feel that the friendships you’ve created on disboards are “real” friendships?

6.Do you feel a type of commitment or dependence with your friends on disboards? (Referring to the ones you associate with often). (For example, if it’s been a while and you haven’t been able to update your trip report or post on others reports- do you feel bad for not doing so, or feel like your neglecting those friendships?)


7.Do you feel the friendships created on the disboards are stronger than most blogs because of the core idea that brought us together (the love of Disney/Disney vacations)? (I know you all want to answer yes because we all love Disney, but please be serious with your answer.)



If I think of any other questions along the way- I will post them. Thanks again for your time- this is really creating a one of kind research paper and I'm extremely excited.
Once I have all your answers- I'll post the results at well.

 

[JenAusty]

Finally an UPDATE!!

First off I want to share a few things that have been going on WDW related.
-So about 2 weeks ago, my parents came up to visit for the day and we ended up talking about DW. I decided to show them different hotels that we could choose from. We are going to leave it at Value or Moderate. (Just so you guys know this is discussion about the family trip in Jan. 2011.) I know its far away but its the first WDW trip that is actually onsite and all out disney. So its going to take a lot of time and info planning this explaining it to my family. I think we ended up going with the Value resorts because my dad said "It will be cheaper for your brother and his GF to save and pay for it" and "Does it really matter- we will only be sleeping here" hehe Which is a common comment from many people. I actually like the Value resorts so I don't care.
But I've noticed I actually spend more time at the resort then expected. So its good to like the Food Court, pool area, and comfy beds. So I went on disneyworld.com and showed them pics of the resorts. They pretty much liked them all and when I asked which one they preferred because I told them I want them to choose- or at least help because its there first time, Austin and I have already stayed onsite, and it will be fun to have someone choose stuff with me. Of course guess what they said?! "It doesn't matter- we don't care" PFFFFF~ YES it does matter. So then I asked them what they liked about certain resorts. And I believe we made the decision on ASMovies because of the Dalmatian section, and the food court is pretty good. It was a lot of fun planning this with them. I think sometimes they get overwhelmed because I'll go off on these 10 min long speeches about things. I'm not trying to scare them away- just share my love is all. hehe I know one thing, they are in for a big surprise when the time comes. I don't think they realize just how big it is or how much there is to do. My parents and bro have only been to MK and that was on the 90s.

I know this isn't a PTR but until I start one, I want to share my joys, excitement, ideas, and so forth with you guys as I finish my TR.. if I ever finish it! hehe I hope you guys don't mind.

As for Spring Break (Mar. 5th- 14th timespan) We are still planning this. Today I talked to DH best friend on the phone. They want to go on a cruise. But also want to do something affordable so we can stay in FL as long as we can. With it being during SB time, flight is more expensive and so it accommodations. DH said that he wanted us to go to DW for a few nights at least alone- (see told you he is becoming quite the disney fan ), if they don't want to go. But it stinks cause right now Disney is offering the buy 4 get 3 deal and if we do that- then we are stuck there the whole time- which is bad but I don't think his BF wants to do that the whole time. The other thing is that we don't want to spend that much money- because he get more then basic tickets, and usually get dining plan. So it adds up. But if we only book like 4 nights- its the same price- after the deal is up. So who knows. We might go to a different area in FL. I'll let you know of updates.

Also, I ordered my family the Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2010 book for Christmas. I wanted to get them the 2011 but it doesn't come out for a while. I know its early, but I figured it will be helpful when we are planning our days, our dining choices, and as they get time throughout the months they can read up on it- to give them something to look forward to. I told my bro- that he was in for it with our planning and little things I do for disney trips. hehe

OK TR TIME!!!

Day 3 Continued...

When I left off, we had just finished riding Toy Story. Which we loved. To bad the line is so long- I could ride that like 100 more times. hehe

As this point, we had waited as long as we could- we were starving. It was still early- prob. 12:45am- but we didn't want anything sweet-we wanted lunch. So we decided to head towards Toy Story Pizza- which I will remind you that Austin chose this one. He had to eat here because it was from Toy Story.

