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

[SoccerDogWithEars]

So....before I start, I should probably make a confession. We haven't actually booked this trip yet. We're not even 100% sure we can go. BUT...I am determined this trip will happen. Even if I have to work my butt off to make it happen. Because we need it. It's sort of a last song for us.

You see, I'm an only child, so I'm pretty close to my parents. And from the time I was 3, my parents and I have been to Disney 12 times. We started going every couple of years, then every other year, then every year...and a couple of times multiple times a year. It's our happy place. It's the place we always went for family vacations. And as I watch the commercials on TV now that say "only so many years until..." I realize it's happened. I've grown up. There's that shocking realization that this may be the last family Disney trip, ever. And honestly, it's the first real vacation we've had in a while. You see, both of my parents have taken up running, so most trips are just two or three day ordeals to wherever the race is. The last couple of Disney trips were like that, just driving down for the marathon and then heading back. When I called the Disney Reservation Center to ask about rates for this trip, the woman asked the last time I'd been, and when I answered 2009, she went "that's been THREE WHOLE YEARS!!" So now you know where the title comes from.

And before I start rambling and get sidetracked by the sentimentality of it all, I should probably introduce who "we" are.

Me, Annie. I'm 21 years old (and yes, I do plan on DATW this trip), and a junior at East Carolina University majoring in Hospitality Management. I have always been obsessed with Disney World, and know a bunch of random trivia that no one really cares about. For example, there are 11,324 triangles on Spaceship Earth. In addition to Disney, my other obsession is Indy Car Racing. I have a bit of an odd sense of humor, a mix of puns and witty one liners. I also tend to burst randomly into song.

My Mommy, Jackie, aka MouseDogMom. She's currently 49, but this trip is to celebrate the big 5-0 She's my best friend, and often the peacemaker as my Dad and I are so similar that occasionally we clash. She started running as an excuse to go to Disney more often, and discovered she really like it. To this day I still don't understand it, but, I admire her for it. She's the resident Disney planner/expert.

My Daddy, Bill. He's the photographer. It's very rare to find a photo of all three of us, because he's happier behind the camera. We're exactly alike, which either means we're at each others throats, or we're bouncing off each other and going off on a random tangent that leaves us cracking up while those around us think we've lost our minds. We both have a love for old crappy movies and slapstick comedy.

So that's the gang. Next installment will feature the 5 hotels we have it narrowed down to and things on our Disney bucket list!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

So when we left off, I confessed that this trip isn't actually booked. Of course, before we book, we'd have to decide where to stay. This is where you should know two things about my family. Number 1: We are Disney snobs. We absolutely refuse to stay offsite, because we want the whole Disney experience, from EMH to Mousekeeping. Number 2: We have, as my Mom puts it, Hilton taste with a Motel 6 budget. Or I guess, in Disney terms, Deluxe taste, Value budget.

We've always loved the Lodges, both AKL and WL. They're our favorite hotels, so they made the short list. Next on the list is both POFQ and POR. We've stayed there the last few trips, and really enjoy it. Plus, I really like the Royal Guest Rooms, and I'm dying to stay in one. I figure it's a way to feel like we're staying Deluxe while saving roughly a thousand dollars. Lastly, Mom's interested in the new Art of Animation. We love the Lion King, and while I love my parents, the idea of a separate bedroom and bathroom is mighty appealing. However, because it is considered a suite, it's a bit pricier than the Port Orleans resorts. They only non-suite rooms are in the Little Mermaid building, we're not all that excited about Ariel and friends. I'm pushing for the RGR at POR, Mom's contemplating a split stay so we can still get in our Deluxe fix.

I'm throwing out the idea that we stay at a cheaper resort to have for money for other extras. Namely, the new Exotic Driving Experience at the Speedway. For $260 something, I...okay, we...can drive an Audi R8. This is my dream car. I've loved it ever since the R4 was introduced during the Super Bowl a few years ago, and then when the R8 came out in the Iron Man movies. So...I'll skimp on the hotel room if I can drive the car.

