HELLO ? MICKEY? ARE YOU THERE?It's me again, and again, and again.....TR STARTED 6/3

[stace208]

Hi Michelle,
I'm a little late...I didn't realize you had started your PTR!

You're lucky like me with two trips coming up! Your girls are beautiful and Reid is a cutie.

I think you'll have a blast in your one room. I have fond memories of staying all piled up with cousins and such on family vacations to the beach and lake.

I think you will like Sci-Fi. We ate there in June and it's fun. Burger was good and my DH had the salad-beef and blue? I think-that he said was really good too!!

Love that memo board!!!

 

[MHTeacher]

Oops!! I thought you said you did scrapbooking!! I am sorry--I popped on during a break from studying and probably ended up transposing information from one PTR I had just read to yours! So sorry!!

POR: Thanks for the feedback. It is not my first choice but I think it will be pretty nice. We should be in AB since we requested the trundle for DD. With three adults, it is where we should be assigned anyways.

That's ok---sometimes all my PTRs and TRs run together, and I have to go back to check something. I'm too old to keep it all straight!

POR will work fine for this trip---it's not my first choice either, but I'm just going to have a fun trip with my sister and our kids.

Love the memo board!!

We've eaten at Sci Fi twice out of three trips. We just love the atmosphere. I've heard complaints about the food, but we stick to burgers and think they're delicious.

Thanks Carissa!

I've heard complaints about the food at Sci-Fi too, which is the main reason we've never tried it. I've looked at the menu, and I think that we'll stick to the burgers as well!

Hi Michelle,
I'm a little late...I didn't realize you had started your PTR!

You're lucky like me with two trips coming up! Your girls are beautiful and Reid is a cutie.

I think you'll have a blast in your one room. I have fond memories of staying all piled up with cousins and such on family vacations to the beach and lake.

I think you will like Sci-Fi. We ate there in June and it's fun. Burger was good and my DH had the salad-beef and blue? I think-that he said was really good too!!

Love that memo board!!!

Hi Stacy-- Two trips in one year is pretty exciting, isn't it?

I hope we'll like Sci-Fi. I decided to try it on this trip, because it will just be the girls and me, so if we hate it, it won't have cost as much money---Isn't that terrible? If we like it, we'll try for a reservation again in May, so Kevin and Reid can enjoy it as well!

 

[MHTeacher]

Trip # 2---The Who, What, When, Where, and Why

So, I’ve already told you a little background on Trip #1 for the PTR. That trip will include me, Elizabeth, and Rachel. My sister, Kelly, and her two children, Reese and Meg, will be joining us.

Trip #2 will be the annual family vacation. We may take a few other short trips throughout the year, (like the beach, or a long weekend in the mountains), but this will be the big one for the year.
Trip # 2 will be the last trip on our APs. As of now, Budgeting-Party-Pooping DH says we are not renewing them. We’ll see…….

Who is going on this trip?

Me (Michelle, 42) ---I am a teacher who loves to read (loved all the Twilight series, Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks), and loves to run (training to run the ½ marathon at Disney next January, hopefully). It goes without saying that I love all things Disney. Since we took our girls for the first time in 2001, I have been addicted to planning and carrying out great Disney vacations. DH says I should just plan other peoples’ trips because it would be A LOT cheaper, and I’d still get the DisneyRush!

BTW, I love that picture of Kevin and me, but my vanity takes over, and I must tell you that I was 35 lbs. heavier in that picture than I am now…..still working on that last 20!


DH (Kevin, 44)—Kevin works as a Human Resources Manager for an office furniture manufacturer. We were college sweethearts, and will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary on May 18th of this year. He loves piddling on old cars. He bought a ’69 Pontiac Firebird about 14 years ago and spent the next 4-5 years completely restoring it. He loves Alabama football, maybe more than me, and considers himself the “Grill Master” at all our tailgating events! He tolerates my love of Disney, but seems to have more fun than anyone while we’re there! Here he is this past summer with his two girls.

DD#1(Elizabeth, 16)—Elizabeth is MY child. I say this, because she has all my obsessive, compulsive tendencies. She loves to make a list and check it off- very organized. She is a sophomore in high school, and just got her driver’s license. She turned 16 between Christmas and New Years. (Some of you read about that experience in my trip report.) Elizabeth is my Vera Bradley fanatic. She likes to…..Well, really all she likes to do now, is DRIVE!

DD#2 (Rachel 13, but will be 14, when we make this trip)—Rachel is my happy-go-lucky child. We laugh because she is that typical youngest child. Unlike her worrying older sister, Rachel just be-bops around happy with life. She is so unorganized, it drives me crazy! But, hey, she’s having fun! She is in the 8th grade and a cheerleader who loves life.

