How His Dream Vacation Became MY Dream Vacation - OCT 2011 PTR

[tinytreasures]

I'm coming along for this ride

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Originally we had planned on going the week before Thanksgiving - it was a time we hadn't been before, knew it was known for being a low crowd period, and historically MVMCP and Osborne Lights were available during this time. But then I got to thinking... never a good thing, right?! Since I got Shamus on board to go to Disney for 8 long fun filled days, instead of our usual 6 - we would likely spend one day resort hopping to see the Christmas decorations... then it hit me - what if we wasted a day hopping around to see a bunch of nothing, what if the gingerbread structures weren't up, what if I planned the day and then we had to come up with a new plan (ya - not a bad thing, I know... but it does make your heart skip a little beat and your palms get a bit clammy... right?). So then we toss around the ideas of going back the same December week we went in 2009. Then we would be guaranteed to be able to see the gingerbread structures. But Shamus has a main concern about going to Florida and not wanting to swim because it is too cold. So, I said - "Well October was a ton of fun." The weather was a bit hot - but the locals said it was unseasonably hot last year. But we swam, enjoyed low crowds, had a blast and a half at MNSSHP and enjoyed the Food & Wine kiosks. When Shamus heard swimming and Food & Wine, he was on board! So with the dial of 10 quick numbers it was like a scene from the movie Click. BAM! We're now 3 weeks closer to our trip!!!

Up next: Did Jetblue just open booking through October 29?!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I'm coming along for this ride

ALLLL ABOARD!!!

 

[myheartlivesatwdw]

I'm in!

 

[Pixiedust530]

I'm here following along...found my way over from the Official October thread. I love all the back and forth with Shamus. Too funny! I can't wait to read more.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Popping in to share the link!!!

October Hours!!!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I'm in!

Welcome to Crazytown - grab a seat, get comfy and enjoy the ride!

I'm here following along...found my way over from the Official October thread. I love all the back and forth with Shamus. Too funny! I can't wait to read more.

What? You can't wait!? Well then you are in luck my friend - cause I got some more coming right at ya!!!

 

[Nermel9]

Hi, I'm in! I'm Jen too and I'm also going to the World in October! I can't wait for my first MNSSHP, it sounds like it's gonna be fun! I'm planning to start a PTR soon, after I finish up my TR, hopefully in a couple of days!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

DING-DONG!

KNOCK-KNOCK!

knock-knock-na-knock-knock knock-knock!


Hello? Is that you airfare?! Yes, yes - I am here. A what? Oh, yes of course I have my card ready! Are your prices right? What do you mean... oh bug off and let me look around!


Sorry, side conversation with airfare there. Since the beginning of time (you know, dawn of the dinosaurs and all that jazz... oh no not that far back - but since this trip began to take shape...) Orbitz has had "eh" fares available for us for our travel dates. I knew if I really wanted to be savvy than I needed to stand my ground and be patient. I had to wait for Southwest and JetBlue to release their fares. --tick-tock-- --tick-tock-- HELLO! Southwest was out with a vengeance! Or were they? They may have come before the chicken and the egg, but their prices were higher than most on Orbitz. So I stayed true and stuck my ground - I was waiting for JetBlue. While we wait for JetBlue detail let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we? We shall - let's away!

My flying history (MANY trips from Nebraska to Massachusetts -divorced parents-) consisted of MANY Southwest flights. I liked them a lot - I wasn't ever paying, but the service was great, the time was great, everything was great. Then I became and adult and started footing my own bills, I recall relying a lot on American. They didn't leave too much of an imprint, but I remember flying with them. Then comes the birth of Disney! My first trip was as a nanny, so I flew whatever they flew! They flew JetBlue - each kid get's their own personal TV, direct flight, first bag flies free. Second Disney trip, our first Family trip - we're footing the bill. I remember creating a spreadsheet and REALLY finding the best deal! I wanted the best times (early arrival, late departure), direct flight, cheap price! We scored 3 round trip tickets on Delta for $668.10 (May 4, 2009 - 11:29PM <--- read: impulse HOUR!!!). Trip number three was a Momma and Me trip for just Madi & I. Another round of scouring, was favorable to Delta as we enjoyed the trip the year before. So, took the same flights, this time $453.30 for two round trip tickets (March 25, 2010 - 1:44P <--- naptime, potential impluse hour!)


So now we are back to THIS trip, trip number FOUR for me, THREE for Madi and TWO for Shamus! We already talked about Orbitz and Southwest, we were now waiting for JetBlue. Now - you may be asking yourselves - "Self? Why didn't Jen go with Delta again this time?!" Well, Delta is more than I wanted to spend (I think it was about $275, R/T pp), and we would have to pay for baggage. So a leak comes across the disboards that my long awaited JetBlue has released fares into October! Quick as a fox I sprang from my bed to see what was the verdict - Boston, R/T for the times we want, was well over $300, pp GAH! I should have booked those darn Delta flights at just over $250 when I had the chance... but alas! Let us check the prices out of Providence (same distance/time as Boston) WHOA - even higher!!! Then I got to thinking... what about Hartford? Yeah it's a bit outta the way, but it could be worth it (Hartford is an hour difference from driving to Boston). First bag flies free, Madi has tv to watch on the plane, first bag flies free.

