How Are The Newly Weds Today? An Italian Wedding & Disneymoon Extravaganza! *UpDate*

[Stefy]

WOW!!!! So much news.

Love the idea of you going back to Garda for your anniversary. And it sounds great that you are moving to a new area. And you are going to Disney Paris and then another long trip in 2013. Wow!

Thanks We can't wait to go back to Garda and relax and take some time. This year was very hectic and I don't think we spent any time alone together, which was fine as we had family and friends with us

Wow, those are SOME updates!

Firstly, I totally understand the "how's married life" questions. It was the same for Tom and me. Our answer was always, it's exactly the same! I'm so jealous you live in a place where you can plan a trip to France one weekend and Italy another. Even you talking about living in London sounds so glamorous! Good luck finding a nice home in the place you are interested in. It sounds fantastic!

Holy crap, that 2013 Disney trip sounds amazing! I reeeally like scenario 1 with a week in WDW for Halloween, cruise and then going to back WDW for Christmas. So cool!

But the most important question is, what does this all mean for your north-eastern United States trip? Is that not going to happen anymore? Maybe before this huge WDW trip, you can fly into NYC and spend a few days???

I don't mind the questions, but like you say you wish you had more to answer than "pretty much the same as always"

It is cool living so close to DLRP, but trust me the price to go there is ridiculous! Be cheaper to go to WDW But we are lucky to live so close to Europe, is funny though as we haven't really explored that much of it which is shocking!

We love the idea of scenario 1, we hope we can do it. But the booking system over here for Disney in the UK is different to the US. Split stays can be difficult. We only really have packages (unless you have Tables in Wonderland and Annual Passes) we book resort, tickets and dining together. So if we split stay, we have to book 5 day tickets and dining for one booking and then another booking for the other 5 nights. We can't book all in one for two separate dates. So we also need to research what the difference is in cost to do two separate bookings to one booking (hope that made sense).

As for NYC, we won't be making it over next year but I promise you we will get there one day, its on my bucket list of places to visit and I so want to meet you and Tom too

I just found your report but Wow! What a beautiful wedding! I love Italy and and Italian wedding would be perfect. I've always said that if (when) I win the lottery I'm buying a villa in Tuscany.

Can't wait to read about the rest!

Jill in CO

Hi and Glad to have you along

Ah yes a villa in Tuscany would be heaven as its such a beautiful place, fingers crossed for you

 

[TanzUnited99]

Great updates I'm glad you are giving DLP another chance and are returning to Lake Garda for your anniversary

As for WDW I prefer scenario one...have you thought about booking the first part via a package booking and then renting DVC points for the second half. You may have already considered this...it's what I'm hoping to do for our 2013 trip.

 

[dizneeat]

First off - GREAT NEWS, Stefy!

I cannot wait to find out what area you are targeting on getting a home at, but my aunt lives in Orpington and it is such a wonderful nice quiet place and then you are in the bustling city in half an hour!

A Lake Garda vacation next year sounds wonderful. I know the area, we have spent quite a bit of time there when we were younger. I am even thinking that instead of going back to Lignano we could even go to a small village at Lake Garda, who knows, we still have a few months to decide.

Love your plans for 2013, even though we will miss you again!
I especially love the fact that you follow "our" vacation style.
Dividing your vacation into several parts is the best you can do ...... lots of fun and always something to look forward to.

As a little advice (don't know if you want to use a TA or not) BUT, Universal does have specials on their rooms but they usually run around 3 nights. So you might want to consider that (they offered a room discount AND free entry)

We love the idea of scenario 1, we hope we can do it. But the booking system over here for Disney in the UK is different to the US. Split stays can be difficult. We only really have packages (unless you have Tables in Wonderland and Annual Passes) we book resort, tickets and dining together. So if we split stay, we have to book 5 day tickets and dining for one booking and then another booking for the other 5 nights. We can't book all in one for two separate dates. So we also need to research what the difference is in cost to do two separate bookings to one booking (hope that made sense).

I don't know where you book Stefy, but if you book with Disney.co.uk there IS the option of booking room only. They just don't offer many discounts for it.

