If Worse Comes to Worst...Sep '11 PTR

[LaughingSphinx]

Since we finally booked our vacation, I figured it'd be safe for me to start a PTR! First things first; I feel I ought to explain the title for this PTR. When DH and I first met, I was dating someone else. As we became friends, we joked with each other that 'if worse came to worst,' and we were both still single at 35, we would just marry each other. We became very close friends, and for whatever reason, 'if worse comes to worst' was a phrase we used often. At any rate, I eventually ended things with the someone else I was dating, and after a while DH and I started seeing each other. We'd met freshman year in college, in the marching band. We're geeks, what can I say?
But things were getting serious; we were visiting each other on breaks and over the summer, no small feat when we lived 3 hrs apart from each other. We'd picked out rings; I knew the proposal was coming, I just didn't know when. I'd warned my parents we'd looked at hardware, but that nothing was official yet. And during our junior year, we were spending New Year's eve at the home of one of my hs friends. The countdown had begun, and the ball was dropping on the tv screen. And at the stroke of midnight, DH got down on one knee (in front of everyone else who already knew what was coming) presented me with a ring, and said, "For you, worse may have come to the worst, but for me it's a dream come true. Will you marry me?"
What could I say? yes


Chapters:
Cast
Details: So much for discounts (Or, 'No such thing as too many packing lists')
Itinerary
Memories To Be Created
Does the Perfect Packing List even exist?
Hubby says I spend too much time on these lists...

 

[LaughingSphinx]

CAST​

I might as well introduce us so you have faces to put with these personalities and hijinks. Here's an absolutely fabulous photo of us during a band event. We were both low-brass players, and DH's sousaphone section are notorious for their pranks and activities!

(This was good practice of what not to do for our wedding.)
DH is an actuary (bonus points if ya know what that is!) for a sizable firm. He was very lucky in getting hired before he even graduated, but unfortunately for him, he takes absurdly difficult exams every year to advance his career. He gets a really good raise for each exam he passes, but each one (there are 10 or so altogether, and 8 modules he must complete) is usually offered only once or twice a year, and there's a less than 50% pass rate. He doesn't have to take them, but his current job title will stagnate if he doesn't. Conversely, if he takes an exam and doesn't pass it, he also faces some harsh consequences; stagnation or possible termination. This is important because he's got two exams this year, one in May and another in November. So all of the planning and organization fall largely on me, not that I mind much. I enjoy over-planning and obsessing over fun things like this.

I am currently the head teller for a local bank, but am half-way through a second bachelor's degree in the hopes of moving up the ladder. I'm a huge bookworm, bit of a cosplay fanatic, and as mentioned already, tend to obsess over things a little bit. For example, I started my packing lists (yes. lists.) months ago although we only booked the vacation this past weekend. The last time I went to Disney World was my senior year of high school with the marching band; we took chartered buses down, and I remember everyone trying to sleep because the trip was at least 24 hours...I clearly recall being curled up on the floor under my seat in a fleece blanket, with a friend's backpack for a pillow. It was a great trip, but DH has only ever been with his family, at least ten years ago. So we're both looking forward to a trip where we set our own itinerary, and make all the decisions.

Next up: Reservation details, dates, and the current tally of how many packing lists I have created thus far!

 

[LaughingSphinx]

We are officially booked for September 5-11! We have a king room in Coronado Springs waiting for us in just a few (long, impatient) months. We'd originally considered Caribbean Beach, but I was looking at photos of the rooms and realized that I much preferred the CSR theming to CBR, and since DH doesn't have a preference (meaning he cringes when I say, "So I was thinking about our Disney trip...") I convinced him that we wanted CSR!

We booked via AAA, but I was a little surprised to see that the member discount we got was equivalent to the special the WDW site was offering for non-peak times. The prices matched to the penny! So why stick with AAA? Because with them we will also be receiving a discount card, good for (approximately) 10% off dining locations. I know the discount card won't cover everything, but in my eyes that's a pretty good perk, considering we are not going with a dining plan unless our agent can find a super-awesome deal before we leave. We (and by we, I really mean I) spent some time looking at menus, comparing what the dining plan would give us vs what we would choose ourselves, and decided we were better off paying OOP for meals. Largely, this is due to the fact that I have some specific dietary requirements (not allergies, so I don't feel right asking for special treatment when thorough research and good choices will keep me fed & feeling fine) which I'll detail later.

