It was NOT the time of our lives...but it's still DISNEY! Final thoughts!

[Raecheal]

Well we left off on the DME, Once, I spotted the Pop Century Sign,

I knew we were going to have an amazing time…how could we not? I could even start to tell Dbf was excited to see that sign. I was so ecstatic that I couldn’t stop taking a gazillion photos.

We debarked from the DME, and I have NEVER seen this before, how cute!:

We walked into the front lobby.

Now, I know it’s not as beautiful as the Deluxe hotels but it has it’s own character and charm.

Luckily I had done the online check in 10 days prior to our arrival, which meant we had a separate line for the check in process (which was empty). Not only did I check in online but I also faxed a fax to POP about 3 times prior to our arrival with a couple of request

Requests:
1. A room in the 50’s Section with a view of the fireworks (which means not facing the pool)
2. Early access to the room, preferably between 11:30am-2:00pm.
3. Hold are 3 packages until arrival

Lydia was the CM who checked us in, it was so quick and easy! We were assigned a clean room in the 50’s Section that had a great view for fireworks, the room was clean and ready to go at check-in and they were holding our three packages. While Dbf checked in, I snapped a couple of photos:

We were in the 1950’s Section,

WOO HOO, we got our packages

Lydia was amazing, we have NEVER EVER had such a great check with no technical difficulties. As we walked away, Dbf and I both said at the same time “ That was such a great check in”.

We immediately took the familiar path to our room. For the last 3 visit’s we have always stayed in the 50’s Section, Building B, however, in order to get into a room ASAP, we were placed in the 50’s Section, Building C the one with the life size tramp in front of it. It didn’t matter… we were so shocked and thankful we had a clean room this early on.

A few photos from the walk over:

Dbf pulling my luggage,

The few getting off of the elevator:

Even the Coca-Cola machine is Disney themed:

View directly outside of our room door:

Our first and ONLY towel animal(which seems to be standard procedure for all rooms, possible because of complaints)

Dbf being a dork because I wanted to take photos:

 

[Raecheal]

Our room, 3420 on the 4th floor.

I have nothing bad to say about the room at this point in the day, it was exactly how we remembered. The same as usual, clean, small and perfect for the two of us and possibly +1… but I think it would crowed if there were more than 3.

Ahh… we can’t forget Stacie. She’s has re-taped and some of the footage is old and some of it is new.

And a Bounce back deal

Update Next: What was inside of those three packages? Food Porn and the beginning of the fact that “We Just Couldn’t Catch a Good Break”

 

[tinkgurl]

Woo! You're there!

Glad check-in went so smoothly. I always get so nervous about that.

That room looks nice! With a cool view!

Ugh, Stacy's Must Do Disney..I miss the old Stacy..She just isn't herself in this show!

 

[Lynn5700]

It seems like you guys had an awesome check in, which meant your trip should have been off to a great start!! I don't like that bad stuff started happening after that

I love turning on the TV when you get in the room, and you see Staci, lol!

 

[Gabes_mommy]

I love your pictures of Pop! The purple buildings are so cute.

 

[Disneychix]

I'm so amazed that you got all your needs met doing the online check-in! That's very good, but I know it eventually turns badly for you...

Can't wait to see what you shipped down! I've never tried that. Was it expensive?

** I don't have a current PTR going but I am part of the group PTR for those of us going the first week of Dec.

 

[annnewjerz]

Your check-in and room sound great---it sucks that the rest of the trip didn't follow. Great update and can't wait to read more.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

well at least check was flawless

 

[Raecheal]

Woo! You're there!

Glad check-in went so smoothly. I always get so nervous about that.

That room looks nice! With a cool view!

Ugh, Stacy's Must Do Disney..I miss the old Stacy..She just isn't herself in this show!

I KNOW, it was the VERY FIRST TIME in our history with POP that we had a smooth check-in!!!

I KNOW, I KNOW.. I dont like Stacy's new footage.. it's just not the same.. and her hair is straight.

It seems like you guys had an awesome check in, which meant your trip should have been off to a great start!! I don't like that bad stuff started happening after that

I love turning on the TV when you get in the room, and you see Staci, lol!

We did... yep.. it's coming up...

I love seeing Staci too (EVERYONE is spelling it differently, Stacie, Stacy, Staci??) I could watch that channel for hours actually..

I love your pictures of Pop! The purple buildings are so cute.

Thanks!! I love the atmosphere at pop, it has it's own charm.

