tc
<font color=blue>Miracles are amazing!<br><font co
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2000
- Messages
- 3,191
Ok, so, Ive got your attention, huh? Just a word of warning, I am not horsegirl, nor do I claim to be as good a writer as she is. However, I wanted to share our little adventure with you, and teach you what not to do.
But, first things first, our cast of characters.
Me - tc - mom and nana. I love WDW and will take (make up) any reason to go for a visit. The reason this trip is two-fold.
First: I have been helping countless friends and acquaintances plan their Disney trips for about 18 months now. These are folks who are not like us. Yes, really, they do exist. Sit down, I must tell you something very important. There are people out there that dont want to do the research! GASP!!! I know, I was shocked too. They are perfectly happy to have someone else do it for them. And thats what Ive been doing. Ive created a plethora (nice word, huh?) of pdf documents for every park, land, ride, attraction, show, etc. and then send it to them daily, weekly or monthly, depending on what kind of information they want. I have very detailed emails telling what each ride is like, and very broad emails just giving an overview. However, I dont have enough pics to put in my emails, so they are pretty boring to look at, just words, words, words. Also, Ive decided to create a website where others across this great nation can utilize my services, no not those kind of services, shame on you. They will be able to sign up for an overview package or a detailed one. This is not like Tourguide Mike. I will not be giving information on how to make the most of their day. I will just be telling them what to expect, what the rides are like, how to get from here to there, etc. I just purchased Pagemaker 7.0 to really make my documents fun, but I needed pics. So, a solo trip to WDW was in the making.
I went kind of solo about two years ago (I was helping a friend who had a business trip and they needed a nanny for their 6 week old), and really hated it. Really, I was actually sad at WDW. I am not good by myself. I like people, and I love my husband, who I have never gone to WDW without. Because of that, my dear, sweet, husband, Steve, thought a solo trip was not a good idea, however, he really didnt want to go. I know, sad, but hes not as big a fan as I am. And, to be honest, our trip last May to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary was not that great. He got sick and had a bad attitude because of the crowds (we usually go in September, so late May crowds made him witchy.) He suggested I ask my daughter to go with me. This brings me to our second castmember:
Kimmi - dd#2 - 23 years old and mother to Ireland (18 months) and Chloe (5 weeks). Okay, stop right there, did I say 18 months and 5 weeks, and I was thinking about inviting them to WDW?!? Am I crazy? Well, yes, I guess I am. At the time of the invitation, Chloe was not born yet, and we were looking forward to her birth with great excitement. A little back story on Kimmi. Her husband, Chris, is currently in the Army, and serving in Kuwait, with weekly trips into the heart of Iraq. He left in October and would be home a week after Chloe was due, but only staying for 15 days. Which is the second reason for the trip. Chris returned to Kuwait on April 26 and our trip was planned for May 3, one week later. A pick-me-up trip, if you will, for Kimmi. What a better way to lighten her heart, than a trip to WDW. We knew this would be different from any other trip weve ever taken due to the age of the girls, but even if we sit by the pool all day, it was a vacation. Also, because Kimmi lives at my home, and is my daughter, I could get her an AP at the DVC rate. Since were are going in January (both girls, husbands and babies and Steve) and then Kimmi and Chris will go again in early Spring for a belated honeymoon (couldnt go when they got married due to the Army), it paid to buy her one, and save. So, she was in.
Ireland: gd#1 - 18 months, and a little spitfire. I know, you hear it all the time, My granddaughter is so smart. But, seriously, Ireland really is. She talks up a storm, knows some shapes, and can do algebra. Well, maybe not algebra, but she can count to 100. Well, maybe not 100. She can count to 3. Well, maybe not count to 3, but she can say 1, 2, 3. She is my joy, my heart, and I cant even picture what WDW will be like through her eyes. Ireland was a surprise to us all. Kimmi and Chris were not married when she was conceived, and I was devastated. I never dreamed I would be in the unwed mother situation with my girls. My heart had never hurt so much, I could not imagine what life would be like for them or that baby. However, because of Ireland, her daddy graduated high school (finally, at age 22), went into the Army, and has found out that hes a worthy, wonderful, man. Before the Army, he never looked you in the eye when he spoke, and walked sort of slumped over. Now, his confidence is amazing, and his drive to do right by his girls, makes my heart sing. I love him and cant think of what life would be like without him in it. Kimmi is a wonderful mommy and the perfect Army wife. She struggles with Chris being gone, but has endured it with poise, patience and a firm grasp on the fact that Chris is doing exactly what God intended for him to do. Ireland does not watch TV, she is just not interested. She loves books and walks and playing with her Jessie doll, but will not sit to watch TV. I was a little concerned that she would not be interested at WDW in characters or anything else for that matter, was I in for a wonderful surprise. She does know Jessie from Toy Story 2, Buzz, Cinderella and Belle from books and toys. And, of course Mickey Mouse. She recognizes just the three-circle logo to the full size, red, black and yellow pic. She really likes Mickey, so it is my goal to introduce them.