My advice:
a) book a package for the first part and take the ultimate ticket, book a room only with either the British or US Disney company - preferably US, as the discounts are usually better.
b) consider buying an AP (staying longer than 10 days makes it worth while) Get a room only with either a GP or AP discount for the two parts of your vacation. (Having an AP has many advantages - you can buy a TiW card, get discounts at many stores and IF you should go back in 2014 and you time it right, you can get a second visit out of your AP - by going in late September 2014 before your AP expires)

I always have to try and get the best deal otherwise we would not be able to travel the way we do!

 

[disneybarbie]

Hi Stefy!

Excited to hear about your plans for 2012.. hope the trip to Disneyland Paris is good, the hotel looks beautiful - like the Grand Floridian but with a European style?

The 2013 trip to WDW and a cruise sound fantastic! It'll seem ages away (like my next cruise seems lol) but it's nice to have plenty of time to save up and plan - great idea to see the Halloween and Christmas decorations in one trip too!

Hope the house-hunting goes well, moving out of central London sounds like a good idea (I know what you mean about the "how's married life?" questions too! DH and I have been together 7 years and lived together for four of those, so apart from changing my title & surname, it's just the same hehe)
Good luck with the driving lessons! That will be something fun and a real achievement for the new year.. I grew up in a quiet, remote village so pretty much had to learn to drive as soon as I turned 17 if I wanted to get anywhere! I probably wouldn't have learnt though if I'd lived in a city.. I used to dread my lessons but love being able to drive now lol.



Hope you're having a good Monday and getting excited for Christmas!


Emma x

 

[Stefy]

Great updates I'm glad you are giving DLP another chance and are returning to Lake Garda for your anniversary

As for WDW I prefer scenario one...have you thought about booking the first part via a package booking and then renting DVC points for the second half. You may have already considered this...it's what I'm hoping to do for our 2013 trip.

Thanks Is a nice break to look forward to after coming back to work from the Christmas break.

I don't know if we would do DVC as we like to have the free dining when its offered and the deal on the park tickets is usually good. I don't know whether it would be a big enough saving or not to do it that way

First off - GREAT NEWS, Stefy!

I cannot wait to find out what area you are targeting on getting a home at, but my aunt lives in Orpington and it is such a wonderful nice quiet place and then you are in the bustling city in half an hour!

We are thinking of Elstree & Borehamwood, is only 12 miles from London, transport connections are good and driving wise is a straight run really.

A Lake Garda vacation next year sounds wonderful. I know the area, we have spent quite a bit of time there when we were younger. I am even thinking that instead of going back to Lignano we could even go to a small village at Lake Garda, who knows, we still have a few months to decide.

Ooh you must visit, its such a beautiful location.

Love your plans for 2013, even though we will miss you again!
I especially love the fact that you follow "our" vacation style.
Dividing your vacation into several parts is the best you can do ...... lots of fun and always something to look forward to.

Ah yeah you do vaca like that, guess it is rubbing off on us too

As a little advice (don't know if you want to use a TA or not) BUT, Universal does have specials on their rooms but they usually run around 3 nights. So you might want to consider that (they offered a room discount AND free entry)

Thanks for that, will have to wait and see what the prices are when they release 2013 dates. Wish they would hurry up already

I don't know where you book Stefy, but if you book with Disney.co.uk there IS the option of booking room only. They just don't offer many discounts for it.

My advice:
a) book a package for the first part and take the ultimate ticket, book a room only with either the British or US Disney company - preferably US, as the discounts are usually better.
b) consider buying an AP (staying longer than 10 days makes it worth while) Get a room only with either a GP or AP discount for the two parts of your vacation. (Having an AP has many advantages - you can buy a TiW card, get discounts at many stores and IF you should go back in 2014 and you time it right, you can get a second visit out of your AP - by going in late September 2014 before your AP expires)

We book with UK Disney, I like to get the free dining and cheaper tickets. Have tried to price with AP's etc but it always works out more expensive because you are buying the AP for the first time so you have that lump sum to swallow. Then there is dining, you can't get the dining plan anymore with an AP can you?