Packing lists:
I have at least 5 going right now, two on my laptop and three on my work pc. I'm categorizing them in 3 different ways. One is to list items by which bag they'll be packed in, carry-on 1, carry-on 2, or checked luggage. Another way is by item category; clothing, electronics, toiletries, etc. The third way is a stream-of-consciousness where I just list everything that pops into my mind without trying to pigeonhole it. I'm overly concerned I'll forget something or leave something off the list, and wind up overspending for it in Orlando. I've also been experimenting with cross-referencing items, color-coding them to distinguish who needs to pack which item, (because DH certainly won't need the peppermint foot lotion I'm going to bring, but we'll both need our own toothbrushes and I can't use DH's deodorant!) and which bag it needs to go into (park bag, TSA-compliant 311 bag, checked luggage.)
We're going to catch an early flight (6:30 am!) and will most likely arrive at the resort around 11, and wanted to head straight to the parks for some exploration. Consequently, my park bag will need to be speedily assembled from items in my carryon, so I'm already planning out how to pack everything for easy park bag assembly and still get everything we need to take. Dh keeps making fun of me for obsessing over this, but this will be our first trip to Disney together, and since he's already stated that the pockets of his cargo shorts will be sufficient storage for his needs, obviously I must be a dutiful wife and pack all the other essentials!

This will also be only the second vacation DH and I have ever taken; the first being our honeymoon to Jamaica. We'd discussed honeymooning to WDW, but we got married two weeks after we graduated, and moved the week after that. And in peak season! We opted for a honeymoon where we could lay on the beach for hours on end, and that's what we did! This time, however, we're both looking forward to something less sedentary and more exciting than lying on a beach. DH has been pretty busy studying whenever he's at home (and his exam isn't even for another two months!) so I've been doing all the planning thus far. It's still too early to make dining reservations, so for the here and now I'm happily working on perfecting my packing lists!

Next up: Itinerary (including hopeful ADR's) and the background on why I'll never be able to enjoy Tonga Toast!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Am subbing and looking forward to hearing more from another September planner! The way you and DH got together is sooo sweet and romantic

Am afraid I don't have a clue what an actuary is , though it sounds like a stressful job with all the exams!

Know what you mean about the impatient months...can't wait for September to arrive! Also have different lists on the go which change on a regular basis. Am looking forward to reading about your ADRs and why you'll never be able to enjoy Tonga Toast!

 

[LaughingSphinx]

I subscribed to your PTR too; you have a lot of details already planned out, I love it! An actuary is essentially a math nerd; they use a million formulas and math-related tools to deal with risk and uncertainty. Specifically, my DH works on pension plans for some fairly large firms. He's responsible for ensuring they are compliant with federal regulations, that plans are sufficiently funded for their needs, and also works with client contacts (HR execs) to problem-solve. But it's much easier to call him a specialized math nerd!

Doesn't it seem like September can't come fast enough?!

 

[TanzUnited99]

I subscribed to your PTR too; you have a lot of details already planned out, I love it! An actuary is essentially a math nerd; they use a million formulas and math-related tools to deal with risk and uncertainty. Specifically, my DH works on pension plans for some fairly large firms. He's responsible for ensuring they are compliant with federal regulations, that plans are sufficiently funded for their needs, and also works with client contacts (HR execs) to problem-solve. But it's much easier to call him a specialized math nerd!

Doesn't it seem like September can't come fast enough?!

Thanks for subscribing and loving my PTR! Still have a lot of work to do but my itinerary is more or less sorted. Am also glad to know what an actuary is - so does that mean when you go to Disney your DH knows all about the calculations and risks involved with the rides?!

Sure does. I read other PTRs that are only a few days out and wish it could get to a stage when I can start saying that. However, it may just make me panic!!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Subbing in to... We are at Pop from 8/31-9/6 so out trips over lap by a day or so! You will love CSR. It is my favorite moderate resort! Can't wait to hear more on your plans!