As we walked over there- of course I snapped many random pics. I wanted to make sure I got a lot from this trip.

I was sooo excited when I seen this. Because I have a soft spot for the Muppets. I grew up watching them.

When we arrived- we were excited because this was another new place to eat.

But as we entered we realized it was really empty- so empty that maybe possbly it wasn't open yet. So we walked over to the counter and sure enough we have like 45 mins to wait.

DH was instantly mad because "he was hungry now" hehe yeah, and so was I! hehe So we decided to waste some time playing some of the games, and we also took a picture at one of those booths. I'll share the picture at the end with the calendar pics.

Me trying this foreign dance dance revolution.. yeah I was pretty bad.

I took a few pics of the front- taking advantage of the lack of people. hehe

We got bored really quick with the arcade- time just wasn't passing by enough and all we could think about was food. So we decided to walk around and check out our dinner location for another day. and whatever else came our way.

Mama Melrose!! Which I found out later that I really loved this place.I'll share more later.

Some more of the Muppets-

 

[JenAusty]

Some more of the Muppets-

Then SURPRISE! Some friends from Star Wars.. Which was pretty cool

and yet kind of creepy at the same time. hehe

Last stop- a little playing around in the shops- a personal favorite always.
Take 1:
Missing Austy's hat!

Take 2: Little better I suppose..

Now it was finally time to EATTT!
When we got back, even though they still weren't open- it was a few mins away and there was already a line. Not to bad though, I think we were third to order.
Austin ordered the personal pepperoni pizza-with a salad and ranch on the side

and I was feeling like something light and healthy- and a salad with melon sounded yummy- I got the "Pizza Planet Chicken Salad - Mixed greens, grilled chicken breast, cantaloupe, cucumber, red onion, tomato, green peas, fresh basil and balsamic vinaigrette"

and we both got the Mickey's Rice Crispy Treat! Which was very fresh and yummy.

I actually saved mine for later.

As for the salad, although it looks pretty good- I was kind of disappointed with the amount of cataloupe that I got. The dressing was good- but it seemed kind of skimpy. As for the pizza- Austin said it was good but it wasn't the best and it didn't fill him up. After his salad and treat- he was still hungry and had to go buy more food. This place was the biggest disappointment so far. It wasn't disgusting, I just felt it wasn't good for a meal credit especially compared to Sunshine Seasons and many others. I guess I would suggest it for people with families for a time to take a breather- in the air and let the kids play. And the menu is pretty basic and good for kids.

Next up, Muppet Vision 3-D, more random pics, hotel arcade fun and how Austy kicked my butt at air hockey, and then dinner at Biergarten!

 

[tinkgurl]

I love Pizza Planet!

Oooh yummy Mama Melrose!

 

[JenAusty]

When I left off, We had just finished eating at Toy Story Pizza Planet. After ate, we didn't really know what we wanted to do. I think the lack of sleep and constantly running around was getting to us. And of the random rain that kept showing up. As this morning/afternoon went by we had already had 2 surprise down pours and it wasn't looking good. Of course, as we leave from eating it starts sprinkling- we decided to do Backlot Tour- because we thought it was inside.

Of course I took random pics while walking with an shared umbrella. Thats why some are awkward. But I tried. hehe We walked around a lot to because we didn't know where we were going. Actually DH said he knew- but he was wrong. hehe

See how sad the sky looked.

But when we got all the way over there (Backlot Tour) we found out that it was closed because of the rain. booo.

So we quickly made another move to something else inside. hehe We headed for One Man's Dream. Which I thought was going to be kind of boring.. because it was a walk through- but idk why I thought that- it was about Walt and all the great things he did. But none-the-less we got out of the rain for a bit. And well I was greatly surprised. I actually liked this a lot. It was very interesting and inspiring. DH also like this to.

Mary Poppins!!!

