I can't wait any longer! ~UPDATE 5/25 I'm back!

[AshBriSmi]

I absolutely love the loops. I'm sure many of you know about this, but if you don't (and are equally obsessed), check out Live 365 for area loops

OH MY GOSHHHH!!!!!!! I am late in all this but I am here and forever in your debt for sharing this website with me. I go in just a very long 56 days and listening to all this is making me so anxious and excited!! When the ToT story came on I cried. Like legit tears running down my face.
THIS is why this website is so cool! We (the CRAZY, obsessed DISer's) get the oppourtunity to learn all these awesome MAGICAL things! Thank you so much!!!!!

 

[wellesleyprincess]

Glad you're feeling better! Just over a month until you go to Disney!

 

[Leshaface]

We were about 1.5 hours into our flight and it was announced that someone was having a medical emergency and we needed to divert to Dublin. I felt so awful for this "person". Come to find out, there was no medical emergency, rather it was some kind of gas leak and they didn't want to panic the whole plane. In their defense, USAir handled it beautifully. We got put up in a beautiful hotel overnight and they arranged everything... and a voucher doesn't hurt matters either!

Wow that's quite the story! And that is the best way for an airline to divert any type of panic that could have happened if they had said there was a gas leak. Couldn't imagine, but glad that everything turned out just fine!

My favorite is "How to be like Walt: Capturing the Disney magic every day of your life" by Pat Williams. It's beyond a biography, it was amazing!!!

Made a note of that right now thanks!

my 8 day old niece,

Congratulations! So exciting!

My poor sister got the stomach bug (via my nephew via daycare) and went into labor about 3 weeks early. Both baby and mom are happy and healthy now though!

Ugh your poor sister! I've only had the stomach flu a couple times in my life and it was AWFUL! Having it while pregnant though, no way!

I got the stomach bug too earlier last week

Oh no! Hope you're feeling better

 

[Tracy161]

OH MY GOSHHHH!!!!!!! I am late in all this but I am here and forever in your debt for sharing this website with me. I go in just a very long 56 days and listening to all this is making me so anxious and excited!! When the ToT story came on I cried. Like legit tears running down my face.
THIS is why this website is so cool! We (the CRAZY, obsessed DISer's) get the oppourtunity to learn all these awesome MAGICAL things! Thank you so much!!!!!

Hi there and so happy to have you along!!! Isn't that site amazing?!?!?!!? I literally don't know how I functioned in the real world in between trips before I found out about it (also on these boards, no doubt!). I couldn't agree more - this community is just amazing!!! You are SO welcome, I'm so happy I could spread that joy to you!!!

Glad you're feeling better! Just over a month until you go to Disney!

Thanks so much!!! I know... it's so hard to believe!!! Next Friday marks my one month countdown

Wow that's quite the story! And that is the best way for an airline to divert any type of panic that could have happened if they had said there was a gas leak. Couldn't imagine, but glad that everything turned out just fine!

Made a note of that right now thanks!

Congratulations! So exciting!

Ugh your poor sister! I've only had the stomach flu a couple times in my life and it was AWFUL! Having it while pregnant though, no way!

Oh no! Hope you're feeling better

Thanks so much, Alicia! It was quite the ordeal, indeed, but like you said, the airline handled it beautifully, really. And I got a voucher out of it so BONUS!

You're welcome - that book is amazing!

Yeah, my sister sure is a trooper - never before have I felt so proud of her for pushing through it all (um... literally I suppose )

Thanks, Alicia, I'm glad the family is back to a healthy state now as well... and that means I get to spend more time doing Disney related things

 

[cajunfan]

Wow only one month and a week! If I remember right, you arrive the day we leave. It's getting close!

Lynn

 

[Tracy161]

Wow only one month and a week! If I remember right, you arrive the day we leave. It's getting close!

Lynn

I know!!!!!!!! It's so crazy and I just go through my day like this most of the time haha! Yep, you're right, I'm coming in the day you leave. I swear, I'm just missing everyone this trip! But in happy news... HAPPY FOUR WEEKS!!!!!!!!!! Will you be doing a TR? I need to go catch up on your PTR!!!