I'm so amazed that you got all your needs met doing the online check-in! That's very good, but I know it eventually turns badly for you...

Can't wait to see what you shipped down! I've never tried that. Was it expensive?

** I don't have a current PTR going but I am part of the group PTR for those of us going the first week of Dec.

Oh no, I got my three request because i sent a Fax to the front desk 3 times prior to our arrival......

The online check in was a joke!!! The only 'special requests' you were allowed to ask for at POP CENTURY were:
main pool
main floor
parking

Well that was NO good for us, we didn't want to be near the main pool, we don't rent a car and we wanted a view of the fireworks... so I decided to send a fax with all of our special requests.

I really didn't see any spot in which we were allowed to type of things that we wanted.. but at least the online check-in brought us to the faster line!!!

Your check-in and room sound great---it sucks that the rest of the trip didn't follow. Great update and can't wait to read more.

I know..

well at least check was flawless

Record time!

 

[Raecheal]

You both must have been exhausted by the time you got to your room at POP! I'm anxious to hear if you got a bounce back offer (esp for AKL). I've considered staying at a value resort to save money but found renting points at BWV was less expensive (at least on our last 2 trips). Am anxious to see if there will be any great offers for May 2010 so I can do the math for that trip!

Your routine at POP sounds great - isn't it comforting to have that when you return to a fav hotel?

I was running on adrenaline, BUT Dbf was soo exhausted, especially because he just got off of 5 nights straight of overnights when usually he only does a 2-2-3 schedule.

I'd like to rent points in the future.. I guess i'm just concered, i'd rent from the wrong person.. (especially with my luck)

It is sooo comforting to have a routine and be back at our favorite hotel.

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

Oh no... a good check in but Pop has been sworn off??? Doesn't sound good...

Can't wait!!!

 

[tinkabella627]

[/QUOTE]
Let's not even talk about Student loans.. I have 5 years worht. My payment already makes me sick each and every month for the next 9 years.

I alwasy give a list and pictures for x-mas to Dbf.. otherwise he'd be lost!!

BB is on tonight...

How are you liking being in Memphis, TN over Buffalo, NY?



[/QUOTE]

I know what you mean about the student loans. I told Tim I swear we could be rich if it weren't for those. And he especially hates paying for his because he doesn't even need it for what he is doing! I showed Tim that pattern and he said "you like that?!" (he doesn't quite get my taste lol) and then I showed him raspberry fizz because I like that one too and he said "well I like that one"... so I am thinking that will be that pattern I get haha

I know BB is on and I have to wait until it is over to watch it!! I have to DVR because Tim (who when we first started dating HATED bb and swore he would never watch it with me) has to work and doesn't want to miss it... and we have to watch together.

The weather in Memphis is much better (I hate the bitter coldness of buffalo). I miss buffalo a lot though because I miss the life I had there, my friends, my routine, all that. But it is ok here. I can't say I love it but thats ok.

And your picture of ur bf being a dork when going into your room cracks me up.

 

[silverangel879]

Great Update!!!! LOTS PICS, YAY!!!

A bounce back would be terrible tempting for me...specially now that we leave 2hours driving from Orlando!

 

[AmyBWV99]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Little Giraffee blankets we have many perfect for any time of year.

We have stayed at POP once, that was it. Everyone has the their favs and you can get poor service anywhere but once was all it took for my DH of ALL people to say he'd look off property before he'd go back. ouch.

 

[manntra]

Wow! You had such a great check in....I am scared for what lies ahead and how everything took such a downward turn...
Stacy is the only show I have on when we are at Disney! I have to tune out the rest of the world!

Tracy

 

[ArelysAdriana]

I'm here! I'm here!
I seemed to have missed so much! My parents are still here visiting, so I have been busy as hell.

I'm so sad to hear about how awful your trip was. I know how excited you were about everything and to hear that it was a huge letdown is such a bummer. At least you had a good check-in at Pop (although I'm sure that all the bad stuff that happened later cancels that out.)

Your post about your gram made me all teary. How is she doing now? Any updates? I hope you have nothing but good news regarding your gram for us.

Anyways, I'm subbing now so I can keep up.

 

[calderli]

I am so glad that the check in went so smoothly. It gives me hope and I know that you were nervous when doing the on-line check-in. At least that was one part of the trip that went well. I love the picture of DBF pulling along your luggage. Definately made me laugh.
I am really looking forward to the next pictures, espically the food porn. I think that I have been on this diet too long, I am soooo looking forward to the food in Disney!!!