Hartford won - BIG time! $703.20, total cost, including trip insurance! Booked March 7, 2011 -- 7:03AM <--- SUPER impulse hour!

Flight Details:
10/22/11 - Depart Hartford at 8:30AM
Arrive Orlando at 11:13AM

10/29/11 - Depart Orlando at 7:55PM
Arrive Hartford at 10:35PM

(Isn't it sad how we get sad writing out "Depart Orlando" and we haven't even left for our trip yet?!)



....and now we wait.... But hey - did you hear?! Those pesky October hours finally emerged! Time to get to planning!

 

[annmarieda]

Oh the airfare wows this year!!! I am glad you got a price you could live with. I am still waiting to see what fares do. I have a bit of time... but I am hoping it will be good.

 

[hannahsmom7]

Fellow Cape Codder joining in! I've never been through the Hartford airport. Is it similar size wise to PVD? We're planning on October of next year, so I'm excited to follow along!

 

[Corrine 1973]

Found your PTR and had to jump on board. We seem to have a very similar sense o humor so I can't wait to see what happens next.

I am glad you started your PTR so early. I started mine as soon as I booked our vacation on line. It would have been earlier if I had decided to go earlier. I probably will start the PTR on the trip I will take with my DD in 2013 when I am done with our TR for this year. I am already of thinking of TS to take her to

It is great that you are going during Halloween again. We went in 2009 and had a blast.

We stayed at GKTW last time and are happy to be staying on-site this year. I first booked Sports but wasn't really happy with it but it was all that was available for the Kids play for free pin. I kept my eyes open and was able to find rooms at Pop and am much more excited about it.

Can't wait to read more.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Hi, I'm in! I'm Jen too and I'm also going to the World in October! I can't wait for my first MNSSHP, it sounds like it's gonna be fun! I'm planning to start a PTR soon, after I finish up my TR, hopefully in a couple of days!

Hey Jen! What are your dates for October? Madi & I did MNSSHP last year and LOVED it!!! I am sure you will love it too! One of the current debates is - one party or two?

Oh the airfare wows this year!!! I am glad you got a price you could live with. I am still waiting to see what fares do. I have a bit of time... but I am hoping it will be good.

Sending you pixie dust and good luck with airfare!

Fellow Cape Codder joining in! I've never been through the Hartford airport. Is it similar size wise to PVD? We're planning on October of next year, so I'm excited to follow along!

Hey Cape Codder - I'm in Hyannis. You? I think it is similar to Providence. A friend of mine lives up in Northampton and has offered to drive us down (BONUS!) Have you given thought to which week in October for next year? There is a good chance we will be back too

Found your PTR and had to jump on board. We seem to have a very similar sense o humor so I can't wait to see what happens next.

I am glad you started your PTR so early. I started mine as soon as I booked our vacation on line. It would have been earlier if I had decided to go earlier. I probably will start the PTR on the trip I will take with my DD in 2013 when I am done with our TR for this year. I am already of thinking of TS to take her to

It is great that you are going during Halloween again. We went in 2009 and had a blast.

We stayed at GKTW last time and are happy to be staying on-site this year. I first booked Sports but wasn't really happy with it but it was all that was available for the Kids play for free pin. I kept my eyes open and was able to find rooms at Pop and am much more excited about it.

Can't wait to read more.

Oh you'll never believe where this is going next... There is nothing better than an early PTR - see how many readers you can string along for xx months! I will be tentatively planning our 2012 getaway before we leave for Disney I am sure! It will probably start the same way - October or December - or what about November?

Madi and I had a blast and a half during Halloween last year! Her BFF back home was a little upset that we "missed" Halloween, so we're going a tad earlier this year so that we can be home for Halloween.

GKTW? I am so happy that you were able to get into Pop! You are going to love it!!! Madi and I fell in love last year and I am really crossing my fingers that Shamus will love it too!

Enjoy the - and I'll be back with an update soon

 

[hannahsmom7]

Hey Cape Codder - I'm in Hyannis. You? I think it is similar to Providence. A friend of mine lives up in Northampton and has offered to drive us down (BONUS!) Have you given thought to which week in October for next year? There is a good chance we will be back too

I grew up in Barnstable, but in M Mills. I work in Hyannis now though. Our travel dates will be really flexible, but I'd love to see if we can nab free dining. There are 5 of us, so that will be a big help! I'm following closely to see what happens with that for 2011 so I can try and predict what they might possibly do in 2012! My number 1 criteria is low crowds, followed by less heat, which is why September doesn't thrill me. Plus, I think September is the best month of the year here on the Cape, so seem silly to get away then! We'll see!

 

[Corrine 1973]

Oh you'll never believe where this is going next... There is nothing better than an early PTR - see how many readers you can string along for xx months! I will be tentatively planning our 2012 getaway before we leave for Disney I am sure! It will probably start the same way - October or December - or what about November?

