~How TWO trips became...who knows? ~ It's a TRIP! and an upgrade.... 4/22

[that's nice]

Well folks...

You can write it down. June 12, 2009. The day the whole thing changed.

I will have to fill you in on the changes later...because I am not exactly sure how this will work out in the end...

But so far it has involved adding a night to one of the ressies...taking off 4 nights on another one...and adding a completely new ressie...for 4 more nights. Are you confused yet? **Notice...I got an EXTRA night for doing this! How do I always manage to do that!?!

I promise to clear it up...but not today. I have to get to work and have a crazy night planned! Hopefully I will know for sure what I am doing by tomorrow and will try to figure out a way to tell you about it all without confusing you guys AGAIN!

Wow. This is just nutz!!!!!! I love how you do this!! I know if we lived closer and were in driving distance we'd probably be doing changes like this all the time!! LOL

I've been checking in but haven't posted lately. 1 1/2 more weeks of me working like a nut..... But the last 2 months enable me to make the $ to go to Disney (and pay my bills! LOL)... so it's all worth it!

 

[maroo]

Yes. (I think it is worth paying out of pocket for a lunch at HBD if you use your credits for 2 meals at Teppan Edo and Boma. In fact, I suspect you'll find that the Boma dinner costs about the same as a HBD lunch, so, it's not really a good use of credits--especially if you're going to pay out of pocket for a meal somewhere anyway.)

I'm glad you're still going despite the need to get home earlier than originally planned.

This is a very good point! And I am very happy to be going, too!! This is going to work out well!

go to allears.net and check prices - for us, it was cheaper to pay out of pocket for our California Grill meal!! (we ate the cheaper menu item - chicken, which was the BEST chicken meal EVER! and if I had the DDP I would've eaten a "more expensive" item - STEAK... so check that out! I've read mixed reviews on HD - but that's par for the DIS I do know the grapefruit cake was a "must do" but now they admit they changed the recipe and its a "not so much"!!

AL DENSON and you kept it a secret?!

well, ok, if you "say" so (about it being ok that you have to be at work for a meeting - I'm sure it has to do with the real life, and paying bills... )

checking allears.net is a great idea! I KNOW I am getting the filet at California Grill....so I am guessing it would be cheaper to buy the meal at Brown Derby. But I need to do the math!

Yeah. I met Al Denson at a concert and had a good conversation with him. He is a very nice guy. (Some of those artists are fairly aloof) but he was very friendly! He will probably be doing it again next year and I do have a trip already planned for Sept 2010, so maybe it will work out next year.

The meeting is actually sort of an extra thing for work...doesn't really have to do with my real job responsibilities. It is actually an advisory group I am a part of. We only meet 3 times a year and we have a cool opportunity to affect the rules at our local Medicare office, which is important for what I do at work and for people in general, so I don't want to miss it!

First of all, I am so sorry to hear about Grandmother. I hope she has a speedy recovery.

Second, I feel a little that you want to drop the Brown Derby. Am I allowed to throw a hissy fit on someone else's ptr? Picture this but with this face .

Okay, here's the deal. Typically, Mom and Nana go to the Brown Derby for lunch. I don't know how that fits in your plans, but this is what they do. They order the Cobb Salad (which is a main course at lunch), and split it, with a couple of glasses of champagne. It's a nice, light lunch, and fairly inexpensive since they're splitting a meal. If you want to do the Brown Derby OOP, it is totally doable.

Now, when my husband and I went last year, we did eat there for lunch and pay OOP. We both had the shrimp appetizer, I had a Citron Limeade (alcoholic), he had a Coke. For our main course, I don't remember what he had, but I had the Cobb Salad, and we both got dessert. With tip, that meal rain us just under $100 for 2 people. So if that helps to know what it costs when you go all out. Now, I normally don't eat like that. At. All. But I love the Brown Derby.

This year, I'm leaning towards it as well, but we'll go for dinner. Now, for dinner the Cobb Salad is only listed as an appetizer, and it's meant to be split between two or more people. This works for me, because I'll usually split with Mom and Nana and not be too full, and I can still order a main course and dessert.

Anyway, I don't know if my long and convoluted explanation helps, but the more I think about it the more I realize how much I love the Brown Derby, and I just want to share it with other people! There's a lot of talk on the boards about whether or not it's "worth" two table service credits, and financially, maybe it's not, depending on what you order.

But to my mind, during free dining, you're not paying for your meals. They're free. So what's "worth" it is whatever you're going to enjoy the most and whatever experience you want to have. The food will always be good or bad and people will always like it our not.

What's your gut instinct?

So...Brown Derby has a menu to order from at lunch...and I definitely think the cheapest way to spend the credits would be to eat at each of the places planned using the dining plan and just pay out of pocket for the Brown Derby meal!

And that way, I don't have to change the schedule around. I will be do plenty of that on my other trips.