 

[Tracy161]

My “Next Trip” Dilemma


Hi everyone! Hope you’re all having a great weekend. Yesterday I did something that’s been on my to-do list for ages: I cleared out my digital camera to free up space on my memory card for my trip! I also sent quite a few pictures from my phone to have prints made as well – we may live in the age of digital everything, but I’m still a girl who likes to have photos all over her apartment. And after the birth of my niece… yeah, I needed some new pictures to frame like the obsessed aunt I am!

Last night I went over to my mom’s for dinner and look what her boyfriend gave me?! They were hauling out their closets and he found this in a box. My mom called me yesterday morning and said “We have something to show you and it’s going to make you scream!” I honestly couldn’t imagine what it could possibly be but sure enough… she was right, I screamed when I saw it!




Anyone notice the price?!

In other news… and this news is even important enough to warrant the title of this update… I need some advice! Nearing my May trip is amazing/exciting/thrilling/etc./etc. BUT that also means that I need to book my next trip (well at least the flights) prior to leaving so I don’t lose my voucher. I need to book my flights – at the latest – one month from today! It's a good problem to have, I realize, but it's still one I need to solve quickly!


To further complicate matters, I really really want to visit my youngest sister within the next year or so. Not a problem, right? Well… she lives in England. So flights, as you may guess, aren’t exactly budget-friendly. Not to mention that the next time I go to see her, we’d like to branch out from her area (she’s in northern England and is working on her PhD – yep, she’s a smarty pants – at a university that I’ve bragged to many of you about… it’s where they filmed parts of Harry Potter! See these lovely pictures from my last trip below).




​

So that trip isn’t exactly going to be the cheapest AND since I’m not made of money (why?! Why am I not made of money?!) I need to do some evaluating of my vacationing for the next year+. My thoughts are this: plan a smaller Disney trip than I’m used to taking (probably in the fall… possibly in January). Keep in mind I have until May 12, 2016 to use my voucher.


To further, further complicate matters… I am finishing up a 2 year appointment at work as the chair of a museum-wide matrix team. I cannot wait until I can return to normalcy at work without this added duty! This means my options for weeks I can travel without having to fret constantly whilst away are about one week per month (with September having two because of how the dates fall). The duties aren’t really all that intense or difficult per se, but should something happen when I’m away, it’d make things darn frustrating to have to deal with on vacation! So… that being said, I have the following dates that could work for a potential Disney trip. My first choice was late September (you know who you are ), but that’s proving difficult because of the aforementioned work situation.


September 8-12, 2015

September 15-19, 2015

October 20-24, 2015

November 10-14, 2015

January 25-29, 2016


There are advantages to going in either November or January (namely, I’ll have just gone down in May and the extra months’ cushion would be financially advantageous). Also, if I go to England in Summer 2016, going to Disney later in the year or in January would decrease time between that one and whenever my next Disney trip would be. My dilemma about going in January is the weather! I would be so paranoid and anxious about a weather related issue that would shorten my trip or have me camped out in an airport for five weeks waiting out a storm. Small exaggeration? I don't know... the trauma of this past winter is still pretty fresh!


So… any advice would be welcome! Also, let me know if you’ll be there during any of these chunks of time. I’m pretty sure a November trip would overlap with Wendy and Johnny! ​

 

[pkondz]

Hope you’re all having a great weekend.

Actually, it's been a bit of a mixed bag.

I needed some new pictures to frame like the obsessed aunt I am!

You sound like my sister. I saw her (and her apartment) last February and she had pictures of my girls all over the place.

“We have something to show you and it’s going to make you scream!” I honestly couldn’t imagine what it could possibly be but sure enough… she was right, I screamed when I saw it!

Anyone notice the price?!

And also noticed all the great attractions that are gone now.

I am finishing up a 2 year appointment at work as the chair of a museum-wide matrix team.

Love that movie. Although I wasn't as thrilled with Matrix Reloaded or Matrix Revolutions.

I need some advice!

First thing I did was check your dates against pricey/crowded holidays and didn't see anything.
Then I checked the prices and it looks like you've picked either value or low rate times.
My number 1 would be January, but that's only because it's when I'm thinking of going.
Otherwise, I'd pick September or October so you could do MNSSHP.

But January... January would be good.

(I don't even know when I'm going yet, might be February for all I know... but definitely leaning towards January.)