Chloe: gd#2 - 5 weeks when we leave for WDW. Shes a wonderful baby, rarely cries and has the most magical smile.
Now, lets add another layer of excitement to this trip. Invite Aunt Sissy.
Aunt Sissy - Sarah - dd#1 - 25 years old and 7 months pregnant. Yes, 7 months. The extra hands would be nice, but wed have to take it even slower than anticipated due to heat, swelling and potty breaks. I wasnt sure her husband would agree, but he did. Her doctor even said, if she kept hydrated, a trip to WDW is the best vacation she could have. Lots of walking, mixed with a little relaxation, perfect.
So, our cast is in place, APs are bought, and now I have to figure out where to stay. I dont want to use my DVC points for this trip, since we are going in January, and I want a 3 bedroom to house the crew, so I have to save my points. So, I email my Dis friend at the Swan/Dolphin and see what he can do for me. Well, if you know who Im talking about, then you are very lucky, and so am I because he got me a great rate, in record time.
All is set. May 3 - 7, staying at the Dolphin, transfers on Mears. Arrival day, Wednesday, we have ADRs for 1900 Park Fare to meet Cinderella. We have gift certificates for Rainforest Café, the DDE card for 20% off of many places to eat, a simple itinerary, etc.
Next, Dont ever, ever, ever trust the Flight Attendant!!!
But, first things first, our cast of characters.
First: I have been helping countless friends and acquaintances plan their Disney trips for about 18 months now. These are folks who are not like us. Yes, really, they do exist. Sit down, I must tell you something very important. There are people out there that dont want to do the research! GASP!!! I know, I was shocked too. They are perfectly happy to have someone else do it for them. And thats what Ive been doing. Ive created a plethora (nice word, huh?) of pdf documents for every park, land, ride, attraction, show, etc. and then send it to them daily, weekly or monthly, depending on what kind of information they want. I have very detailed emails telling what each ride is like, and very broad emails just giving an overview. However, I dont have enough pics to put in my emails, so they are pretty boring to look at, just words, words, words. Also, Ive decided to create a website where others across this great nation can utilize my services, no not those kind of services, shame on you. They will be able to sign up for an overview package or a detailed one. This is not like Tourguide Mike. I will not be giving information on how to make the most of their day. I will just be telling them what to expect, what the rides are like, how to get from here to there, etc. I just purchased Pagemaker 7.0 to really make my documents fun, but I needed pics. So, a solo trip to WDW was in the making.
I went kind of solo about two years ago (I was helping a friend who had a business trip and they needed a nanny for their 6 week old), and really hated it. Really, I was actually sad at WDW. I am not good by myself. I like people, and I love my husband, who I have never gone to WDW without. Because of that, my dear, sweet, husband, Steve, thought a solo trip was not a good idea, however, he really didnt want to go. I know, sad, but hes not as big a fan as I am. And, to be honest, our trip last May to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary was not that great. He got sick and had a bad attitude because of the crowds (we usually go in September, so late May crowds made him witchy.) He suggested I ask my daughter to go with me. This brings me to our second castmember:
Now, lets add another layer of excitement to this trip. Invite Aunt Sissy.
So, our cast is in place, APs are bought, and now I have to figure out where to stay. I dont want to use my DVC points for this trip, since we are going in January, and I want a 3 bedroom to house the crew, so I have to save my points. So, I email my Dis friend at the Swan/Dolphin and see what he can do for me. Well, if you know who Im talking about, then you are very lucky, and so am I because he got me a great rate, in record time.
All is set. May 3 - 7, staying at the Dolphin, transfers on Mears. Arrival day, Wednesday, we have ADRs for 1900 Park Fare to meet Cinderella. We have gift certificates for Rainforest Café, the DDE card for 20% off of many places to eat, a simple itinerary, etc.
Next, Dont ever, ever, ever trust the Flight Attendant!!!
Thanks for the kudos on the website. I'll let you know if I need help. Right now it's seeing if I got enough pics.
, what an attractive family though. BTW, I understand about having a young looking mom, I am 27 and my mom turned 54 yesterday, yet people still think she is about 35 and my older sister 
I used to get very upset until I realised genetics may be on my side when I am older 
