It's been THREE WHOLE YEARS...Oct 2012

[eaj1228]

Joining in!! My family is planning an October trip as well. Can't wait to see the rest of your plans.

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

disneymumuk--Welcome aboard!! And thank you for the lovely compliment/wishes.

eaj1228--Glad to have you!

Well, Disney has officially taken its place at the top of my "Things I Love" list. Now, okay, for years it held that spot with no competitors, but then I discovered Indycar racing. And then Disney had a bit of competition. It wasn't originally that much of a problem, as Indy did a race in Richmond, so it wasn't that much to take a weekend trip up to Virginia. But then they dropped it from their schedule, and the next closest race to us was in Baltimore. We had considered going up for that race, even booked a hotel room, but looking at our budget Mom told me I had to choose. I chose Disney. Mainly because Baltimore is a road course, which means that I'd only get to see the cars every couple of minutes as they drove by whatever stretch we were standing on. Plus, it's not as fast, which to me equals not quite as exciting. But I am hoping that maybe one day the Indycar series will come to their senses and have another race in the Southeast.

On a much lighter note, here are pictures from my very first Disney trip ever, in March of 1994. I couldn't pick which one I liked best, so you get all three!

This is the photo we always think of when we think about this trip. I don't remember what I was throwing a tantrum about, but I was unhappy about something and did NOT want my picture taken. Yet, we absolutely love this picture. I will say, the dress I'm wearing was one of my absolute favorite dresses when I was that age. I had an identical one in pink, but they were the best because they twirled reeeeeeeally well. To this day I miss them, and I actually bought a similar dress at Target in green because it reminded me of this one. It doesn't twirl though :-(

This next photo I like just because it shows how much I love my dad. I was SUCH the Daddy's Little Girl...and I still am when I want something In all seriousness, I don't know what I'd do without him, and I just love what this picture captures.

The last one I chose just because it's an AMAZING picture. The castle is gorgeous, I love how our hair is almost identical (mine has gotten darker over the years, and I tend to straighten it), and my mom is actually smiling and doesn't look drugged! Though those glasses...

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

Well, seeing as I still have 33 minutes until I can call Disney Dining, I figured I'd throw in a quick update.

WE'RE OFFICIALLY BOOKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


We booked yesterday, so this morning I am trying to land a reservation at the ever elusive Chef's Table. Then later we'll figure out the rest of our ADR's.

I'm so excited!!!!!! Starting to save up now. Which could be difficult with the rent I have a spend this summer to live on Hilton Head, but that's a different story.

 

[eaj1228]

Well, seeing as I still have 33 minutes until I can call Disney Dining, I figured I'd throw in a quick update.

WE'RE OFFICIALLY BOOKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


We booked yesterday, so this morning I am trying to land a reservation at the ever elusive Chef's Table. Then later we'll figure out the rest of our ADR's.

I'm so excited!!!!!! Starting to save up now. Which could be difficult with the rent I have a spend this summer to live on Hilton Head, but that's a different story.

Awesome news!! Can't wait to hear about the rest of your plans. Good luck saving.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Hi! Just got caught up with your report...How exciting that you are going to try the Royal rooms! I hope that when our girls get older they will appreciate all things Disney (and their parents!) they way you do! I love that pic of you and your mom!

 

[smile4stamps]

Let us know how it goes trying to get the Chef's Table! I thought about trying for it but decided to just go with the Regular Dining Room since it will be our first time there.

 

[spiroff.natasha]

I'm in

We are planning an October 2012 trip too but looks like we will be juuust missing you!

I love the old pictures that you put up...gotta love the 80s/90s style

Can't wait to hear more about your plans

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

to jennyjinx3 and spiroff.natasha

So, unfortunately, there were no openings for the Chef's Table in the time we were going to be there. I did land a reservation in the Queen Victoria room, which is a private dining room with essentially the same menu. However, we're not sure if we'll keep it as we liked the idea of being able to interact with the chef. I tried replacing it with the Dine with an Imagineer experience, but that was booked too, so for now we still have the Queen Victoria room. If something we like better comes up, we'll probably switch it out.