Patience is not my virtue...bring on the next update!!!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Check in looks good...when do the problems start? You really have me waiting. (Not that I want to see the misfortune...just wondering what happened?) Maybe you were just kidding and it was great and that's a surprise??!!

 

[Raecheal]

Oh no... a good check in but Pop has been sworn off??? Doesn't sound good...

Can't wait!!!

Uhuh for Dbf..

I know what you mean about the student loans. I told Tim I swear we could be rich if it weren't for those. And he especially hates paying for his because he doesn't even need it for what he is doing! I showed Tim that pattern and he said "you like that?!" (he doesn't quite get my taste lol) and then I showed him raspberry fizz because I like that one too and he said "well I like that one"... so I am thinking that will be that pattern I get haha

I know BB is on and I have to wait until it is over to watch it!! I have to DVR because Tim (who when we first started dating HATED bb and swore he would never watch it with me) has to work and doesn't want to miss it... and we have to watch together.

The weather in Memphis is much better (I hate the bitter coldness of buffalo). I miss buffalo a lot though because I miss the life I had there, my friends, my routine, all that. But it is ok here. I can't say I love it but thats ok.

And your picture of ur bf being a dork when going into your room cracks me up.

Same here with Dbf...now he get's mad if i accidently delete it before he gets to watch it.. same thing with the bachelorette this season.

awww...well maybe over time you'll love it?

Great Update!!!! LOTS PICS, YAY!!!

A bounce back would be terrible tempting for me...specially now that we leave 2hours driving from Orlando!

Thanks... they are SOOOO tempting....only 2 hours.. i'd be there every weekend.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Little Giraffee blankets we have many perfect for any time of year.

We have stayed at POP once, that was it. Everyone has the their favs and you can get poor service anywhere but once was all it took for my DH of ALL people to say he'd look off property before he'd go back. ouch.

I love the little girafee blankets as well.. perfect baby shower gift or for any expecting mother.

How was your experience at POP?

Wow! You had such a great check in....I am scared for what lies ahead and how everything took such a downward turn...
Stacy is the only show I have on when we are at Disney! I have to tune out the rest of the world!

Tracy

We watch stacy a lot and the family channel while in WDW.. I've come to like some of those disney shows.

Hopefully everyone will stick around for my TR even AFTER i've shared how we just couldn't catch a break...

I'm here! I'm here!
I seemed to have missed so much! My parents are still here visiting, so I have been busy as hell.

I'm so sad to hear about how awful your trip was. I know how excited you were about everything and to hear that it was a huge letdown is such a bummer. At least you had a good check-in at Pop (although I'm sure that all the bad stuff that happened later cancels that out.)

Your post about your gram made me all teary. How is she doing now? Any updates? I hope you have nothing but good news regarding your gram for us.

Anyways, I'm subbing now so I can keep up.

Your here, Your here, Your here.... (it's about time)

It's good to hear that your enjoying your time with your parents.. I hope all is going well. We have family coming down tomorrow evening for the weekend.. we have been cleaning like mad people.. but i love family and i'm so excited to spend some time with them.. it's exactly what I need.

The good check-in kinda does forgotten after the rest of our experiences with the front desk/conceige...

I love my grams...<3

I am so glad that the check in went so smoothly. It gives me hope and I know that you were nervous when doing the on-line check-in. At least that was one part of the trip that went well. I love the picture of DBF pulling along your luggage. Definately made me laugh.
I am really looking forward to the next pictures, espically the food porn. I think that I have been on this diet too long, I am soooo looking forward to the food in Disney!!!

Patience is not my virtue...bring on the next update!!!

Don't be nervous.. it's easy and everything will be A-okay. Just send that fax a couple of times... I'm pretty sure i emailed it to you!!

I had wendy's tonight.. i'm having a hard time getting back on again.. oh.

Check in looks good...when do the problems start? You really have me waiting. (Not that I want to see the misfortune...just wondering what happened?) Maybe you were just kidding and it was great and that's a surprise??!!

The problem start's NEXT... NO, everything was ruined.. I just hope everyone will stick around even after they read about how we just couldn't catch a break.

 

[Raecheal]

Two of those packages were mine and one was for Dbf, in his package was some sort of wristband thing… I didn’t pay much attention to it.

My first package contained all of Stella’s Birthday supplies Some of you might think I’m crazy, Yes she is a dog, but she is a very important member of our family and we celebrate everyone’s birthday in my family. Besides she’s going to have 4 other puppies at her birthday, we needed some party supplies.