 

[LaughingSphinx]

So after checking park hours, I have a tentative plan for our vacation:

Monday, Sep 5: Flight in early am (it's ok, we'll sleep on the plane. Or I'll just watch Disney movies on my iPod.) Arrive at MCO midmorning. Arrive at CSR about 45 min later, check in and immediately depart for EPCOT
(no ADR's today; we'll meander about through the WS, get some munchies as we get hungry and come across places that sound good.
(At some point, I may post a more detailed itinerary, including which places we're going to. ^_^ and although I've listed them, I won't break it down by which specific items I'll order!)

Tuesday, 9/6
Disney Hollywood Studios & Downtown Disney
50's Primetime Cafe: 6.30pm ADR!
(I debated a while about this or the Sci Fi Drive-In, but the reviews were better here and I thought the menu for what I could eat was a little more varied.) Since the park closes at 7, I figured we might head to DD to explore, shop, and visit that delightful-sounding Ghirardelli fountain. I'm also looking forward to seeing the staff sass DH and I, we are incorrigible elbows-on-the-table people, and I'm not sure we'll finish our veggies...

Wednesday, 9/7
Animal Kingdom/ Downtown Disney
No ADR's today, either. We'll be mostly doing QS across the board, and in the event that we decide a TS place sounds good, I'll have my phone and the appropriate phone numbers handy to check availability before we might get turned away. As of now, DH isn't really about the sitting down, lengthier mealtimes, and prefers to grab stuff at our own pace. However, I'm not opposed to making last-minute reservations. I was thinking of doing the Picnic in the Park, but I still need to do some research to see if its offered for 2 people, offered during the time we'll be there, and so on.

Thursday9/8
Magic Kingdom
ADR: Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party (I hope I can get a reservation, I would LOVE to do this and DH is really excited about it, so I'm really really hoping for some pixie dust!) **Called them 3/9, CM was really nice and sympathetic but couldn't book me past May (odd, b/c the website has options to book through July...) and said that they don't yet have official word if it will be continued. Given that I've heard that response has been OVERWHELMINGLY positive, I can't imagine it won't be. So I'll be stalking that on a regular basis to double check.
Plaza Restaurant: 12:20 ADR. Nice lunch spot, I thought it might be nice to sit back and enjoy some scenery with our sandwiches.

Friday 9/9
Magic Kingdom
ADR: Dolphin Fountain (DH and I are not epicures, and simple fare is good enough for us. That, and the ice cream options were a huge draw for DH.)
ETA: I wasn't able to book this on the website, and didn't feel like calling the dining line again (that voice is very well-recorded, and makes a genuine effort at being perky and realistic, but I still wanted to punch the computer in the face while listening to it.) so this may be a walk-up. Not too worried, as it's not on the dining plan, and is a little out-of-the way and even if there is a bit of a wait, the resort itself is beautiful and I'd love to get some pictures.

Saturday 9/10
EPCOT!
This time we'll hit up the Future World section, and if we haven't already, we'll try the Sunshine Seasons Food Court. I'm really looking forward to it.

Sunday 9/11
Our departure day
I figured we'd decide which park we wanted to revisit before we left, so I didn't schedule anything.

I know I don't have any 'big' ADR's, but we just aren't that into spending a lot of money on meals if we don't have to. Since we're on what I'll just call the "OOPS" dining plan (out of pocket-smart!) I'm okay with going with the flow and leaving meals more to chance. The only caveat is that I'm a picky eater.

I'm following something called the Paleo diet. I've been doing it for a while now, and am so pleased with the benefits and results, that I honestly can't justify changing it. Essentially, I eat fruits, veggies, eggs, and meats-as much as I need to feel full. I avoid grains, sugar, legumes, salt, and white potatoes. It's not as restrictive as it seems; lots of people seem dumbfounded when I tell them I don't eat wheat. Yup, no bread, pasta, dumplings, pastries, etc. It's not that I can't eat them, I can and in small quantities once in a while, I do. But as a general rule, I avoid them because for one, my system no longer processes them very well, and I feel generally ill and 'off' when I do eat grains.

