Ecboyd
Got the Ears, Now I need the nose!
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2010
- Messages
- 124
Well I have read nearly 40 of these Pre-trip reports and I hope I have the idea down pat. : )
Until recently, I was really beginning to think my Sister was right, that people are not supposed to be happy all the time and think about Disney all the time. It’s just not normal; maybe I should “see” someone. Then I discovered the Disney radio stations on the next playing Disney music, and theme part soundtracks and and and I found YOU! OK, I’m NOT NUTS! My insanity is reassured.
OK, here we go. My cast includes me, DM-40 Beth, I’m a total Disney fanatic. I’m a full time Mom, Wife,
Grad student 
and Employee. I have been going to Disneyland sense I was in my mom’s tummy. (As I said on another post) My big claim to Disney fame is my dad. He played in his school band on opening day at Disneyland in 1955. 
Clarinet, if anyone is interested. Never was rich enough to have a season pass, but made the trip about once a year or more my whole life. I am an avid pin trader, not so much for the pin s, but more for the conversations and amazing people I have gotten to meet and learn their stories.
My entire bedroom wall is covered with a life time of Disney memories. Only really realized I had enough for a wall when my beloved Imzodi (yes Star trek too) and I bought our (first, last and only) home about 3 years ago. I go for the Villains, Tink
included, my favorite princess is Tiana, at the moment.
My Imzodi, my DH-40 Mike,
he’s my best friend, my fellow addict and well everything a prince charming who snores should be. I finely let him marry me in 2008 (after 16 years of Unwedded bliss). He loves the classics and is a black and white Mickey and the fab 5 fan. He worships Walt! He is an artist and wonderful dad. (((shruggs)))) he’s my Imzodi, he’s prefect (for me).
Here is Us (if this works)
Then there is the DD-15, Justice.
She is a complete contradiction in “teen girl” terms. She’s all about sports and activity. She looks dumbfounded at the girls who throw fits and scream and go gaga over the latest and greatest fashion. Give her board shorts and a T and she’s happy. She has good grades and a happy kid. Yes, she even says quote “I have an awesome life”. I do not know why the pod people gave me such a great kid. I certainly never behaved so well, nor got such good grades. They must have switched her at the hospital… : ) I could not love that kid more if she were Walt Disney/ Mickey mouse and Tinker bell all rolled into one! O, shes all About Pluto and the Chip and Dell
My Sweet Girl
[/IMG]
Last to our list of cast members is our DDBFF-15 Kelly. Kelly is our adopted other Daughter (Not that her mom particularly likes the idea). DDBFF is a great athlete, most likely will go to college on a soccer scholarship. She’s a great kid and deserves all the best life can offer. Her family is POOR. I mean really really poor. This trip is not something she could ever have considered. But we could not imagine going without her. This one loves classic Mickey
.
So that’s the cast and crew of the flag ship “WDW or bust” departing Southern CA April 30th 2010.
When the DH and I got married 2 years ago, we spent our Honeymoon, well 4 days of it anyway, at WDW. Having spent the majority of my life at DL – WDW blew my mind. It’s so Freaking HUGE! DL and WDW have a lot in common. D L has some things WDW and vice versa. DL has a huge castle that is it’s a small world, and WDW has the Hall of presidents. The paths at DL and DCA are a bit less wide, and the trees are not as tall. You still have people who use their strollers as battering rams. You still have teenagers that should Really find a parent, or at least learn some manners.
The one thing I will tell you that WDW has that is hands down better than DL is the submersion.
At DL, you can still see reality. You can see the freeway from the top of some of the rides. You can see phone poles and hear the traffic from the train. At DCA you still see the restaurants across the street. You are never fully submerged into the world of Disney, reality can still intrude. At WDW, you can completely submerge yourself in all things DISNEY.
When people ask, that’s my favorite part. The submersion!
Well now you know us (well me mostly) here is our report.
The Plan:
Fly out April 30th then home May 9th.