DS (Reid, 7) ---Reid is my nephew, who lives with us. He is my youngest sister’s child, but she decided over three years ago that she just didn’t need the responsibility of raising a child. She sees him about every couple of weeks or so. He calls me “Mom” and calls Kevin “Dad”. He loves Elizabeth and Rachel, but they can all fight just like brothers and sisters! He is in first grade and is very smart. Having grown up with two sisters, myself, and then having two girls, a boy is an enlightening experience!

Continued in next post

 

[MHTeacher]

We love to go to Disneyworld and we have made several trips together: May 2001, July 2003, November/December 2005, March 2007, and May 2007 were made as a family of four. Reid’s first trip with us was in September 2008, when we enjoyed some free dining! The five of us returned in May 2009 and December 2009.

May, 2007:

September 2008: (Reid’s first trip)

May 2009:

December, 2009:

Continued in next post

 

[MHTeacher]

We love Alabama football at our house. We have had season tickets for almost 10 years, so Saturdays during September-December are busy at our house!

We also like to go to the beach (Gulf Shores, AL), since the grandparents have a time-share there.

What are we doing?

We’re going to Disney!

When are we going? May 22-29, 2010

Our last day of school will be May 21. Actually the two younger children and I will finish up on Thursday, May 20. My high-schooler, Elizabeth, will have to return that Friday morning to take her last final exam. (They are not allowed to exempt any exams---the school says it’s good practice for college, where you don’t get to exempt finals!) So the plan is to leave that afternoon and drive to Tallahassee. Kevin spends at least one week a month traveling for his job, so he always earns Marriott reward points. We will use some reward points to stay overnight in Tallahassee. Hopefully we will be up and on the road by 9 a.m., and should arrive at Disney by lunch.

Where, oh Where will we be staying?

That is the big question---- I received a 30%-35%-40% PIN resort code before December that included our dates for May. So I was looking at a deluxe for 40% off. Then, the AP room-only-rates came out and they beat the PIN! At a deluxe, 1-3 nights is 42% discount; 4+ nights increases the discount to 45%. So forget the PIN code, I’m using the AP rate. I have pages upon pages of scenarios priced out in my “Disney Notebook”---split stays with 2 nights here and 5 nights there; all 7 nights at one place; splitting it with 3 nights/4 nights.
On previous trips, we have stayed at All Star Sports (first trip), Coronado Springs, Port Orleans-Riverside, Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian, and Yacht Club. The Poly is my all time favorite, followed by WL and YC running a close 2nd and 3rd. I know with the great discount, and already having the big expense of tickets taken care of, some would say, “Stay at the Grand Floridian.” In truth, the idea’s just never appealed to me. I think it’s a beautiful resort, but maybe just not “us”. I really love the idea of trying out some new resorts, but by having 5 in our family, we’re really limited by what we can try. Right now, I’m leaning toward ---------the Contemporary. The rehabbed rooms look gorgeous! A split stay with the Cont. and Beach or Yacht Club is also a possibility. Decisions, decisions…….


***DECISION MADE (2/3)THE ROOM'S BOOKED---CONTEMPORARY***

***DECISION CHANGED (3/12)---BEACH CLUB***


Even though we belong to the Tables in Wonderland dining discount program for passholders, I have been considering buying the dining plan for this trip. I’ve been running those numbers---prices for the meals I have scheduled with our discount/ counter services we will be buying/snacks we would typically purchase. I’ve got to compare it with the numbers for the DP. This could have some effect on what resort we choose, and if we do a split stay.

Why take this trip?

Well, because it’s Summertime--- School’s out ---scream and shout … OH, SORRY…I GET A LITTLE CARRIED AWAY! As I mentioned earlier, as well, our APs will expire at the first of June. Since we still have such a big expense of our vacation already taken care of, it just makes sense to vacation at Disney again. That makes it sound like, “Oh well, if I have to go to Disney, I WILL…..” ---very Eeyore”ish”. Really, I’m feeling like this…..

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Waaaay behind but here and joining up, now needing to get all caught up!

 

[disneylovin24]

How nice of you to take in your nephew That was really a selfless act

I agree with you about the Grand Floridian. We stayed there for half of our trip in 2004 because we have a friend there who got us a 50% discount. Don't get me wrong, it was really nice and the MK view was the best, but it did not fit my family at all. We're loud, average people and sometimes we did actually get stares from the more upper class guests

I think a split stay between Cont. and BC sounds wonderful to me. Alittle bit of time at a MK resort and alittle time at an EPCOT resort.

 

[carissanboys]

Michelle! There is no HOPEFULLY!! You will be running in the half-marathon with me!!

That is a lovely photo of you and your husband.

Yay for college football!! I wish I had a team to root for, but UMaine isn't really one of those great teams.