I always have to try and get the best deal otherwise we would not be able to travel the way we do!

Believe me we always want to get the best deals, just a shame our deals in the UK suck

Hi Stefy!

Excited to hear about your plans for 2012.. hope the trip to Disneyland Paris is good, the hotel looks beautiful - like the Grand Floridian but with a European style?

The 2013 trip to WDW and a cruise sound fantastic! It'll seem ages away (like my next cruise seems lol) but it's nice to have plenty of time to save up and plan - great idea to see the Halloween and Christmas decorations in one trip too!

Hope the house-hunting goes well, moving out of central London sounds like a good idea (I know what you mean about the "how's married life?" questions too! DH and I have been together 7 years and lived together for four of those, so apart from changing my title & surname, it's just the same hehe)
Good luck with the driving lessons! That will be something fun and a real achievement for the new year.. I grew up in a quiet, remote village so pretty much had to learn to drive as soon as I turned 17 if I wanted to get anywhere! I probably wouldn't have learnt though if I'd lived in a city.. I used to dread my lessons but love being able to drive now lol.



Hope you're having a good Monday and getting excited for Christmas!


Emma x

Thanks 2013 is going to be great and luckily I won't be sitting twiddling my thumbs waiting for it as 2012 is going to be a major busy year for us too. So hopefully before we know it our trip will have creeped up on us

I started taking lessons earlier in the year, but due to family stuffs I had to stop as I just couldn't focus. But 2012 I am all ready to conquer that task

 

[Stefy]

Hey Guys

Sorry for the lack of update last night, got a bit distracted playing Disney Universe. Dave bought me a controller for his PS3 and it turned up yesterday and now we are hooked on DU, its so much fun and so cute, anyone else have the game?

Anywho, the pics downloaded ok yesterday and we are good to go, so will try and get the update out tonight.

Ciao for now
Stefy xxx!

 

[dizneeat]

Don't you just love a morning off, so I can get right back to you.

Stefy, I just priced out the AP and it's about 100 GBP more than the 7 day tickets I usually HAVE TO buy with my OKW package. (used an online converter)
BUT ......... with your AP you can get a discount on your room rate AND you CAN get the DDP!!!!! (just not have to buy tickets). You would have to pay for the DDP, but if you buy in the US it is not as expensive as the British offer it for. OR you could get a TiW card, which gives you 20% off of your meals (adult beverages too).
Oh, and I forgot ....... you like to shop, don't you? There is a 10% discount at the WoD (and at the moment they are offering 10% off at ALL WDW stores - more savings)

Where your AP really comes to shine is when you go for a second time (which would easily be doable for you) within the one year.
2013 mid October to November vacation
2014 mid September to mid October vacation ........ easy ........ and your entry to the parks is virtually FREE!!!!!!!!!

 

[stephielela]

Your plans sound fabulous! I hope you do a mini TR of DLRP, I have been there once several years ago but I didn't get much accomplished!

We are doing something similar to your 2013 plans, we are doing WDW for a few days before and after a 4 night Dream cruise on 10/20. My parents are joining us for either the before or the after for F&W. We probably will only do a few days on either end though. Sounds like 2012 will be a busy year for you guys!

 

[Tracy161]

Stefy and Dave, your pictures are absolutely amazing!!! Wow, I'm just in awe of your wedding!!! Finally caught up as I was away on a cruise myself... so I am excited to hear about a future one for you two! Cannot wait to read more!!!

 

[Stefy]

Don't you just love a morning off, so I can get right back to you.

Stefy, I just priced out the AP and it's about 100 GBP more than the 7 day tickets I usually HAVE TO buy with my OKW package. (used an online converter)
BUT ......... with your AP you can get a discount on your room rate AND you CAN get the DDP!!!!! (just not have to buy tickets). You would have to pay for the DDP, but if you buy in the US it is not as expensive as the British offer it for. OR you could get a TiW card, which gives you 20% off of your meals (adult beverages too).
Oh, and I forgot ....... you like to shop, don't you? There is a 10% discount at the WoD (and at the moment they are offering 10% off at ALL WDW stores - more savings)

Where your AP really comes to shine is when you go for a second time (which would easily be doable for you) within the one year.
2013 mid October to November vacation
2014 mid September to mid October vacation ........ easy ........ and your entry to the parks is virtually FREE!!!!!!!!!