So that’s 8 solid Park days, (thought that was overkill and I was being nuts again, until reading DISboards, once again thank you for validating my insanity)
We are staying at the Port Orleans French Quarter.
(I looked at them ALL, and still love the simple colors, the soft trees, the New Orleans feel, the rooms and of course the POOL). This is where the DH and I stayed for the Honeymoon!
We have park hopper, and the Water parts and more pkg. mostly because of Disney Quest and of course the DDP.
We started planning the trip; I think 3 days after we got back from the honeymoon. It was supposed to be a grand gathering with 28+ people. But as you can see from above they whittled down quickly.
I made the room reservation in April of 2009, made the park reservation on Aug 1 2009, and then waited for any and all discounts. Ended up not too badly, : ). No $500.00 cash card, but the room discount was nearly $700 so I’m not complaining. But MAN would I have loved the Free DDP. Now That would have been a saver.
So anyway, I started buying “supplies” in secret, in July of last year, going to the discount closeout Disney store, hitting the sales at the Disney store in the mall, ordering stuff from E-bay and hitting the dollar store. Did I mention that I really thought I was NUTS for all this!@ I was beginning o think I was obsessive compulsive or something. Did I also mention I’m Cheap, Thrifty, an Penny Pincher? Well I am. Why pay $14 and change for an autograph book that I see sitting at the Dollar store for well, a dollar. Big fat Sharpie markets, 2 for a buck. Disney character shirts and Park shirts for $6 and $10 dollars that are $45 at the park. Yes I’m CHEAP! But if I wasn’t, we would not be going
So I stashed these supplies.
In Nov of 2009, a Wonderful gift was given to my family. We got to have dinner at Club 33. It was AMAZING. More than Amazing. It was …. Wow….. there are no words.
This sorta caused the flood gates to open. I showed my DF what I had collected. …… and they were pleased! OK so… DF is as nuts as DM!
So. Jan was a bad month, just icky. Left us all in just icky moods. Must have been the Rain. When you’re from SUNNY southern CA, you expect a certain number of SUNNY days. We tend to get moody without the Sun.
Soooo I goggled Disney music, and BAMB Live365, and Shout cast, both playing DISNEY movie Music, Disney Theme park music (Like literally the whole track from beginning to end from when you get on a ride to when you exit the ride.) For DL, DCA and WDW. Mood IMPROVED instantly! Went home and showed the DF, and there moods improved instantly. (Again Confirmation DF is Nuts…. Or are they just humoring the nuts DM?)
OK…. That’s enough for not,…. Wow 2 pages…
Next Up: Imzodi, get down the Suit cases AND to Volunteer or not to Volunteer. .
Until recently, I was really beginning to think my Sister was right, that people are not supposed to be happy all the time and think about Disney all the time. It’s just not normal; maybe I should “see” someone. Then I discovered the Disney radio stations on the next playing Disney music, and theme part soundtracks and and and I found YOU! OK, I’m NOT NUTS! My insanity is reassured.
OK, here we go. My cast includes me, DM-40 Beth, I’m a total Disney fanatic. I’m a full time Mom, Wife,
Grad student and Employee. I have been going to Disneyland sense I was in my mom’s tummy. (As I said on another post) My big claim to Disney fame is my dad. He played in his school band on opening day at Disneyland in 1955. Clarinet, if anyone is interested. Never was rich enough to have a season pass, but made the trip about once a year or more my whole life. I am an avid pin trader, not so much for the pin s, but more for the conversations and amazing people I have gotten to meet and learn their stories. My entire bedroom wall is covered with a life time of Disney memories. Only really realized I had enough for a wall when my beloved Imzodi (yes Star trek too) and I bought our (first, last and only) home about 3 years ago. I go for the Villains, Tink
included, my favorite princess is Tiana, at the moment. My Imzodi, my DH-40 Mike,
he’s my best friend, my fellow addict and well everything a prince charming who snores should be. I finely let him marry me in 2008 (after 16 years of Unwedded bliss). He loves the classics and is a black and white Mickey and the fab 5 fan. He worships Walt! He is an artist and wonderful dad. (((shruggs)))) he’s my Imzodi, he’s prefect (for me). Here is Us (if this works)
Then there is the DD-15, Justice.