Just to give some perspective, I did one month of strict Paleo, not even one little 'cheat' and lost some weight, but there were 3 really noticeable changes when I first changed my eating habits.
Firstly, my energy and hunger levels were much more stable; I didn't get drowsy after a large meal, and I wasn't suffering sudden hunger pangs. I would gradually get hungry as the day went on, eat as much as I needed to feel satisfied, and my energy was stable all day long
Secondly, I sleep much better at night! Ever since I was born, I'd wake up four to six times a night, become fully conscious, and would squirm around and fall back asleep. After I changed my diet, I noticed that I didn't wake up as often, maybe twice a night if at all. And I do feel more rested, which is fantastic.
Thirdly, even though I did lose some weight, my stomach became considerably flatter. It's hard to articulate, but I've always been on the chubby side, and have always had a tummy pooch. After one month of strict Paleo, my pooch was far smaller, and I know from past experience that it wasn't the weight loss that accounted for it all; my stomach was actually a little less bloated.

So given that this is how I'll be eating for life, it didn't make sense for me to eat delicious food that would make me sick during vacation; I've planned in a few cheat items (Essentially, desserts. It's gonna be tough with all the deliciousness all around, but I think I can do it) but for the most part, I will be eating Paleo in the parks, which means lots of salads, veggies, and subbing out side dishes. As delicious (oh, how delicious!) as Tonga Toast sounds, I can't really justify eating it because I'd be so miserable later. I won't say I have a similar reaction to someone with a gluten allergy, but I will say that I have a noticeable and unpleasant reaction.

I've been checking and cross-checking Disney dining options, and will be going in fully armed with my magical notebook, fully decked out with a list of paleo-friendly food options (categorized and subcategorized by park, dining style, and location.) I still have a few days before I can make my reservations, so I'm really hoping I can get the ones I'm after. In the meantime, I'll probably still be checking menus and figuring out options.

Next up: I dunno! Maybe a packing list, maybe some photos, maybe a breakdown of which attractions we are just dying to see. I'll figure something out!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Your plans sound good so far. Think we will be getting a morning flight as well but like you said at least we can sleep, right? Ooh am looking forward to getting a sundae from Ghiradellis.

Good luck with securing entrance to a dessert party. The Paleo diet sounds good but don't think I could follow it You are stong though to be able to resist most of the gorgeous desserts at Disney.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Plans look great!!! I have eaten at both 50's Prime Time Cafe and Sci Fi. And you are right, the selection of food at 50's is much better... But we always do Sci Fi for the atmosphere!

Good for you to be able to stick to a diet. As first I was reading it and thinking oh this is something I am going to have to look into then I saw NO white potatoes and knew this diet was out for me! I love potatoes, I seriously think I eat some form everyday!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I am joining in. Your plans look great. We stayed at CSR a couple of years ago after the refurb. This year we're trying POFQ and a King room.

Can't wait to read more.

 

[Disneymoon23]

Hi, I'm here to watch your PTR unfold. We are also staying at CSR on our trip! Looks like you have a lot of plans already figured out. I'm looking forward to following along.

 

[LaughingSphinx]

I was thinking about all the stuff we'll be doing in Disney, and how much there actually is to do, and decided that there are a few experiences I would like to prioritize. It's not a long list, I don't think, but these are the experiences that I think will be a lot of fun, or be meaningful for DH and I.

~Pick A Pearl in Epcot. I read the 100+ page thread on this, I think it'd be so fun! My birthstone is actually pearl, but I've never been a huge fan of them. I think a simple pendant would be pretty and suit my tastes, I know full well I'll probably get a standard white pearl, but I can dream of champagne, green, or even a blue or silver pearl. (Don't like pink, but if that's what I pick, that's what I pick.) I might even pick two, and get a pearl for my sister as well. To be honest, I'm going to spend far too much time in Japan in general, DH will likely have to drag me out kicking and screaming!