Also, I'm HOPING that I can save up enough money to treat my parents to the Chef's Table at V&A. It would be a "happy birthday Mom, happy late birthday Dad, thanks for all the years you footed the entire bill and took me with you" present. But we'll see. I have the 180 day mark on the calendar.

That's all for this update. We have a bathroom in the middle of renovations, and my boyfriend might kill me if I don't come help him paint soon, since I dragged him into this. So see ya real soon!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

Anybody out there? I see I have 121 views, but no replies. Which makes me feel like I'm talking to myself, which, ok, I do, but still....drop me a line and tell me what you think? It's good for my self-esteem Plus I enjoy baking, and have been known to give away homemade chocolate chip cookies and cakes....

 

[FairestOfThemAll]

Another person who loves random Disney trivia - I feel like we're friends already.

Since we're friends, I think I can tell you that I really think you should push to make sure this trip really does happen. ... in celebration for having paid off their mortgage, my parents decided to go to Disney and brought my sister & me with them. We'd always loved going as a family but hadn't been in years. We had a great time. And then my dad died unexpectedly four months later. I am so glad we went back to Disney one more time as a family.

Enough with the sentimental stuff... where was your family picture taken? I can't figure out that big red beam next to your mom.

And I love that you're updating your PTR instead of remodeling your bathroom!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

Fairestofthemall Yay a new friend!! And since we're friends, I'll be nice and tell you what you want to know haha. The picture was taken at the top of a memorial in downtown Indianapolis, so the metal beam is part of the support system of the iiiiiiitty bitty elevator you could take.

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, but I am glad y'all got one last trip as a family. I really am pushing for this trip. I told my mom I'd rob a bank if I had to. So if you don't hear from me for a while......just kidding! They're just as on board as I am, we're just sort of waiting and seeing what our financial situation is. Curse you college tuition!!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Hey..I'm here! We are going down in Oct as well....what dates were you thinking? I love the idea of the Royal Rooms at POR...they look AWESOME!!! We want to try the new Animation Resort, but we have a timeshare and can't justify the prices they are charging for basically a larger value suite. It looks amazing, but still just can't get past that price. KWIM?
I'll be reading to see how your planning comes along!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

ash-n-brensmom-We're looking at the 3-10, because it corresponds with my Fall Break. And I know EXACTLY what you mean...when the lady told me the price for AoA, I about fell out of my chair. I thought it was supposed to be value. But, you know, sometimes I think that extra bathroom would be worth it, but really, we share one at home, so...

But at least it's a nice newly painted bathroom! With a new light fixture too. And I'm planning on something artsy on the large mirror we have on one side.

 

[Chelley00]

The picture was taken at the top of a memorial in downtown Indianapolis, so the metal beam is part of the support system of the iiiiiiitty bitty elevator you could take.

That elevator is the worst

I'm going to follow and along and hope that you get to go. We'll miss your dates by a couple of days since we'll arrive the 13th.

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

That elevator is the worst

Yes, yes it is. Dad actually refused to take it back down. The only reason we took it in the first place is because we were running the Mini-Marathon the next day, and I didn't think all those stairs were a good idea.

Glad to have you aboard! Things look good so far, but I'll definitely let y'all know when we have a confirmed trip!

 

[oboedm]

I am here and signing on! It's wonderful that you are so close with your parents. I don't know many 21 year olds who appreciate their parents like you do. I know I didn't! =)

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

Oboedm--glad to have you aboard! Have to ask, do you play the oboe? Or is that just a coincidence?

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

Okay, so, after a couple of weeks, I'm pleased to announce that we have definite plans on when and where we're staying.

The When: Oct 3-9. My Fall Break is technically only the 6-9. However, because today was registration and I got the classes I want, I only have class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Well, there is one Monday night class, but since Monday falls on Fall Break, we're not worried about this. This means that if we leave on the 2nd, a Tuesday night, I only miss one day of class. And yes, I did deliberately choose my classes so I could do this. That and I like the idea of a 3 1/2 day weekend every weekend.