She is a complete contradiction in “teen girl” terms. She’s all about sports and activity. She looks dumbfounded at the girls who throw fits and scream and go gaga over the latest and greatest fashion. Give her board shorts and a T and she’s happy. She has good grades and a happy kid. Yes, she even says quote “I have an awesome life”. I do not know why the pod people gave me such a great kid. I certainly never behaved so well, nor got such good grades. They must have switched her at the hospital… : ) I could not love that kid more if she were Walt Disney/ Mickey mouse and Tinker bell all rolled into one! O, shes all About Pluto and the Chip and DellMy Sweet Girl
Last to our list of cast members is our DDBFF-15 Kelly. Kelly is our adopted other Daughter (Not that her mom particularly likes the idea). DDBFF is a great athlete, most likely will go to college on a soccer scholarship. She’s a great kid and deserves all the best life can offer. Her family is POOR. I mean really really poor. This trip is not something she could ever have considered. But we could not imagine going without her. This one loves classic Mickey
. So that’s the cast and crew of the flag ship “WDW or bust” departing Southern CA April 30th 2010.
When the DH and I got married 2 years ago, we spent our Honeymoon, well 4 days of it anyway, at WDW. Having spent the majority of my life at DL – WDW blew my mind. It’s so Freaking HUGE! DL and WDW have a lot in common. D L has some things WDW and vice versa. DL has a huge castle that is it’s a small world, and WDW has the Hall of presidents. The paths at DL and DCA are a bit less wide, and the trees are not as tall. You still have people who use their strollers as battering rams. You still have teenagers that should Really find a parent, or at least learn some manners.
The one thing I will tell you that WDW has that is hands down better than DL is the submersion.
At DL, you can still see reality. You can see the freeway from the top of some of the rides. You can see phone poles and hear the traffic from the train. At DCA you still see the restaurants across the street. You are never fully submerged into the world of Disney, reality can still intrude. At WDW, you can completely submerge yourself in all things DISNEY.
When people ask, that’s my favorite part. The submersion!
Well now you know us (well me mostly) here is our report.
The Plan:
Fly out April 30th then home May 9th.
So that’s 8 solid Park days, (thought that was overkill and I was being nuts again, until reading DISboards, once again thank you for validating my insanity)
We are staying at the Port Orleans French Quarter.
(I looked at them ALL, and still love the simple colors, the soft trees, the New Orleans feel, the rooms and of course the POOL). This is where the DH and I stayed for the Honeymoon!
We have park hopper, and the Water parts and more pkg. mostly because of Disney Quest and of course the DDP.
We started planning the trip; I think 3 days after we got back from the honeymoon. It was supposed to be a grand gathering with 28+ people. But as you can see from above they whittled down quickly.
I made the room reservation in April of 2009, made the park reservation on Aug 1 2009, and then waited for any and all discounts. Ended up not too badly, : ). No $500.00 cash card, but the room discount was nearly $700 so I’m not complaining. But MAN would I have loved the Free DDP. Now That would have been a saver.
So anyway, I started buying “supplies” in secret, in July of last year, going to the discount closeout Disney store, hitting the sales at the Disney store in the mall, ordering stuff from E-bay and hitting the dollar store. Did I mention that I really thought I was NUTS for all this!@ I was beginning o think I was obsessive compulsive or something. Did I also mention I’m Cheap, Thrifty, an Penny Pincher? Well I am. Why pay $14 and change for an autograph book that I see sitting at the Dollar store for well, a dollar. Big fat Sharpie markets, 2 for a buck. Disney character shirts and Park shirts for $6 and $10 dollars that are $45 at the park. Yes I’m CHEAP! But if I wasn’t, we would not be going
So I stashed these supplies.