Thank for the info I think Dave is or has PM'd you to chat about a bit more, see if its an option

Your plans sound fabulous! I hope you do a mini TR of DLRP, I have been there once several years ago but I didn't get much accomplished!

We are doing something similar to your 2013 plans, we are doing WDW for a few days before and after a 4 night Dream cruise on 10/20. My parents are joining us for either the before or the after for F&W. We probably will only do a few days on either end though. Sounds like 2012 will be a busy year for you guys!

Thanks We are very excited for 2013, can't wait to see WDW at Christmas

Your upcoming trip sounds great, 2012 or 2013?

Stefy and Dave, your pictures are absolutely amazing!!! Wow, I'm just in awe of your wedding!!! Finally caught up as I was away on a cruise myself... so I am excited to hear about a future one for you two! Cannot wait to read more!!!

Aww thanks

How was your cruise? Where did you go?

 

[Stefy]

Hi All

How are we all doing? Can't believe another weekend has come and gone. Hope you have all had a good one

Well let's get this TR back on track shall we Last I left off we had just got married Today we woke up as husband and wife. The plan was to spend the day together, but our friends wanted to go up to Mount Baldo and we thought, why not as its not everyday all your friends are together on holiday. So off we went.

We hopped on the tourist bus which stops outside, but at this particular time the bus was very busy and crowded which made us miss our stop. We got off on the next one, which luckily wasn't too far a walk.

A word of advice, if you want to visit Mount Baldo you need to go early morning as we were there around 11am and it was packed! The line for tickets was huge, took us about 40mins to just get tickets, then after that we had to join another line up the stairs to get into the cable cars.

Here are some pics from the ticket line.

We were just there yesterday

The first ride to midway point

Another thing about going early, so worth it as when it is busy they really pack you in to these cable cars and unless you are lucky enough to get to stand near the glass bits, if you're short like me its very difficult to hold on

We made it to midway point and waited for the next car

We finally made it and this was the view in front of us

It really is beautiful up there and very peaceful

A pic with my girls

Cntd...

 

[Stefy]

My budding photographer

We split up with some of our group after lunch and went back down to town and said goodbye to our friends there as we had to pick up our bits and pieces from the restaurant.

Mario greeted us when we got there and congratulated us again. We left to go back to the hotel and chill (and open presents ). Can't really remember what we did after that, think we went down to the lake with Dave's dad and girlfriend which actually was so much fun as the boys were so silly nearly falling on their butts in the water We got some great video footage.

I think after that we went back to the hotel and had dinner with a couple of our friends across the road from the hotel. This place is awesome and I think we have found another great little eatery. Its nothing special, but does the most amazing pizza and takeaway too

We said our goodnights and said we would say goodbye in the morning.

The next day we were flying home so we spent most of it packing and saying goodbye to everyone, but not before heading back over the road for one of these

Pam came to say goodbye and our driver turned up to take us to the airport. We had a few hours wait before our gate opened so we just sat around people watching and picked up a few bits and pieces. I saw this baby and just had to try it

Finally it was time to board the plane, we were making our way up the stairs and I asked the stewardess if there was somewhere we could stow my dress and the suits. She looked at me like I was speaking a different language and was totally unhelpful. So my dad and Dave took my dress and the suits and went back downstairs and boarded the plane from the front where they encountered a lovely stewardess who found somewhere to store everything. They got chatting and my dad bought up that it we had just got married and asked her if she could announce it over the tannoy. She said she couldn't, but did come back with these

It was really sweet of her, we cracked one of them open and toasted. The other one we have here as a memento

The flight home was uneventful and we were back in London before we knew and headed home to our beds.

Next up, we fly to Disney!!!

 

[dizneeat]

Great update, Stefy!