Wow. This is just nutz!!!!!! I love how you do this!! I know if we lived closer and were in driving distance we'd probably be doing changes like this all the time!! LOL

I've been checking in but haven't posted lately. 1 1/2 more weeks of me working like a nut..... But the last 2 months enable me to make the $ to go to Disney (and pay my bills! LOL)... so it's all worth it!

Did you see the "real" update...not just the one you had on your post?

I hope you are able to get done with work soon, deposit that money, send it to Disney and get back on the DIS! That is the way it works, right?!?

 

[All7OfUs]

Alert...! Keep the Brown Derby! I think you should save Teppan Edo and Boma's for "a different trip"! HA!

But we can talk more about THAT on Saturday!

 

[maroo]

Ya think so?!?! I might have to eat there twice!


So...people...My trip report...which I have not update but have actually written the next chapter...was sent to the completed section?!?!



I guess it is over?

 

[tiggerbell]

Ya think so?!?! I might have to eat there twice!


So...people...My trip report...which I have not update but have actually written the next chapter...was sent to the completed section?!?!



I guess it is over?

Just send OhMari a PM telling her you have the next chapter ready, can she move it back... it happens occasionally where something gets moved and it needs to come back!

 

[that's nice]

Did you see the "real" update...not just the one you had on your post?

I hope you are able to get done with work soon, deposit that money, send it to Disney and get back on the DIS! That is the way it works, right?!?

Yea I saw the 'real' update! I actually have today off after 16 straight days of work! YEA!!!!!! Then it's 7 more days of work. Till I'm off next Thursday... work next Friday & Saturday, then I have 5 days off!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So once I get my check in July, my trip will be paid off!! Then I have to decide if I'm getting AP's or 10day NE tix???? Hummmmm. What to do?

 

[maroo]

Yea I saw the 'real' update! I actually have today off after 16 straight days of work! YEA!!!!!! Then it's 7 more days of work. Till I'm off next Thursday... work next Friday & Saturday, then I have 5 days off!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So once I get my check in July, my trip will be paid off!! Then I have to decide if I'm getting AP's or 10day NE tix???? Hummmmm. What to do?

AP... at least ONE AP for one member of your family.

Because then you an use it to get any discounts, parking (if you ever stay offsite), get a Tables in Wonderland card...and a bunch of other things I have not discovered yet. I have used mine a lot more than I thought I would to get discounts.

Then it may be just as cheap to get the 10 day ones for the rest of your family...

That is just my 10 cents.

 

[maroo]

Ok...

I am going to get voted off the DIS island.

I am changing this all up... I will give you guys an updated cheat sheet shortly and then give you some details, too, as they come around!



There ya go... enough to go around. If we need some more in a few minutes, let me know.

 

[maroo]

The new and improved Maroo Cheat Sheet!

August 2009 Dates: August 6-9, 2009
Cast: Maroo, joined by jenb1023 ** And a special, small, guest - Muffin!
How Long: 4 days
Where: Camp Hill, PA
Travel: By Air
Special Events: Meet famous podcasters! Learn more Disney trivia!
Bonus Event: Hershey Park for half a day!
Touring Plan: FUN, FUN, FUN!



September 2009 Dates: Sept 4 - 9, 2009
Cast: Maroo and Sharon (teacher, friend from FL)
How Long: 6 Days
Where: POP Century - Upgraded to SSR!!!!
Travel: Flying!
Special Events: Free DINING! made LOTS of ADR's!
Touring Plan: Relaxed



December 2009 Dates: December 14 - 20, 2009
Cast: Maroo - I am going as mostly a friend, but also a assistant to Rachel (age 21, uses a power chair) and her Mom, best friend and extended family
How Long: 6 days
Where: Animal Kingdom Lodge (Savannah View)
Travel: By car
Purpose: MPS Conference
Special Activity: Candlelight Processional, Osbourne Lights, MVMCP
Touring Plan: Relaxed!

January 2010 Dates: Jan 7-10, 2010
Cast: Maroo
How long: 4 days
Where: POP!
Travel: By plane
Purpose: Marathon Weekend MEETS and Solo Trip!
Special Activity: LOTS of meets!
Touring Plan: Commando and Relaxed!



March 2010 Dates: March 7-10, 2010

Cast: Maroo and Lisa
How Long: 4 days
Where: POLY?? Or All Star Sports - Interesting, huh!
Travel: By plane
Purpose: Princess Half Marathon!
Special Activity: Lots of special ADR's and maybe a Poly stay!
Touring Plan: Relaxed



September 2010 Dates: TBD ** See Link in Siggie! Separate Pre-Trippie for this trip!!! **
Cast: Maroo, All7OfUs (Leisa) and Lee Ann (not on the boards yet)
How Long: 10 Days, probably
Where: ??
Travel: By car
Purpose: Tour the parks, Dining
Special Activity: TBD
Touring Plan: Commando AM, Very relaxed PM

 

[maroo]

You very astute readers will notice a few things that I will go ahead and address...