I should mention that after my last post, our happy dance was put a little bit on hold. You remember how I mentioned that my parents run? Well, Saturday morning Mom was out running with a group of friends, and she tripped and fell and landed on her face. We spent the morning in the ER, where she received one stitch, and was told to follow up with an ENT to determine whether or not her nose is broken (though we're pretty sure it is). She's fine for the most part, though obviously very sore. Her face is pretty beat up, along with a skinned shoulder, both hands, and both knees. We are very glad that nothing worse happened, she never lost consciousness despite hitting the sidewalk face first, and she should begin to recover within the next couple of days.

In happier news, Sunday I booked all of our other dining reservations. We're using the DDP (and trust me, I'm very annoyed that we missed Free Dining by 3 days), so here are our TS plans (in red) for the trip, along with a sort of itinerary.

Tues, Oct. 2: I finish my classes, then drive home from school. We board the dogs, then Mom and I go to bed. When Dad gets home from work around 2:30, making it

Wed, Oct. 3: we get up, pack the car, and hit the road while he sleeps in the back. Drive all the way down, arrive at POR around noon/1:00. Check in, take a nap if our room is ready. Head to Epcot. Dinner at Biergarten. I've never been, and the last time my parents went was 20 years ago, so we figure it might be time to check it out. Spend as much time in Epcot after, then call it a night.

Thurs, Oct. 4: Breakfast at Boma We LOVE Boma. Well, we love everything about AKL, but especially Boma, and then especially especially breakfast. It's the one meal all three of us unanimously agreed on, so it seemed like the perfect way to start our first full day in the World. We're eating early so we can make it to AK by opening. The rest of the day is left up to our whims. If we decide to keep it, dinner at Victoria & Albert's is this night.

Fri, Oct. 5: No real touring plans. Dinner at Artist Point to celebrate Mom's birthday and enjoy a nice evening, since my parents love it here and I've never eaten here. I can't decide if I'm going for their acclaimed cedar plank salmon or if I'll stay true to myself and order a steak.

Sat, Oct. 6: Probably hit DHS in the morning so I can FINALLY ride TSM (which, again, my parents have done but not I), then catch a bus or boat over to Epcot for lunch at Rose & Crown. This was a compromise. Mom wanted to try Les Chefs de France since we've never eaten in France, but Dad had no interest. As he rarely gets a say in most plans, we decided to be nice. Not sure what we'll do after.

Sun, Oct. 7: Whatever we feel like during the day, then dinner at Kona. Once we finish, we'll hop on the monorail and head to MK for EMH.

Mon, Oct. 8: Again with no real plans park-wise, then a late lunch at Sanaa. As I said before, we love AKL, but we also all enjoy Indian food, so this seems like a good place to try. And it gives us an excuse to go back to AKL. Once we finish, plans are once again open for discussion.

As soon as Disney releases information about when Fantasmic will be going on, that will be factored in. It's my all time favorite show, so I will definitely try to see it at least once. Maybe more

That's all for now! I'm headed off to class, but look for more Disney throwback pics later today!!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

Hello my faithful readers! If you are all still around. I apologize for the long delay, but since my last post I've gone through finals, some semblance of cleaning my room, moving to Hilton Head, and starting a summer internship. Phew! Just typing that exhausts me. I am happy to report that I'm nicely settled into my 2 bedroom apartment, our carpet has been fixed (there was an unfortunate incident with the washing machine the first night by myself), and Samantha, my friend/roommate and I have a nice little routine down.

But, I won't bore y'all with the monotonous details of regular life. On the Disney front, we're down to 121 days!!!! We decided to cancel the reservations for Victoria & Albert's, and instead book the Wild Africa Trek. Animal Kingdom is our favorite park, and Dad loves to take pictures, so a semi-behind the scenes tour sounds really exciting to us. Plus, we like adventure, so strapping on a vest and carabiner and "hiking" is a fun time. Anyone done it? Opinions?