In Nov of 2009, a Wonderful gift was given to my family. We got to have dinner at Club 33. It was AMAZING. More than Amazing. It was …. Wow….. there are no words.
This sorta caused the flood gates to open. I showed my DF what I had collected. …… and they were pleased! OK so… DF is as nuts as DM!
So. Jan was a bad month, just icky. Left us all in just icky moods. Must have been the Rain. When you’re from SUNNY southern CA, you expect a certain number of SUNNY days. We tend to get moody without the Sun.
Soooo I goggled Disney music, and BAMB Live365, and Shout cast, both playing DISNEY movie Music, Disney Theme park music (Like literally the whole track from beginning to end from when you get on a ride to when you exit the ride.) For DL, DCA and WDW. Mood IMPROVED instantly! Went home and showed the DF, and there moods improved instantly. (Again Confirmation DF is Nuts…. Or are they just humoring the nuts DM?)
OK…. That’s enough for not,…. Wow 2 pages…
Next Up: Imzodi, get down the Suit cases AND to Volunteer or not to Volunteer. .
So Luggage properly aired and arted, 
I start tossing stuff in the cases as I go about my days. I Lanyard here, extra pin backs there, our old Mug from the honeymoon (thank you DisBoards) Zip locks. The usual. Then the DH drops something and has to open the carefully set aside, CLOSED, covered with a towel to avoid cat hair, suit case. (mind you we have 3 purple suit cases, Small carry on, Med and HUGE, the one we are referring to here, would be the huge one) and the wonderful DH see that the case is 2/3 of the way full. And Again with the Eye Brow! 
Well I MUST explain myself, 
Why are they Logical when you Least expect it. 
as a water person and such all the time. So I thought this would be a great way to show them that sometimes it actually PAYS to be nice. 
and a few cancellations, we choose to volunteer at a local park that has been hit hard by the storms and needed some cleaning up. 
This was 4 hours of Back Breaking, Uphill, intense, loaded trash can hauling, wheelbarrow rolling, rock dislodging, labor! OMG, can I say OMG? It was exhausting. Im in pretty good shape, I work out and can run about 3 miles. This KICKED my Butt! We were all sore for 3 days after. 
its very easy to do when you quit smoking) anyway
(Still not finding the DisBoards, though God only knows how)
Checked ever pic and page ion the WDW web site. Overwhelming, information, Overload. 
ALL of them. Including Downtown Disney and Boardwalk and ESPN : ) so now I have this nifty spread sheet with what parks are open when with their magic hours and what festivals and what shows and what Fireworks and YEA, Control Freak Needs satisfied! 
all it was was the hours each place was open 
ALLL DONE, until I change my mind again, WHICH Im not sure I can as there were Several I could not get reservations for, Biegarten & Le Cellier Stake house are locked up at least for the late booking we wanted. 
gonna see whats available : ). Its a Disney discount shop about 10 minutes away from 
Hope they win their games!
and emotional well being, Ladies, you know what I mean).
to the front gate of Disney Land! : )I am so lucky! Anyway, we drove a bit up the road to visit the Disney discount store. Sorry to say I was very disappointed. There was a LOT of stuff for little kids, so that would have been nice, but mine are 15. So really no luck there. Both the DD and the DH wanted Disney Hoodies, so, yep you guessed it
World of Disney in Down Town Disney. That is a GREAT store : ) I think I could life there are at least wonder around for days. 
OK So on to the Drama
or how we affectionately say.. the DrAAAAAAma. 
. Have you ever spoken to someone over the phone who is drunk? You can hear it in their voice, and speech patterns. Well the same is true for other mind altering things of the illegal variety. Im telling you she was going about 400 Miles per Hour!
Two weeks. Im so excited, There is so Much to do still. 
my rantings?
