Hotty Toddy, WDW almighty!

[2BusyPlanning]

After much debate (with myself, no less), I have decided to start my pre-trip report. Last time I tried this, I started 9 months before my trip and it only went 4 pages. I was slightly devastated and moderately embarrased... not really but it was a stinker!

I love the DIS, we have the best group of people here lending tons of ideas, thoughts, encouragement and friendship! My favorite subject is “food porn”! Imagine explaining that to my DH and family! The DIS makes even the “lurkers” out there want to join right in. So, that’s what I would like to do again, if I may.

Like many of you, I turn to the internet to satisfy my Disney fix. I am a wife of almost 19 years and a mother to two girls (soon-to-be 16 and 20). None of them have the fascination that I have for all things Disney. Don’t get me wrong, they like it – but I don’t think I have to explain it to you folks. Just to give you an idea… In the last year and a half I have purchased 7 different guide books for my last 2 WDW trips – and I am a WDW veteran with 30+ trips under my belt. So, I guess I’m a bit obsessed in a way.

“Hello, my name is Lydia and I have been a Walt Disney World-oholic for 33 years.”

Current Trip Planned: December 12 - 20, 2008
Pop Century (standard room)
Disney Dining Plan
8 day Base Tickets (no extras, no park hopping)
Using Disney’s Magical Express

Cast of Characters:

Me - Lydia (age 38)

• 30+ WDW trips since 1975
• Experienced 11 (out of 23) WDW resorts so far, ranging from Pop Century to the old Golf Resort
• Last trip was in Sept 2007, Coronado Springs Resort (just me and DH!)
• Former Disney Store cast member
• Lost my first tooth right before the Polynesian Luau (mother about killed me! I ate one piece of bread...)
• Been counting down for this trip since the 300th day

My DD – Mandi (age 20)

• 1st trip to WDW was in 1990, at the Polynesian
• 7 trips, 4 WDW resorts since 1990
• Last trip was in June of 2000, off-site with grandparents
• Currently a junior at the University of Mississippi, she will just be starting her winter break when we leave
• I talked her into signing up on the DIS, maybe she'll join me in this pre-trip report!

My parents - Bill & Eileen (ages 75 & 73)

• The generous folks that started my fascination with WDW and everything related to the Disney Empire
• 1st trip to WDW was also in 1975, Polynesian
• They enjoy visiting with family or just the two of them, some people don't understand why they still visit on their own
• Boy is my DM going to be disappointed when she finds out Nemo replaced Tarzan at the AK! (She met Tarzan while the kids were getting autographs... need I say more!?)
• My DFs favorite ride is still "it's a small world". Gotta love that!

Now… I do have several aspects of our trip already planned out. I will lay them out before you in upcoming posts.

*** Source of inspiration: Lazydoxy66 (Kristel). If you are out there... your pre-trip report makes me jealous and happy for you - all at once! Have a GREAT time, you deserve it after 19 years! And I felt silly starting a pre-trip report so early, but you inspired me to post 4 months early!!!

Anyone up for a whirl-wind, Disney trip with us?

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Yeah I get to be the first post!

Good on you for trying another pre-trip report. I feel it in my bones that this one is gonna be good! (Either that or it's gonna rain soon LOL.)

 

[Stitch4Prez]

Hi I'm reading your pre trip report too

 

[2BusyPlanning]

Yeah I get to be the first post!

Good on you for trying another pre-trip report. I feel it in my bones that this one is gonna be good! (Either that or it's gonna rain soon LOL.)

LOL! Well, it's about to rain here - I hope this report doesn't bore anyone too badly...

Hi I'm reading your pre trip report too

Welcome, Zack! I can't wait to see how your holiday goes with your family... you sound like a bunch of Disney veterans already! We will be going home around the time you arrive at WDW.

 

[lazydoxy66]

Ahhhh! Thanks for making me feel special.
You've got a wonderful start!
Your DM and DF should be inspiration to all of us. They must be 'go-getters' like my MIL. I hope I have half of her stamina when I reach 75.