Madi and I had a blast and a half during Halloween last year! Her BFF back home was a little upset that we "missed" Halloween, so we're going a tad earlier this year so that we can be home for Halloween.

GKTW? I am so happy that you were able to get into Pop! You are going to love it!!! Madi and I fell in love last year and I am really crossing my fingers that Shamus will love it too!

Enjoy the - and I'll be back with an update soon

I am super excited about Pop, so if you have any good advice?

GKTW= Give Kids The World. It is a resort type area that kids (and there families) stay at when they make wishes to go to Disney World. The place is just amazing and someday I will go back and volenteer for a day. They go out of there way to add some extra pixie dust to the families trip.

Can't wait to read that update!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I grew up in Barnstable, but in M Mills. I work in Hyannis now though. Our travel dates will be really flexible, but I'd love to see if we can nab free dining. There are 5 of us, so that will be a big help! I'm following closely to see what happens with that for 2011 so I can try and predict what they might possibly do in 2012! My number 1 criteria is low crowds, followed by less heat, which is why September doesn't thrill me. Plus, I think September is the best month of the year here on the Cape, so seem silly to get away then! We'll see!

I agree with you on every area! Low crowds, less heat, and a discount! September and May are my favorite Cape months!

I am super excited about Pop, so if you have any good advice?

GKTW= Give Kids The World. It is a resort type area that kids (and there families) stay at when they make wishes to go to Disney World. The place is just amazing and someday I will go back and volenteer for a day. They go out of there way to add some extra pixie dust to the families trip.

Can't wait to read that update!

My advice for POP, be prepared for a crowded food court - all the time! Not really crazy crowded, but every time we went in there, it was buzzing. Don't pay for a preferred room, it's just not worth the extra couple of feet closer to the pool/food court/buses <--- IMO.



Now how about an update?!

 

[annmarieda]

Happy Easter!!!!!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

There really hasn't been much talk about planning details, yes we're six months out, but there should still be some discussion of plans! This is the first time we have decided to do hopper passes, so I feel less confined to "picking my days" - but I do have some things that I would like to do on certain days, and some things I would like to do on any given day. So let's run it on down the dates...

Sat Oct 22
-Arrive Orlando around 11:30, check into POP around 1:00
-Rest time if needed and if the room is ready
-Magic Kingdom for the evening, closes at 10PM. QS dinner in the park

Sun Oct 23
-Magic Kingdom for the morning
-BBB, maybe... or maybe not...
-Late Breakfast at CRT
-Hollywood Studios for the evening, see Fantasmic

Mon Oct 24
-Epcot until rest time
-Magic Kingdom for EMH evening
-Haunted Carriage Ride at Fort Wilderness, hoping for the 7:30

Tues Oct 25
-Hollywood Studios for the morning
-Wonderland Tea Party
-Magic Kingdom for the eveing, LTT for dinner
-MNSSHP

Wed Oct 26
-Animal Kingdom for the morning
-Evening at Epcot, Madi to Sandcastle Club at the Beach & Yacht Club, Shamus and I to enjoy F&W on our own for a few hours. We'll pick Madi up before Illuminations

Thurs Oct 27
-Animal Kingdom for the morning, Tusker House for breakfast
-Pirate League after rest time
-MNSSHP, if we want to do a second day

Fri Oct 28
-No plan

Sat Oct 29
-Magic Kingdom until it's time to leave!



I think that the "no-stress" package I have chosen is kind of stressing me out. I thought that with Hoppers and QS plan, I'd be able to go with the flow - but you though in a couple hard ticket things, like dining reservations, the Halloween party, and little bookable extras - and BAM, you gotta find a place for everything... Oh well - ADR day tomorrow... wish me luck!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Alarm goes off at 5:55 and I roll over and grab the laptop... click, click, click - success I got what I wanted! My three ADR's were confirmed and complete!

*time passes...*

8:30, while on my way to drive Madi to school I call 407-WDW-DINE and get Madi's reservation for The Mad Hatter's Tea Party

*time passes...*

1:05, on my way to lunch with a friend I call 407-WDW-PLAY and schedule Pirate League for the three of us!

Everything, with the exception of MNSSHP and the Hunted Carriage Ride, is solid and ready... T-Minus 180 days!


THE FACTS:
Sun, Oct 23 - Cinderella's Royal Table - 10:25A
Mon, Oct 24 - Haunted Carriage Ride <---- NOT a fact, YET!
Tues, Oct 25 - Liberty Tree Tavern - 4:30P
- MNSSHP <---- NOT a fact, YET!
Wed, Oct 26 - Wonderland Tea - 2:00P
- Madi goes to Sandcastle Club while Shamus & I go to F&W <---- NOT a fact, YET!
Thurs, Oct 27 - Tusker House - 8:30A
- Haunted Carriage Ride <---- NOT a fact, 2nd choice date
Fri, Oct 28 - Pirate's League - 3:10 for Shamus & Madi, 3:30 for me
- Second day of MNSSHP


So, there you have it... Now we wait for party tickets... tick, tock, tick, tock...

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Happy Easter!!!!!

Thanks hun - hope yours was great!