~Eat a Dole Whip. Thanks, Dis-ers. I am hooked on the idea of this, and although I know it's not on my diet plan, I am also making exceptions for desserts while at Disney. Dole Whips are desserts. So nyah. I will probably just get a small pineapple one, I have always loved pineapple, and pineapple juice. My first alcoholic beverage wasn't a glass of wine or can of beer, but a container of pineapple juice which had started to turn. Tangy!

~Watch the Illuminations show in Epcot. DH has been looking forward to this for a long time as he never saw it when his family visited. I remember bits and pieces but not the whole show, when I went we were more interested in running around and flirting with each other than the magic.

~Watch Wishes. (Preferably at the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party.) My family used to have huge get-togethers on the 4th of July and we'd all go someplace to get good seats for fireworks. Miraculously, these would never be jam-packed with people, or outside places that were so we were in our own family space, undisturbed by others and disturbing only ourselves. In the last few years, DH and I haven't really made it a point to watch fireworks, it seems something has always come up, but I love watching fireworks. It's not good enough on a television screen, I need to be there where I can feel the percussive clap as the shells burst, where I can see the sparkles and the sizzles as they shower down, where I can trace the minute lines of every smoke trail in the blinding bursts, where I can fully experience them.

~ Visit Morocco and find a belly dancing accessory. I've been taking bellydance classes, and they are amazing. I am hoping to get a photo of a coin bra, I probably won't buy one but I'd dearly love to try it on and shimmy for a minute. But a hip scarf, some wrist bangles, or things of that sort would be a great souvenir that I'd enjoy either at home or in class.

~Ride It's A Small World. No way I am not doing this. I don't care if DH leaves me and goes back to the resort. I am riding this.

~Tower of Terror. Same as above. I know for a fact I'll ride this one alone, as DH hates rides that drop. But I love them, so I'll ride it.

~Haunted Mansion. For years, I would get upset when I couldn't find this on the map at the local amusement park. It's the only memory I have of my very first Disney trip. It's still so vivid, two decades later, that I can't wait to ride it again and see how my memory's held up. I may even ride multiple times. Who knows?

~Find 1 Hidden Mickey without researching it first! Knowing that there are hidden mickeys is enough for me! Usually, I break down and check the FAQs for every game I've played. Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, MYST, Machinarium, etc. Even though I know the puzzles are half the point of the game, I miss things and would rather research them and complete them faster. I'm horrible at guessing those things. So I want to find as many hidden mickeys as possible without knowing precisely where they are. It'll be a game for me, to see how many I can find in each park.

~Swim in a resort pool at midnight. Just because I know we'll be able to. I love swimming at night; it's so ethereal and peaceful and energizing to me. It make me think of Fern Gully when Zak and Chrysta are swimming in the caverns and everything is the starry night sky. I think it would be romantic, especially if we can find a secluded pool with fewer people. After all, this trip will be an anniversary of DH and my first encounter!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Love your list of memories that you want to create!

Hope you get the pearl you want. Am soo looking forward to a Dole whip as well...think I could do with one right now!

The firework events sure sound great - hope you manage to book the dessert party.

Love all the listed rides and am doing the same with hidden mickeys - not researching and hoping to find them. Think knowing where they are spoils the fun!

Swimming at midnight sounds romantic

 

[LaughingSphinx]

Thanks Tanz^_^

I know the pearl will be pure luck, and even if it is a teeny tiny pink one I'll still love and cherish it!

I kinda hope I can find a decent number of the hidden mickeys; I may start a contest with DH to see who can find the most, or who finds the ones that are most difficult to spot.

I do hope we'll be able to go for a midnight swim, and you're right-It could be romantic! However, given the heat and how long we'll be in the parks each day, there is still a good chance we'll be in bed, snoring, instead of swimming!

 

[LaughingSphinx]

(I won't be able to upload the actual packing list until at least tomorrow, because it's on my work computer and I don't have access to it. But I'm still so proud of myself and the list I've created that I'm writing this post anyway!)

Reassessment: Where are we now?

It's been a WHILE since my last update, so I thought I'd take a moment to reestablish where we are in this journey. It's currently late June, so just over two months to go until our trip! In the meantime, I still have things to look forward to each month;

This month is a big birthday month for my family, and is also the family reunion. I haven't seen many of these relatives in three years, so I'm really looking forward to it.