After we were done there, it was of course still raining.. we tried waiting it out under the Mickey's Fantasmic hat- but after about 10 mins..my feet were soggy wearing my crocs, I was sick of the poncho.. and we decided to head back to the resort and rest up since we were tired- and hope and pray for better weather later. We enjoyed today but it seemed kind of wasted so far.
When we got back to the resort- I decided to walk through the store and get some gummies. (Which I pretty much can't live without- its my weakness besides ice cream).

Then we headed back to our room- which was always a trek. We finally found a little bit quicker way- and it kept us under the balcony when it was raining. When got back to the room- even though I was dead tired- I am just to keyed up and excited to be at Disney that I can't relax. Which is a good and bad thing. I have more excitement then my body can handle. I did lay down in the very comfy bed for about 45 mins. Couldn't fall asleep- DH played his UFC of course. I don't even have to tell you this anymore. hehe You guys should already know- any free time in the room not sleeping was UFC! hehe

Now our original plans were to go to HS for the day, the head back to room for a bit, get freshened up and go to dinner at Epcot- Biergarten. We didn't plan on spending much time at Epcot before dinner. Of course I was antsy-

The resort gave us free mins using the arcade- so we decided to take advantage of that. This arcade is pretty much the same as Toy Story, but I kind of like it a little more. idk why. I wanted to play guitar hero- but these kids were hogging it of course- and my time was running out. hehe
We each played a few little games- Austin mostly racing..

Then we decided to play eachother in Air Hockey- which kind of scares me because some how my fingers always get hit with the puck- idk why. But its still fun. And Austin and I play really competitive- but he usually always wins.
The first game we tied and the second game he won!
But it was close-8-6!

Then we decided to use our snack credit for the day. And we headed to the food court. I already knew what I wanted because I seen it tons of times being here, and on DIS before I left.
It was amazing.. by the picture it looks amazing!

We both got the brownie sundae with chocolate ice cream- whip cream and a cherry. When we got up to the counter she said the brownie sundae wasn't on the dining plan- only the sundae was a snack credit. We didn't know that- we were suppose to be charged full price or meal credit. But she said she would let it go today! Nice Cast Member! We were really happy.

Next up, our fun at Epcot, Biergarten, Austin's many beers of the world, Epcot at night and Illuminations!

 

[redlight]

I love the sundae. YAY for the sweet cast member.

 

[JenAusty]

I love the sundae. YAY for the sweet cast member.

 

[JenAusty]

Has anyone stayed at the Fort Wilderness Resort? In a Tent? In March?

Have any of you ate at any of the places at the resort?

I ask this because DH's best friends GF- suggested staying at the campground part- with tents. She figured it would be cheaper and its a great idea- cause I loveee camping. But I got to thinking- after a long tired- poss. hot day- would i want to come back to a tent- with no air, no TV, and no comfy bed. I mean an air mattress only goes so far. I'm just worried it will wear us out even more. Cause I don't sleep good in tents. But I loovvee to go camping.

Do you have any suggestions? I thought maybe if we did that- we could just stay there part of the time, and then go to value resort- or just stay at disney part of the time and go off site for the rest. (and visit other things like Universal- or Sea world- or the ocean.)

Any helpful suggestions will be thankful.

 

[tinkgurl]

I haven't stayed at FW before..but I have read TR's with people staying in the cabins there. They looked nice. Maybe you can look into them?

I have been to Hoop-Dee-Doo, but it was a long time ago..

Trail's End Buffet is so good! It's like WCC food with more options.

 

[JenAusty]

I haven't stayed at FW before..but I have read TR's with people staying in the cabins there. They looked nice. Maybe you can look into them?

I have been to Hoop-Dee-Doo, but it was a long time ago..

Trail's End Buffet is so good! It's like WCC food with more options.

Thanks- we will look into the cabins!

 

[JenAusty]

Hey Everyone, Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I just finished the semester last week and even though I thought I'd have more time- I have still been busy. I'm working more, and traveling more to see family. This morning I was going through pictures and realized I haven't shared any pics of anything in sooo long. And every time I take a picture I think "this is for the dis". hehe So I wanted to take a few steps back and share a few photos of happy memories.