The second package had a shirt I tried on while we were shopping in Syracuse prior to our departure but I just couldn’t make up my mind at the time.. until we got home. I’m going to wear it to work with a pair of black dress pants.

Now, the scheduled plan was to head out to DTD. We would do some shopping (woo hooo.. Tren-D here I come) and grab some lunch at Earl of Sandwich (one of our favs) … but Dbf was exhausted. He didn’t feel like going anywhere. At that moment, I was okay with that too. I wasn’t mad, just a tab bit annoyed but I understood. It had been a long day of traveling and we were still in Disney. So with the changed of plans, we headed over to Everything Pop to pick up some Lunch.

Here are some crappy photos of the eating area (I need a new camera)

Everything was the same but they did add powerade and multiple flavors of cold tea to the free drink selection. Dbf was happy with the new selection because he doesn’t drink pop.

Dbf got a Burger and Fries as well as a side order of bread,

I ordered a single person pizza,

Oh yes, I can’t forget we also purchased our re-fill able mugs.

The whole total for this lunch was 50.00 US, not bad considering each mug is 12.00 US. We ate lunch there in our usual booths and made our way back to the hotel.


WARNING: There are no photos for the rest of the day. We were just pre-occupied, then stressed and ultimately forgot.

************************************************************************​

Now before I continue, for everyone who wasn’t following along with me in my PTR, today was the MOST important day of our whole weekend trip. Yes, we had two parks and a water park planned but Friday afternoon/evening was the most important day filled with the most exciting activities.. Here’s why:

1.I had arranged for us to have a lifestyle photo shoot with Roots photography at 6:15pm starting at the GF and ending with the sunset at the Poly. Initially it was a surprise for Dbf but I needed to give him some time to do some manscapping so I ended up breaking the news to him a couple weeks prior. He was not happy; he’s shy and just doesn’t like getting his photo take. He was angry but eventually came around… He understood how important these photos were to me, it would be a new interesting experience for us as a couple and in the end we would have some amazing photos of us together. Photos, which we could use around the house, Christmas cards and even surprise our families with. We both loved the Roots style of photography so he was eventually completely on board.. and we were both really excited.

I had been emailing Beaute Speciale back and forth. After filing out the application form and providing credit card information: I had an appointment for 4pm. They would do my hair and make up. I was told to cut out some hairstyles/make up applications from magazines and bring them along to show what I wanted. There were two things I was concerned about: 1. I needed them to bring some fake lashes and 2. The humidity and how it would affect my hair. They assured me they dealt with this weather and hair all the time and it wouldn’t be a problem. I was really confident in them and happy with my decision to book them.

2.Dbf’s actually surprise was two Aerosmith concert tickets this September here in our hometown. I bought them online and had been hanging on to them secretly… now all I needed was a good way to tell. We all brain stormed on my PTR and ultimately I got some really good ideas. I ended up deciding I’d get a custom cake made for him and for me because I had been craving cake for the past 3 months as I was on a diet and had already lost 35 pounds. After speaking with 7 different cast members (was told no, then told yes). I got a hold of the Boardwalk bakery chef and we finally came up with the idea of a “Rock Theme” cake with white, red, black stripes with silver accents along with a 3d guitar and stars on the top. We chose almond cream with Bavarian cream with white frosting under the fondant. Written on the cake, was going to be “Enjoy the Show”.

The catch is, in order to keep the tickets a surprise, I lied to Dbf and told him we were getting a Mickey themed cake and I showed him some ridiculous photo online. The plan was to pick up the cake under the name Horvat, R and have Dbf look at the cake all confused, read the “Enjoy The Show” and then hand him over the tickets while he’s scratching his head.

3.The last most important thing during this trip was getting a half-day check out on Sunday, until 3pm at a half-day rate. We were okay with paying the half-day rate in order to have the room until 3:00pm.

*******************************************************************************​

Back to the TR, It was now close to 2:15pm and we were back in the room, Dbf lied down and turned on the TV. I needed to call Beaute Speciale and provide my Building and hotel room number so the make up artist could find my room. I called from our hotel room and when they answered the phone; they were clueless. They didn’t know who I was and she didn’t even know who was coming to my appointment. After a couple of seconds, she returned back on the phone and told me the name of the lady who would be coming at 4pm to do my hair and make up. Until then, I filled out my passporter book, took photos of the packaged items, organized my hair/make up photos, unpacked and ultimately just relaxed.


Up Next: ALL DOWN HILL FROM HERE....