 

[WizardLarz]

I'm like you. I had at least four pages of pricing. The full package with the Gift Card vs room only and adding on. Maybe Disney should do like Priceline, you tell them how many days you want and a Price point. Then they show options availible. Most likely will never happen, we're gonna have to do all the work ourself.

Then after I did all that work and deciding on a BWV/ POFQ split. Someone on the boards ask if I was renting points. So! I check that out and now I'm going to be staying BWV for the full trip 11days/10 nights!

 

[MeMom]

Why take this trip?

Well, because it’s Summertime--- School’s out ---scream and shout … OH, SORRY…I GET A LITTLE CARRIED AWAY! As I mentioned earlier, as well, our APs will expire at the first of June. Since we still have such a big expense of our vacation already taken care of, it just makes sense to vacation at Disney again. That makes it sound like, “Oh well, if I have to go to Disney, I WILL…..” ---very Eeyore”ish”. Really, I’m feeling like this…..

Any reason will do, but school being out is a great reason! Any of those resort choices will be wonderful.

I will enjoy seeing your trip pictures all through June as we wait to go.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Woo Hoo! For trip #2!!

I too just want to say how wonderful I think it is that you and your DH took in your nephew - he sure is a cutie too!

I think for the resort I'd either go with the Contemporary, to be on the monorail OR with the Beach or Yacht Club for Stormalong Bay & to be within walking distance to Epcot. It may be no big deal for you, but I don't think I'd want to do a split stay - I'd hate to have to repack, move, unpack & then pack again at the end of the trip. That's just me though, I know a lot of people do it!

Whatever you chose to do, I'm sure you'll have an amazing time!!!

 

[MaryAz]

Oy page 7-where have I been??? Going back to read!
All caught up-what a gorgeous family! I like how like us you have one daughter with darker skin and hair and one that is lighter. Your nephew is also so cute.
2 trips fun, fun. I would vote for BC for the May trip and a meet.

 

[jeepgirl30]

Just joining but can't wait for updates. What a truly beautiful family you and so creative!

 

[stace208]

Decisions, decisions...but Disney decisions so they are fun!!

I'm with you on the Grand Floridian. I think it is "Gaw-jus" but just not for my family at this point. We loved, loved the Poly last June and also loved BC when we stayed there. I am not a fan of split stays but I know many do them and like getting the chance to stay different places. I'm not sure you could go wrong in anything you pick!!

 

[ladybugmom]

ROLL TIDE!! Love the last update--especially since you'll be there when we are! Oooh--and I saw a pic of Kevin in a DISNEY shirt--didn't realize he wore anything but BAMA?! I think you should stay at the Poly again but that's just me!! You have a beautiful family!! And WTG on losing all of that weight! I tried running (Couch to 5K) last year but hurt my foot the 2nd day! I was too scared to try it again b/c I wanted to be able to walk when we got to WDW!! I guess it's just not for me. Can't wait to read more!!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

I'm so intrigued to find out what resort you end up choosing for trip #2! For me, that's always the hardest - yet most exciting - part. I too have the pages and pages of pricing For our last trip I had so many speadsheets I lost count!

And I completely agree with the other posters about how wonderful it is of you and your DH to raise Reid. He's really lucky to have family like you!

 

[MHTeacher]

Waaaay behind but here and joining up, now needing to get all caught up!

That's ok, Anita----You have a lot to keep up with, what with your 74 page TR, and don't forget.....your upcoming spring break trip! Glad you were able to drop in and catch up!

How nice of you to take in your nephew That was really a selfless act

I agree with you about the Grand Floridian. We stayed there for half of our trip in 2004 because we have a friend there who got us a 50% discount. Don't get me wrong, it was really nice and the MK view was the best, but it did not fit my family at all. We're loud, average people and sometimes we did actually get stares from the more upper class guests

I think a split stay between Cont. and BC sounds wonderful to me. Alittle bit of time at a MK resort and alittle time at an EPCOT resort.

Thanks!

about being loud, average people.....This weekend, Rachel had spent the night with a friend . I picked her up at their grandmother's house, because their entire family was there for a birthday party. Rachel told me that one of the aunts there said, "Rachel, just ignore our family...We're really loud!" Rachel told me that she said, "Oh, don't worry...our family is really loud too!!"

Michelle! There is no HOPEFULLY!! You will be running in the half-marathon with me!!

That is a lovely photo of you and your husband.

Yay for college football!! I wish I had a team to root for, but UMaine isn't really one of those great teams.

OK---YES, I WILL BE RUNNING THE 1/2 MARATHON!

I never really thought about, but now that you mention it, I can't think of a football team from Maine..... Oh well, we do live in the south, and football is right up there with church! You must swear allegiance to either Auburn (BOO!) or Alabama thumbsup2) before you are allowed to leave the hospital as a baby!