First of all...the January Marathon trip is completely canceled. I AM going to do the Half Marathon in January, just not in Disney. Plans are still on for me to train and walk the half - just in Jackson instead of Disney. My friends from work are all doing it in Jackson, Lisa can do it Jackson and I don't have enough days off in 2010 for all of the trips I have planned that I am not even going to tell you about yet. Cruel. I know.


Second...The Sept trip has been reduced to 5 nights. This has been addressed in an earlier update, but this is working out for the best for all of us, really. So, it is all good!

Third...December. Yeah. December. December is very complicated. I will sorta have 3 trips in one. Are you guys familiar with the DAP? The DIS-a-palooza? If not...details will be forthcoming to explain this concept. It is basically a weekend where the DISboards is planning several activities where we can meet other DISers. And to make this MORE fun...I have some more friends that I may get to meet, too. So I will be juggling a LOT of DIS meets and meets with other Disney fans that are not necessarily on the DISboards.

Everyone...really, everyone...is free to come on down that weekend! It is the second weekend in December. There will be lots to do!!!!

And then I have the same trip with Rachel and her family that we have already talked about. And I have some more info coming about that, too. It has changed some, as well.

 

[KathyRN137]

Maroo,

Any idea why David Bowie's song, Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes is going on in the back of my mind right now??

The double MVMCP's sound like fun, as does all the DAP stuff. DIS-meets are awesome!!

Wish I could go but I'm planning a little surprise of my own....


Kathy

Thoughts and prayers go out to Grandma...

 

[All7OfUs]

I'm gettin' my own!

Yours comes with too much confusion, and mine comes with anti-suspensing agent.

 

[maroo]

Maroo,

Any idea why David Bowie's song, Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes is going on in the back of my mind right now??

The double MVMCP's sound like fun, as does all the DAP stuff. DIS-meets are awesome!!

Wish I could go but I'm planning a little surprise of my own....


Kathy

Thoughts and prayers go out to Grandma...

Thank you so much for continuing to pray for Grandmother. She is having a tough time. She is "walking" a little more in therapy this week (not on her own, with very much assistance - they actually move her legs). She is able to move a little bit sitting down, but her legs feel numb and tingly (which is MUCH better than feeling nothing at all). But she is battling the blues that comes with such a major loss, too. As is her family.

As far as all of the changes...they will work out, hopefully and turn out to be a really good move for me!

I'm gettin' my own!

Yours comes with too much confusion, and mine comes with anti-suspensing agent.

I guess...since you are sporting the anti-suspense agent...that maybe I will fill you in...WHEN I SEE YOU!!! I get to see you in real life 3D in TWO DAYS!! Woo Hoo!! A DISmeet!!

 

[maroo]

Bonus Update!


A Bonus Update for you guys actually reading this!

This weekend Lauren and I are going to Nashville to meet - in person - All7ofUs! We will be planning our Sept 2010 trip (see link in my siggie)...but we will also be doing some major DIS meeting!!

I have at least 3 separate DIS meets planned. We plan on getting LOTS of pictures and I should have some DIS stories to tell when we get back!

If you are reading this and you live in the Nashville area...PM me! We would love to have you join us for a quick meet and DISer photo!

 

[TarzansKat]

I have a headache.

All this changing makes me so, so confused. I really need to read your updates on my non work days.

In all seriousness, I think I'm on track here. So we currently have two trips we know about.

 

[maroo]

I have a headache.

All this changing makes me so, so confused. I really need to read your updates on my non work days.

In all seriousness, I think I'm on track here. So we currently have two trips we know about.

Uh...yes.

We will just go one year at a time...how about that!

For 2009...

September. Then December.

And that is it.

I am afraid I should abandon pre-trip writing.

 

[TarzansKat]

Uh...yes.

We will just go one year at a time...how about that!

For 2009...

September. Then December.

And that is it.

Okay. My feeble brain can handle one year at a time.

I am afraid I should abandon pre-trip writing.

Um, no.

You keep writing. Your confusing me is all part of the fun my dear. All part of the fun.

 

[maroo]

Um, no.

You keep writing. Your confusing me is all part of the fun my dear. All part of the fun.

I am still here!!

And feeling much better today about the pre-trip writing tasks!

 

[maroo]

A DISmeet!!!

I am ashamed...

We had a casualty this weekend.

My camera. The new one. Well.... I apparently left the battery charger in Chicago...because I can't find it ANYWHERE.

Which means...I went to Nashville to meet up with All7ofUS (Liesa) and some fellow DISers and have nothing to show for it...yet.

I know there are pictures on some other threads and Liesa has some pics, too.

I had a BLAST meeting Liesa. We met her for lunch, went shopping and shopped till it was time for supper! After some sad goodbye's, Lauren and I got in the van and Lauren said, "I feel like I have known her forever. I feel like is she a long lost best friend!"

Lauren is exactly right!!!!

We had so much fun. And Liesa does have pictures. But she will be heading back over the big pond tomorrow (a 36 hour trip), so I am sure it will be later before she can update and get pics to me...so we will have to hold on for that...

Hopefully you guys are still out there!!

 

[If U Had Wings]

Glad to hear that you had such a wonderful time at your dismeet!