 

[2BusyPlanning]

Ahhhh! Thanks for making me feel special.
You've got a wonderful start!
Your DM and DF should be inspiration to all of us. They must be 'go-getters' like my MIL. I hope I have half of her stamina when I reach 75.

Hi, Kristel! That's for joining me on this side of the fence! I promise to live up to the DIS name.

 

[2BusyPlanning]

So, here is what I have ready so far.

Yep, that's it. My handy, dandy LGMH from last year. Still on the same backpack I plan to use in December. I am going to have Mandi attach one to her choice of bag, also. Now that she has a DIS name and all!

Funny thing about the LGMH. We were first noticed at the airport in the elevator on the way to the DME desk. From there I knew it was working. People all over the place would say "Hey DISer!". It was fun talking with people, especially since you have this in common.

We plan on going shopping some time in November for all of our necessities. I always make a trip out to Bath & Body and pick out a new shampoo/conditioner scent. When I finish the trip and start to use it again back home, it always reminds me of the trip. Silly, huh? Last time it was Pineapple. Mmmmm...

Next, I will list what we have planned for the trip so far...

 

[Becx N Gav]

After much debate (with myself, no less), I have decided to start my pre-trip report. Last time I tried this, I started 9 months before my trip and it only went 4 pages. I was slightly devastated and moderately embarrased... not really but it was a stinker!



Current Trip Planned: December 12 - 20, 2008

Awww, I do hope this trip report keeps on going (I started one and it's quite a bit of work esp. as we've pretty much planned everything!) I'll try to pop back now and then to keep this at the top
My PTR has, I think, 2 or 3 followers I put a link in my sig to try and encourage some more people to join (is that wrong )

Oh and yey for WDW at Chritmas We'll be there a similar time to you so will look out for your backpack

So, here is what I have ready so far.

Yep, that's it. My handy, dandy LGMH from last year. Still on the same backpack I plan to use in December. I am going to have Mandi attach one to her choice of bag, also. Now that she has a DIS name and all!

Funny thing about the LGMH. We were first noticed at the airport in the elevator on the way to the DME desk. From there I knew it was working. People all over the place would say "Hey DISer!". It was fun talking with people, especially since you have this in common.

We plan on going shopping some time in November for all of our necessities. I always make a trip out to Bath & Body and pick out a new shampoo/conditioner scent. When I finish the trip and start to use it again back home, it always reminds me of the trip. Silly, huh? Last time it was Pineapple. Mmmmm...

Next, I will list what we have planned for the trip so far...

I can't wait to go Dis watching I was reading these boards last year but didn't pick up on the LGMH thing Although I did meet a Diser in the UK pavilion She just happened to mention it (her DH gave her a funny look when she said it but was surprised when I said I had been on the boards )

The shampoo scent thing - we always get duty free perfume which we use when there (saves on space and weight in the luggage ) which really reminds me of the wonderful times we've had I try to go for something different each time.

Looking forward to more

 

[Diamondintheruff]

put a link in my sig to try and encourage some more people to join (is that wrong )

If it's wrong then I don't want to be right cause I did it too!

 

[Brave teacher]

After much debate (with myself, no less), I have decided to start my pre-trip report. Last time I tried this, I started 9 months before my trip and it only went 4 pages. I was slightly devastated and moderately embarrased... not really but it was a stinker!

I'll follow your report as well. I was considering writing one for my family's 1st DVC trip for Mardi Gras, and this is the one fear of mine that may keep me from doing so.

 

[Becx N Gav]

If it's wrong then I don't want to be right cause I did it too!

I'll follow your report as well. I was considering writing one for my family's 1st DVC trip for Mardi Gras, and this is the one fear of mine that may keep me from doing so.

I'm so glad I'm not on my own. There is a lot of 'competition' out there I just don't have the elequence of other writers and that seems to attract posters.