Also, Thursday night we will be attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!!! You have no idea how excited I am about this. Yes, I'll admit, I'm 21 years old and my idea of a good time is getting dressed up and trick-or-treating through the Magic Kingdom. Plus, we have an awesome costume idea for the three of us. Buuuuttt.....y'all will have to wait to find out. I'm not spoiling the surprise. Feel free to guess, and if you happen to guess correctly, a batch of cookies just might be sent your way.

And of course, this post wouldn't be complete without the next batch of the Disney Through the Ages pictures. Ladies and gentlemen, for your viewing pleasure.

This picture is from March of 1997. I am ashamed to say that I actually dressed like this quite often. I loved my fanny pack, because it was just like Mommy's And I wore socks with sandals because my feet sweated a lot and I didn't like how they'd start sliding around in sandals. I continued this trend up until 6th grade, when my friends informed me that this wasn't cool.

This picture shows the versatility of Florida weather. This was in January of 1999. It was a trip that fell over my 8th birthday, and it was freaking cold that year. It was also the only year we've gone as a family and stayed offsite. We mixed this trip with other things, such as the Kennedy Space Center and a brief trip to Universal, which was absolutely miserable. But I was 8 and afraid of everything, had a loose tooth and wasn't eating, and the Islands of Adventure weren't open yet, so we are willing to try again. Possibly this next trip, but nothing is set in stone. Anyway. We were at Animal Kingdom, if that wasn't made obvious by the dinosaur in the background. It was so cold that morning they were selling gloves and scarves for those standing in line. Being the crazy people we are, we rode Kali River Rapids three times in a row. And then got ice cream

I hope you are all doing well. Let me know how things are going! Right now my life consists of getting up at 3 in the morning, working for eight/nine hours, then crashing as soon as I get home so that I can get sleep and repeat the cycle. I need some outside contact! And I like you guys. So drop me a line!

 

[oboedm]

Wow! Sounds like you have had one busy month! I would have booked the WIld Africe Trek over V and As. Then again, I am not really a foodie, so that makes sense! Looks like you have some great restaurants planned!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

So, as of Wednesday:

Wild Africa Trek is BOOKED!!!!! For Friday, Oct. 6 at 8:45 a.m.

MNSSHP is BOOKED!!!!! For Thursday, Oct. 5.

Aaaaaand my costume is done. I bought what I needed. We have to wait a bit for Mom and Dad's until we know what the weather is gonna be like. I can't wait for this. I can honestly say I am truly proud of this idea and think it's gonna be a hit. 94 days!!!! It is so much more exciting now that we're down to double digits.

 

[oboedm]

Super exciting! I can't wait to hear about both experiences! I can't believe it is only 93 days away!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

What Whaaaaat?? Disney is now offering Free Dining for October 3 & 4?? Thank you travel gods!!!

Actually, we don't know for sure yet that they'll refund us those 2 days, but we're sure as heck gonna try! Budgeting is a huge thing, especially since Mom and Dad will be going to PARIS in April. Did I mention that? No? Well, my mom is the very happy winner of a free trip from NPR, a local public radio station. She can only take one person, and since it will be only a couple of months before their 25th anniversary, I'm letting her take Dad. Without too much complaint. Sort of >.> They still have no concept of vacation though...they're going to run the Paris Marathon. I swear, sometimes I don't know how I'm related to them. But they're great parents.

Seriously, I love my Mom and Dad more than anything. I know I mentioned it in my first post, but I just wanted to reiterate that point. Yes, we argue like any other family, but at the end of the day, they love me no matter what. And are always there for me. Something that sticks out in my brain is two Octobers ago, I broke up with my boyfriend of 2 1/2 years. Even though it was the right choice, I was devastated at the time. Both of my parents separately offered to drive to ECU if I needed them, even though we were in the middle of a week of monsoon-like rain. I was completely touched by their support, and I don't know many of my friends parents who would offer the same. Here's to the great parents of the world!!