This was from Sweetest Day- DH and I usually don't celebrate this holiday because DH thinks its just another Valentines Day. Which is sort of right I suppose. But this year he said, "I want to get you something". Of course life got in the way and we didn't end up buying gifts.. but I did surprise him with this delicious cake from a Patisserie near us.. which make amazing cakes. This was a chocolate strawberry cake with creamy strawberry filling in the middle. I can't remember what it was called. But it was delicious! And DH was kind of mad because he said "I told you not to get anything" and I said "We are both eating it- this is for both of us". We ate the whole thing over the weekend. hehe

This next picture is from my friend Rachel's little girls Birthday/Halloween Party. We all dressed up as something with "wings". We were all mostly fairies.. but there was also a lady bug, and a bee. It was great and everyone loved our theming. By they way, these are some of my best friends from high school. There was only 1 person from our group not there.
For some reason.. I can't find our group picture.. so here are a few of all of us. hehe
I was also sick during this, so thats why I look like crap. hehe

and at the last minute bday girl decided she wanted to be a kitty.. hehe She makes a cute kitty.

Then for Halloween, we have Austin's siblings up, they stayed over and we went trick of treating with them. I dressed up, DH didn't and I didn't even think to get him a costume because he's not the dressing up type usually.. but this year he said "I don't have anything to wear" with a sad face and I felt bad. But next year I told him I want us to be Peter and Wendy or Peter and Tink.. He said OK!! and I said "And you have to wear green tights" hehehe and he said "OK!" with a grin. hehe

(don't mind the half missing U in laugh- it was right after we moved, it broke off in the move and I forgot to fix it. Don't worry its fixed now.. hehe)

Random Picture of my sweet little Maggie Pie!

Me with a more natural dark blonde color. Which actually looks kind of brown in the pics but its not. I like it. And you guys know I like to change. This looks very natural and idk why but lately I'm really into the natural hair color look. hmm..
This is me before:

and after. I've had this color for about a month now. I like both colors.

he c

This is the cake that Austin surprised me with on my birthday! It's a mint chocolate ice cream cake with chocolate cake and whip cream frosting. It was amazinglyyy good. Mint choc. chip ice cream is my favorite and I didn't know they made ice cream cakes with different ice creams flavors like that. He bought it from a small ice cream place but I heard that other main stream ice cream places do to. Thats a great idea. He said hes not the best at baking.. and the only way to surprise me was buy it. hehe

Here is a picture of my new tree.. which I got last year but used it for the first time this year. It's pretty! And don't mind my weird-to-small-for-the-tree star. I some how lost mine and DH picked this out. I was like OMG.. but we will get a new one next year. hehe

Notice the Disney wrapping paper.. without pretty bows and ribbons because I ran out of tape..pff. I really need to go shopping.
And I haven't been able to get a pretty one when its all lit up.. the pictures are never clear. If I get one I'll share.

I tried having a theme but it never works.. right now I have mostly purple, pink, and blue bulbs but random ones we bought over the years. hehe Next year I might just do a blue tree.. we will see. I loveee blue lights. This year, I have pink, purple, blue, and 2 different mixed colors. hehe I told DH we might blow a fuse but at least our tree is pretty. hehe

Ok now I am going to catch up on your posts and then I will post an update!! Hopefully I finish everyone today! Thanks for being patient! And letting me share my life with you guys!

 

[tinkgurl]

Well thanks for sharing a life update with us!

That cake looks yuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmy!

Aw you look so cute with your wings on! Even in the pic with half the U.

Oooh, I love your hair both ways!

 

[JenAusty]

Well thanks for sharing a life update with us!

That cake looks yuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmy!

Aw you look so cute with your wings on! Even in the pic with half the U.

Oooh, I love your hair both ways!

Thanks for reading! I added another picture of a cake from bday from the post. You can check that out to if you want.

And I loveeeed my wings- they were really sparkly blue and my skirt has sparkles to. I figured you would appreciate it being a tink lover in all! hehe