 

[wellesleyprincess]

I vote for your October date. It's my fav time to go. Early September can still be hot and your November date risks missing f&w

 

[KathyM2]

I can't remember if I officially said "hello" here yet So..I'm here and so excited for your trip!! (all of them lol))

 

[Tracy161]

Actually, it's been a bit of a mixed bag.

Oh, no! I hope it improves... there's still time!

You sound like my sister. I saw her (and her apartment) last February and she had pictures of my girls all over the place.

That's just what we aunts do I guess! Well that and - according to my mom (bless her) - I may not have my own kids at this rate, so gotta go crazy about my sister's kids!

Love that movie. Although I wasn't as thrilled with Matrix Reloaded or Matrix Revolutions.

Yes, it's an interesting day job but someone's gotta do it.

First thing I did was check your dates against pricey/crowded holidays and didn't see anything.
Then I checked the prices and it looks like you've picked either value or low rate times.
My number 1 would be January, but that's only because it's when I'm thinking of going.
Otherwise, I'd pick September or October so you could do MNSSHP.

But January... January would be good.

(I don't even know when I'm going yet, might be February for all I know... but definitely leaning towards January.)

My mom also advised me to go in January [she loves to give advice! solicited or otherwise, see above]. So... we shall see! If I can brave risking the weather, it might be the way to go!

I vote for your October date. It's my fav time to go. Early September can still be hot and your November date risks missing f&w

Thanks! October is actually one of my favorite times to visit Disney too! And I've never done MNSSHP so I could do that!

I can't remember if I officially said "hello" here yet So..I'm here and so excited for your trip!! (all of them lol))

Hello and welcome, Kathy!!! So happy to have you here! And thank you!!! I'm excited for all of my trips, too!

 

[pkondz]

Oh, no! I hope it improves... there's still time!

Some of it was lousy, some of it was different and some of it was quite good...
And some of it was all the above... at the same time.

Yes, it's an interesting day job but someone's gotta do it.

So you took the red pill.
Check.

My mom also advised me to go in January [she loves to give advice! solicited or otherwise, see above]. So... we shall see! If I can brave risking the weather, it might be the way to go!

Well, if you do decide to go then, I just might have to pick those (or similar) dates, right?

 

[Dugette]

Pretty awesome!! These tickets are all used up, right? Because they never expire...

September 8-12, 2015

September 15-19, 2015

October 20-24, 2015

November 10-14, 2015

January 25-29, 2016

My thoughts:

The first dates would fall right after Labor Day, since it's late this year (the 7th, I think). Would that buy you any additional time there, due to the holiday? We did go that time of year once and, though hot, it was VERY low crowds, as it was right after most schools had started and people don't often pull the kids out of school immediately for a vacation. So, great in that way.

Otherwise, I would personally lean strongly towards October or November. I believe you'd have Food & Wine either way (haven't checked dates, so November may be the very end?). I think it would depend if you were more interested in the Halloween Party or the Christmas Party. Again, I haven't checked dates, so not positive what's going on when.

January you don't really have any special events going on there, but it will likely be comfortable weather and low crowds. I know lots of people love going that time of year. I think an advantage would be that the holidays are over, so you don't have any holiday-prep stress on your mind. And maybe have some extra spending money from gifts.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Oh Tracy, you and me both. My walls, and fridge, and pretty much anywhere there is space is filled with photos. Mostly Disney of course. I don't care how much money I or anyone else might spend on souvenirs, nothing replaces the memories of thse photos.

OMG do I remember the old tickets. I wish I still had some. It was such a nuisance to try and figure out what attraction to go on because you had to choose. What a great find.

My first choice was late September (you know who you are

I think you should ALWAYS go with your first choice... but that's just me.

The others have given really good advice though, so lots to think about for sure.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

My advice based on your pros and cons would be the november date. A nice low crowed time that would let you experience the christmas stuff.

 

[MEK]

That ticket is super cool. What a great find.

As far as your next trip - I am probably no help because I can see an advantage to all those dates. Honestly - I have always wanted to go right after Labor Day because its the lowest crowd level of the year. The October dates are perfect for the most glorious weather ever (I have been there 3 times now during those dates cause its my anniversary). November has the Christmas advantage. January is a crap shoot weatherize, but would also be a nice time to visit.