The Where: I am very excited to say that I got my parents to agree to the new Royal Guest Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside! It didn't really require much cajoling honestly; Dad said up front he wanted to stay at one of the Port Orleans. Yes, WL and AKL are nice, and we love them. But it's roughly $1,500 cheaper, and with the new rooms, it will (hopefully) still have that Deluxe resort feel. Also, both of my parents are runners, and they like the trail along the river. I have only been known to run on occasion, and only if I like the medal, so I don't expect to get much use out of this, but I do like the river view.

Up next: A trip down memory lane. I've tracked down pictures of me from most of our past Disney trips (a few were lost in the transition from film to digital), so I've decided it'll be fun (for me at least) to post them. I can't figure out how to do it on the school computer, but look for them to be up soon!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Okay, so, after a couple of weeks, I'm pleased to announce that we have definite plans on when and where we're staying.

The When: Oct 3-9. My Fall Break is technically only the 6-9. However, because today was registration and I got the classes I want, I only have class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Well, there is one Monday night class, but since Monday falls on Fall Break, we're not worried about this. This means that if we leave on the 2nd, a Tuesday night, I only miss one day of class. And yes, I did deliberately choose my classes so I could do this. That and I like the idea of a 3 1/2 day weekend every weekend.

The Where: I am very excited to say that I got my parents to agree to the new Royal Guest Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside! It didn't really require much cajoling honestly; Dad said up front he wanted to stay at one of the Port Orleans. Yes, WL and AKL are nice, and we love them. But it's roughly $1,500 cheaper, and with the new rooms, it will (hopefully) still have that Deluxe resort feel. Also, both of my parents are runners, and they like the trail along the river. I have only been known to run on occasion, and only if I like the medal, so I don't expect to get much use out of this, but I do like the river view.

Up next: A trip down memory lane. I've tracked down pictures of me from most of our past Disney trips (a few were lost in the transition from film to digital), so I've decided it'll be fun (for me at least) to post them. I can't figure out how to do it on the school computer, but look for them to be up soon!

Congrats on making your plans and also on your school schedule...glad you were able to get what you wanted. Those rooms at POR look FABULOUS!! I hope to see the inside of one of them some day..

 

[oboedm]

Hooray for finalizing your days and resort! The POR RGR look amazing! I am sure they will have that deluxe feel. =)

I played the oboe in HS and was also a drum major (hence the DM). The username has stuck ever since! =)

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

ash-n-brensmom--Thanks! I'm super excited.

oboedm--Very cool! My best friend plays the oboe. I played flute, with the exception of my last two years in marching band, in which I switched to bass drum. I tried out for drum major and didn't make it, but it didn't bother me because I realized I'd miss being on the field and part of the show.

 

[smile4stamps]

Hi! I'm also planning for October (I keep hitting obstacles but am determined to get there!)

Can't wait to hear more of your plans!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

Hi! I'm also planning for October (I keep hitting obstacles but am determined to get there!)

You and me both sister!!!

Now that I have time to get these downloaded onto my laptop, here are the pictures I've promised!

This first one isn't of me, obviously, but I felt it should be included because it was the start of all this. This was my mom's first trip ever to a Disney park. She visited her aunt in October 1983, and they went to Disneyland. I actually have the shirt she's wearing in this photo, and I wore it when the two of us went to Disneyland in 2006. Unfortunately, I can't find a picture of that day. But, here's Mom. And yes, most pictures of her she has similar expressions

 

[oboedm]

Such a cute picture of your mom!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Love that pic! And I love how you have that shirt!! That's AWESOME!!

 

[disneymumuk]

Hi, I just joined the forum today, saw your post. What a lovely family you have!! Enjoy the Disney vacation, let it be the most magical one ever!!