I love all your pictures ....... the view from up there is wonderful!

I am going to answer Dave's PM tomorrow or the day after, I am on sickleave at the moment (lost my voice ) and even though I am home, it takes me forever to get things done.

 

[Stefy]

Great update, Stefy!

I love all your pictures ....... the view from up there is wonderful!

I am going to answer Dave's PM tomorrow or the day after, I am on sickleave at the moment (lost my voice ) and even though I am home, it takes me forever to get things done.

Oh no, sorry to hear you aren't feeling very well. Get better soon

Thanks, Mount Baldo is amazing and the views are fantastic. I think next time we will try and go for when it opens, that way its not so stressful actually getting up there and feeling like a sardine.

 

[disneybarbie]

Looked like a lovely day Stefy

Wasn't it great waking up the day after the wedding and thinking "we're married!" hehe.

Can't wait for the next updates as you make your way to WDW !


Emma x

 

[Stefy]

Now we are on to the WDW portion of the trip. Are you ready?

We got back from Italy on a Saturday evening. We had to work Monday and Tuesday (half Tues for me) and then it was time for Disney!!!

The reason I had a half day on Tuesday is because I am notorious with my packing and usually need half a day to pack. I hate doing it with a vengeance and if I could pay someone to do it for me, I would. I remember taking a pic and emailing Dave my progress as he thought I was procrastinating over it.

I think I did quite well that day

Then it was off to bed ready for Disney the next day.

We woke up early and got ready and do last minute packing. Done and dusted, our car turned up and we were off

As a treat to ourselves we booked a luxury transfer

A Mercedes S-Class, it was such a smooth spacious ride. I think I'm hooked and want to use this company again as they were excellent and so friendly and also based on the fact that the ride home from the airport 2 weeks later was a nightmare! But that's for later on.

So off we went, missed out on a lot of traffic, but I think its because our driver took the long route. But it was fine as we made it to the airport with plenty of time to spare.

Another treat (and I think regular thing) we gave ourselves was booking time in the lounge at the airport.

Not the greatest pic sorry

I loved the lounge, it was a great way to kill time after doing all our shopping bits. As part of the package we could have unlimited food and drink and one hot food each from the menu, plus champagne

Dave got a bacon sarnie

I got eggs benedict

We spent most of our time in here chilling and snacking. I think what also made this a great idea was the fact that our flight was delayed by two hours. I would have been stir crazy if we hadn't been in here and downstairs on the hard benches Its getting really frustrating these days with Virgin as they are constantly delayed and I really don't understand why. You expect it from the budget domestic airlines, not the big chartered long haul airlines. But oh well, what can you do?

Our gate finally opened up and we made our way down. Our number was called and before we knew it we were sitting in the "bubble" waiting to take off.

Complimentary champagne or orange juice

Then we were cruising down the runway and up in the air

Shortly after dinner was served

Me and my Stitchy

Not long to go now

They served lunch

Then it was time to descend.

Next up: Surprise No. 1

 

[Stefy]

Looked like a lovely day Stefy

Wasn't it great waking up the day after the wedding and thinking "we're married!" hehe.

Can't wait for the next updates as you make your way to WDW !


Emma x

Thanks

It was strange saying good morning husband, but it also felt great

 

[disneybarbie]

wow we had very similar honeymoon travel days!

So glad you two enjoyed the lounge at Gatwick.. I definitely prefer it to the Virgin Holidays V-Room, and like you say - nice to sit somewhere comfortable rather than those hard benches in the departure lounge


Emma x

 

[KatMark]

Great updates, Stefy.

The pictures in Italy are beautiful.

I can't believe you took that many pairs of shoes to Disney. My husband has put me on a huge restriction of how many shoes I can take on our trips.

Can't wait to hear about your arrival at Disney.

 

[IheartDDuck]

You take as many pairs of shoes to Disney as I do!

The last trip I took, I only took one pair of tennis shoes and two pairs of flip flops because I only used a carryon and I about died! I missed my choices.

Beautiful Italy pictures. Can't wait to hear about your arrival in Disney.