On a totally different note, I want to apologize for the lack of smileys and pictures in recent posts. I've been using the Disboard app to update, and while it's fantastic to have this all at my fingertips, it doesn't let you "go advanced." I still love it though!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

So at the risk of sounding like Simba....somebody??? Anybody???

I feel sort of like I'm talking to myself lately (which, actually, happens quite frequently). I miss all of you guys.

We did end up being able to apply Free Dining...for the whole trip!!! Which saved us approximately $800, so we're pretty thrilled. I've been working on costumes for Mom and Dad, since I've pretty much been designated as the crafty one...just bought my first hot glue gun! Joe is scared.

Speaking of, I thought I'd take a little time out from the Disney pics and introduce the other players in this drama called life. Meet....THE PEOPLE WE'RE LEAVING BEHIND!!! Okay, well, technically one person and two dogs. But they're important to us, and I figured they deserved a bit of attention.

First up, Apawlo! This is actually my avatar, but I think it's the best picture of him we have really. He's our 3 year old boxer/pit bull mix, but he's the biggest sweetheart you'll ever meet. He thinks he's a lap dog, and will lick you to death. The reason he's wearing a hoodie is because he's so short-haired that he tends to get cold in the winter and doesn't like going outside, so I gave him an old sweatshirt. He was much happier.

Then there's Sienna, aka the Stubby One. She's also 3, but we have no idea what breeds she's made up of. We call her the ketchup dog...57 varieties! She can be a diva, as she thinks that all attention should be on her and that she deserves a spot on the couch at all times. Regardless, she's a fluffy sweetie and we love her. She also loves playing with her leash, and any time she's excited she takes it in her mouth and bounces around. We've never really had normal dogs....

And lastly, but certainly not least, there's Joe. DBF of a year and some change, he's sadly never been to Disney Don't worry, I'm working on this. He doesn't really understand my obsession, but he puts up with it and at times even indulges it. I really kinda think he's the greatest thing ever. This was taken after he rode his bike in the rain from his apartment to come see me run a 5k (see, I told you he was great). And yes, he really is that much taller than me. Or I'm that much shorter, seeing as I'm the second shortest in my family, taller only than my Nana.

 

[smile4stamps]

I know all about the talking to yourself... My PTR has actually gotten kinda quiet as I don't have much to update on till F&W info comes out!

Congrats on getting free dining!! It didn't fall for us when we could use it but thankfully I had received a PIN in late December I was able to use!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Don't worry, you are not alone!! We are here and we are reading!!

Great news about free dining! And I love those puppies , they are too cute!!

 

[kdka421]

Following over from the FB group! Just read through and caught up with your PTR!

I'm excited that you chose POR, we love it there, and I think the royal rooms will be beautiful!
I'm also super excited for you that you booked V&A! We did that on our last trip and it was simply amazing. DH and I are serious foodies, so it was well worth it to us. Hope you can enjoy it as well!

We're going to be going a few weeks after you, and doing MNSSHP for the first time...haven't picked out my costume yet though!

Looking forward to reading more

 

[lledman]

just found your ptr, thanks for the link on fb. Sounds like you've got a wonderful trip in the works. I can only hope that my kids keep their love of Disney and beg me to take them back when they are older.

 

[Chelley00]

I think a lot of pretrip reports are quiet lately. It's because we're all hanging out on the facebook page instead

 

[Love2Run]

I'm joining in. It sounds like your trip is going to be great! I have been wanting to do the Wild African Trek. I had actually forgotten about it and am now thinking I might see if I can book it for my trip coming up. I don't know how fast it fills up so I may be to late.

Also I love all your old pictures. Brings back the nostalgia for sure.

Also what is this Facebook group everyone is talking about? I'm new around here sorry