In July, my MIL and her husband are coming out to visit. I really like my MIL; she's a very sweet, gracious lady who was nicer to me than might be expected of someone who was toying with her little boy's heart. (DH and I had a rocky start, I started to use him as a rebound and then had to ask for some space so I could figure out what it was I truly wanted.) That'll be a good time. I also get my long-awaited tattoos! I made the appointment for them in early April, and the artist didn't have a suitable opening til July, so I'm really excited about that. If you're in the Boston area and want some quality ink, I highly recommend Pino Bros! The artist, Kurt Brown, is taking a concept I had and creating beeeeautiful art for it to be placed on my ankles. Can't wait!

August will be awesome because my parents (and hopefully my sister) will be coming out to visit. This is made even more poignant by the fact that we just found out that my father's had a recurrence of tumor cells following the surgical removal of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and complications. Since they can't cure it, all they can do is keep the tumor cells, which have dispersed throughout the liver, from growing. It's a scary thing to know that the Daddy I have always known will someday no longer be there. It was a rough Father's Day, since I couldn't make it home. The only good news in this is that he doesn't have any serious negative reactions to the drug that he'll be taking for the tumors, and the doctors give an initial life expectancy of "years" rather than months. So it's not as bad as it could be, but it's not pleasant either. I'm glad they are coming out here; there is so much to explore and do in Boston and they always enjoy the time they spend with us, and I cherish every minute as well.

September, of course, is the trip itself; I'm in the process of coalescing some of the little odds and ends, and looking more aggressively for others. Who knew it'd be so much harder to find ponchos than toothbrush covers?

 

[LaughingSphinx]

(the original is a little prettier, I had to back and retype and color the entire list. Bah.)

Key:
He packs it
I pack it
Each pack their own
Who cares who packs, just make sure it's packed!
**Denotes item to go in park bag
Denotes items that should go in checked luggage
311 bag

Clothing

• 
  [*]tops x 8
  [*]shorts/pants x 6
  [*]unmentionables x 10
• OSBH x 3
  [*]socks x 10
  [*]shoes x 2
  [*]ponchos x 5
  [*]light outer layer
  [*]bathing suit

Electronics

• 
  [*]Phone
  [*]Phone charger
• power strip
  [*]nook
  [*]nook case
• nook charger
• iPod
  [*]iPod charger
  [*]camera**
  [*]extra battery
  [*]extra memory card
  [*]camera case

Personal

• 
  [*]toothpaste
  [*]toothbrush
• retainer
• cleaning tablets
• hairbrush
• comb
• razor
• shaving cream
• bar soap
• shampoo
• conditioner
• deodorant
• sunscreen
• chapstick (+ backup)
• hair ties**
• face wash
• moisturizer
• foundation
• powder x 2**
• primer
• eyeshadow
• eyeliner
• mascara
  [*]perfume mini**
• backup contacts
• lens case
• lens solution
• travel contact backup
• glasses
• sunglasses (+backup)
• piercing spray (travel & full size)
• feminine supplies

Medicine Cabinet

• band-aids**
• neosporin**
• allergy meds**
• ibuprofen**
• acetaminophen**
• tums**
• moleskin**
• nail clippers**
• nail file**
• body glide
• peppermint foot lotion
• eye drops**
• aloe vera gel

Miscellaneous. (Mouscellaneous?)

• playing cards**
• mousekeeping tips/envelopes
• lime green Mickey head
• Larabars**
• gum**
• mints**
• ziplock baggies (sammie, quart, & snack)
• plastic trash bags x 2

There area few more items I didn't list, like the individual suitcases, bags, and wallets that are (at least for me) obvious, and won't need to be listed. A few other things, like water bobbles, my Notebook of Information, and paper copies of all reservation/itineraries/payment info/etc, will be compiled & packed into the Notebook of Information, which will go in my carry-on, to be transferred to my park bag, so that at any given time I can access that information. Copies will be made an stored in a safe once we arrive at our room.

Thoughts?