See - no help whatsoever.

 

[Tracy161]

Well, if you do decide to go then, I just might have to pick those (or similar) dates, right?

Um, YES!!!

My thoughts:

The first dates would fall right after Labor Day, since it's late this year (the 7th, I think). Would that buy you any additional time there, due to the holiday? We did go that time of year once and, though hot, it was VERY low crowds, as it was right after most schools had started and people don't often pull the kids out of school immediately for a vacation. So, great in that way.

Otherwise, I would personally lean strongly towards October or November. I believe you'd have Food & Wine either way (haven't checked dates, so November may be the very end?). I think it would depend if you were more interested in the Halloween Party or the Christmas Party. Again, I haven't checked dates, so not positive what's going on when.

January you don't really have any special events going on there, but it will likely be comfortable weather and low crowds. I know lots of people love going that time of year. I think an advantage would be that the holidays are over, so you don't have any holiday-prep stress on your mind. And maybe have some extra spending money from gifts.

Ahhh, very good point about right after Labor Day! And yes it probably would buy me a little extra time with the holiday The thought of VERY low crowds is music to my ears!!! I do think I'd hit F&W for both my October and November options... PLUS I love the idea of going to a MNSSHP since I neglected to do that on my last trip - EPIC FAIL on my part! So both those options sound great as well. But you have great points regarding January too!

I think you should ALWAYS go with your first choice... but that's just me.

And there you go, Rob, stirring the pot (literally, I see...). Hmm... could I make it work?! Disney himself said "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

My advice based on your pros and cons would be the november date. A nice low crowed time that would let you experience the christmas stuff.

I have to admit November is what probably makes the most sense. It's just committing to it that I'm having a problem with! I've been really wanting to get back to Disney during the Christmas season... it's been since 1997 that that's happened! So those are major bonuses there!

As far as your next trip - I am probably no help because I can see an advantage to all those dates. Honestly - I have always wanted to go right after Labor Day because its the lowest crowd level of the year. The October dates are perfect for the most glorious weather ever (I have been there 3 times now during those dates cause its my anniversary). November has the Christmas advantage. January is a crap shoot weatherize, but would also be a nice time to visit.

See - no help whatsoever.

A big part of me knew that throwing it out to the collective genius that is the Disboards community would result in me being even more confused and confounded about this "dilemma." You've hit the nail on the head about my hesitation with the January option: total crapshoot weather-wise! I hate having to be preoccupied with that kind of stuff in the build up to a trip so that's a major disadvantage for me there. You make excellent points though, so lots to think about!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

What fun memorabilia! I love it! (And $7.00?! )

As for the time of year, I think there are pros and cons to each one. Septembers crowds are low but it is HUMID, October and November have Food and Wine but also potential limited MK time due to MNNSHP, and January has low crowds but can be chilly and have ride closures. Of the dates listed, the only time I've been to Disney is in January, and I must say that I like going in the chillier weather and lower crowd times. I feel like I can tour all day without an issue as the heat and humidity never get to me.

I think any date you pick will work out great - if there's a particular time of year you've always wanted to go, I'd go for that!

 

[Tracy161]

What fun memorabilia! I love it! (And $7.00?! )

As for the time of year, I think there are pros and cons to each one. Septembers crowds are low but it is HUMID, October and November have Food and Wine but also potential limited MK time due to MNNSHP, and January has low crowds but can be chilly and have ride closures. Of the dates listed, the only time I've been to Disney is in January, and I must say that I like going in the chillier weather and lower crowd times. I feel like I can tour all day without an issue as the heat and humidity never get to me.

I think any date you pick will work out great - if there's a particular time of year you've always wanted to go, I'd go for that!

I know, crazy right?!

There are absolutely pros and cons to each time. My problem is that I just can't make up my mind which pros outweigh which cons! You make excellent points though, thanks! I think if I had a guarantee about the weather, I'd choose January but... we all know I can't have that so no use fretting about it!

 

[AshBriSmi]

Hi Tracy!! Wow!! I would have screamed as well! That's something to add to a frame and put on the wall! How awesome!!
I would go with January. All of the kids will be back in school, so low crowds. Plus the weather will be nice.