We'll all have to stick together and help keep these threads from dropping off the face of the boards

 

[bellasmommy0]

I am on board with you here!! We will be at ASMovies from Dec 6-16th. So we will be there for a few days together. I will keep an eye out for yoor LGMH on that backpack!! Cant wait to hear more!

 

[2BusyPlanning]

Awww, I do hope this trip report keeps on going (I started one and it's quite a bit of work esp. as we've pretty much planned everything!) I'll try to pop back now and then to keep this at the top
My PTR has, I think, 2 or 3 followers I put a link in my sig to try and encourage some more people to join (is that wrong )

Oh and yey for WDW at Chritmas We'll be there a similar time to you so will look out for your backpack



I can't wait to go Dis watching I was reading these boards last year but didn't pick up on the LGMH thing Although I did meet a Diser in the UK pavilion She just happened to mention it (her DH gave her a funny look when she said it but was surprised when I said I had been on the boards )

The shampoo scent thing - we always get duty free perfume which we use when there (saves on space and weight in the luggage ) which really reminds me of the wonderful times we've had I try to go for something different each time.

Looking forward to more

Thanks for the encouragement Becx N Gav! There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with advertising your PTR! (that's what we do here, right?) And now I'm headed over that way...

 

[2BusyPlanning]

I'll follow your report as well. I was considering writing one for my family's 1st DVC trip for Mardi Gras, and this is the one fear of mine that may keep me from doing so.

Thank you for joining me! Please do a PTR, I love hearing about the rooms and experiences with DVC. Go for it, it can't be any worse than my attempts!

 

[2BusyPlanning]

I am on board with you here!! We will be at ASMovies from Dec 6-16th. So we will be there for a few days together. I will keep an eye out for yoor LGMH on that backpack!! Cant wait to hear more!

Yay, another reader! Welcome, and I hope you enjoy your stay!

I will be looking for you and "Becx N Gav", also. Really, anyone that displays their LGMHs! Wouldn't it be funny if we ran into each other?

 

[2BusyPlanning]

Well, I just got home from moving Mandi back into her dorm at school... This year she has an on-campus apartment. And so far no room mates. The marching band (and other organizations) get to move in early, so maybe she'll have some by the weekend.

I did my yearly ritual... I make up her bed as soon as we move all her things in. I've done this for every room she's had, even the weekend honor band workshops she used to do. And, yes, I love it! It still makes me feel like I am needed...

Sorry this is off topic, but I hope you understand. Now I have to go find some old pictures to scan for my PTR (to get back ON topic, of course!).

See you in a bit!

 

[2BusyPlanning]

OK, I found some old pictures. But they are pre-digital, so I had to scan them. Plus, I don't think the sizes are ideal... but here they are.

Now, remember... only Mandi and I are traveling this time around (along with my parents). She is the tallest child in my photos. Brooke is younger, obviously the smaller child.

I believe these pictures were from our 1996 trip.
Mandi & Brooke at the Grand Floridian

The four of us. Me, Mandi, Brooke and my DH Steve.

Just a handful of my side of the family. Maybe you can spot my parents and one of my brothers laid out on the pavement. Along with his wife, 4 kids and my family.

And this photo is from Mandi's last visit to WDW in 2000.

I hope you didn't have to squint too much!

 

[Brave teacher]

Thank you for joining me! Please do a PTR, I love hearing about the rooms and experiences with DVC. Go for it, it can't be any worse than my attempts!

Thanks for the encouragement! Our first DVC trip is at the end of February. I was thinking of starting sometime around Halloween.

 

[lazydoxy66]

Now look at all these people signing on to read your PTR. Aren't you glad you did one now!!? And you are inspiring others!

I love the classic pics. Just take it one post at a time. If you only do a little at a time it will last longer. There are always some lulls in the story. Posting pics is a good filler and you can never, never have enough pics!!

19 more days!!!

 

[Brave teacher]

just giving you a bump back to page 1.