 

[MHTeacher]

I'm like you. I had at least four pages of pricing. The full package with the Gift Card vs room only and adding on. Maybe Disney should do like Priceline, you tell them how many days you want and a Price point. Then they show options availible. Most likely will never happen, we're gonna have to do all the work ourself.

Then after I did all that work and deciding on a BWV/ POFQ split. Someone on the boards ask if I was renting points. So! I check that out and now I'm going to be staying BWV for the full trip 11days/10 nights!

I know...Isn't it crazy?

BWV sounds fabulous and wow,...11 days?

Any reason will do, but school being out is a great reason! Any of those resort choices will be wonderful.

I will enjoy seeing your trip pictures all through June as we wait to go.

Yeah for school being out! It seems like Jan-first of March takes so long. Do you feel the same way? I've had a really rough year this school year. Had a class change that I wasn't really too happy with, but wasn't given a choice (take this change, or don't have a job! ) So, I'm really ready for this year to end, and hopefully get my sixth-graders back!

I promise to take lots of pictures....Still looking to buy a new camera before my March trip!

Woo Hoo! For trip #2!!

I too just want to say how wonderful I think it is that you and your DH took in your nephew - he sure is a cutie too!

I think for the resort I'd either go with the Contemporary, to be on the monorail OR with the Beach or Yacht Club for Stormalong Bay & to be within walking distance to Epcot. It may be no big deal for you, but I don't think I'd want to do a split stay - I'd hate to have to repack, move, unpack & then pack again at the end of the trip. That's just me though, I know a lot of people do it!

Whatever you chose to do, I'm sure you'll have an amazing time!!!

Thanks, Michelle. There are days I wonder why I'm doing this. Sometimes I think I'm too old to be raising a 7 year old VERY ACTIVE boy. But we do love him, and want the best for him.

We've done a split stay a few times...Last May, we stayed at POR for two nights, before moving over to the Poly for the rest of the week. I really don't mind the moving, especially if we drive, and have our own car.

The two reasons you give for the Cont. and the BC or exactly the reasons I have. + We've never stayed at the Cont. so we'd like to try it out. As far as BC, we stayed at YC during our New Years trip, but didn't get in the pool. I know the kids would really enjoy it (DH and I might too! )

 

[MHTeacher]

Oy page 7-where have I been??? Going back to read!
All caught up-what a gorgeous family! I like how like us you have one daughter with darker skin and hair and one that is lighter. Your nephew is also so cute.
2 trips fun, fun. I would vote for BC for the May trip and a meet.

Yes--they LOOK different and ACT different!

Still up in the air over which resort. As of now, AP website still shows availablity for the BC and the Cont for the time we need. I just need to make a decision!

But the DIS meet sounds fantastic!

Just joining but can't wait for updates. What a truly beautiful family you and so creative!

Thanks! I am very blessed!

Decisions, decisions...but Disney decisions so they are fun!!

I'm with you on the Grand Floridian. I think it is "Gaw-jus" but just not for my family at this point. We loved, loved the Poly last June and also loved BC when we stayed there. I am not a fan of split stays but I know many do them and like getting the chance to stay different places. I'm not sure you could go wrong in anything you pick!!

"GAW-JUS" I love it!

Yes, we love the Poly, and really enjoyed the Yacht Club when we were there in December. We have done a couple of split stays (2/5) usually, and I don't really mind them. I have to make a decision this week (I've put myself on a timeline! )

 

[MHTeacher]

ROLL TIDE!! Love the last update--especially since you'll be there when we are! Oooh--and I saw a pic of Kevin in a DISNEY shirt--didn't realize he wore anything but BAMA?! I think you should stay at the Poly again but that's just me!! You have a beautiful family!! And WTG on losing all of that weight! I tried running (Couch to 5K) last year but hurt my foot the 2nd day! I was too scared to try it again b/c I wanted to be able to walk when we got to WDW!! I guess it's just not for me. Can't wait to read more!!

Yes, Becky, Kevin does have a few other things, besides Bama shirts! (One WDW shirt, and then shirts for church, when he wears his Bama ties! )

Please don't hurt yourself---I want you to be able to walk at WDW as well!

AND...don't think I haven't thought about the Poly....Sometimes, I hear it calling my name, "Michelle....Come to the Volcano Pool....Tokelau needs you now! "

I'm so intrigued to find out what resort you end up choosing for trip #2! For me, that's always the hardest - yet most exciting - part. I too have the pages and pages of pricing For our last trip I had so many speadsheets I lost count!

And I completely agree with the other posters about how wonderful it is of you and your DH to raise Reid. He's really lucky to have family like you!

Thanks Courtney, that's very sweet of you to say! A lady I work with once told me that when my girls are older, they will be able to see it as an example of unselfish love. I hope so.

I'm drowning in spreadsheets (since I'm not the technical CPA sort, my spreadsheets are in a spiral notebook! )