Leaving the hubbies and kids behind - A May 2010 PTR, TR has begun!

[sunny_stace]

katie!!! Those vintage photos are awesome!!! I love them! And your brothers look so much like your boys!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

LOVE the flashback photos! I have to go looking in my parents basement sometime. My problem is I think I have a lot on disc film (remember those cameras?) and will have to find some service to scan those.

Your trip is getting so close!!!

 

[MEK]

So if you double up on checked luggage and get that 35% off code that's the equivalent of 6 GGS's. I love the way you think! And won't they taste great going down.

I absolutely love your old pictures and your brothers look alike like your boys. There is definately a resemblance. It must be great to have those wonderful pictures and wonderful memories of your childhood trips to Disney. I went for the first time in 11th grade and got my first very wicked hangover so I missed much of the MK. What a foolish child I was.

 

[julezdisney]

loooove the vintage looks there, Katie! I love those kind of pictures...

 

[Charleston Princess]

Good to see that the matching shirts at Disney World was already in full swing in 1977!

Ah, the Skyway! How I miss thee!

 

[kschafer]

Oh, I love all the old photos! Those are so awesome! Funny how the toy soldiers and the reindeer look exactly the same as they do now!

I always think that when I see current holiday pictures!

katie!!! Those vintage photos are awesome!!! I love them! And your brothers look so much like your boys!!

I honestly had to go back and look after your comment, I guess I do see some of my kids in them. I have always thought Patrick looks more like Greg but because of no relationship with his parents, I have only seen like 2 pictures of him from before high school.

My nephew Andrew certainly resembles his Dad though!

LOVE the flashback photos! I have to go looking in my parents basement sometime. My problem is I think I have a lot on disc film (remember those cameras?) and will have to find some service to scan those.

Your trip is getting so close!!!

I had forgotten all about the disc film. I never had one but they looked so cool

So if you double up on checked luggage and get that 35% off code that's the equivalent of 6 GGS's. I love the way you think! And won't they taste great going down.

I absolutely love your old pictures and your brothers look alike like your boys. There is definately a resemblance. It must be great to have those wonderful pictures and wonderful memories of your childhood trips to Disney. I went for the first time in 11th grade and got my first very wicked hangover so I missed much of the MK. What a foolish child I was.

It's all about priorities MEK

You know, that gives me a whole new insight to your fears of leaving your boys at home

loooove the vintage looks there, Katie! I love those kind of pictures...

Thanks Julez!

Good to see that the matching shirts at Disney World was already in full swing in 1977!

Ah, the Skyway! How I miss thee!

You know I think I used to laugh at my mom over those shirts! She's probably the one laughing now

 

[kschafer]

Sometimes life gets turned upside down and you have to roll with the punches…

I got some very sad news yesterday and although I was somewhat prepared for the possibility, it still is a disappointment. Unfortunately, insurance issues and doctor redtape has prevented Beth from getting the nerve block procedure she needs. She will likely be scheduled sometime either immediately before our trip or possibly the week of. She is unable to travel without this and has had to cancel the trip. I was so looking forward to travelling with her and sharing this experience and I am heartbroken that it cannot happen.

Her wish for me however, is that I take the trip as planned and find someone to join me if possible. SO we find ourselves at 17 days out with a change in cast. Do you recognize this picture?

It’s my darling SIL Shelby! My brother has frequent out-of-town meetings so I knew there was a chance she would have the kids by herself for the week but as it turns out he will be around. Shelby works independently so although she will have to reschedule a couple appointments, she is able to join me on short notice.

They live in Southern Illinois and the closest major airport is St. Louis. Ironically, she will already be in town on April 30 and May 1 for a conference! I was able to recover some of the money from Beth’s plane ticket and give it to Shelby because AirTran also has direct flights from St Louis to MCO (and these are actually still scheduled as direct)

Clearly this means a few modifications to our plans and I am still trying to sort these out. And I was afraid I would be bored in the couple weeks leading up to this trip. Julie the Cruise Director (a nickname Shelby gave me after witnessing my trip planning obsessions) has returned in full force!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am so glad your SIL is able to go in Beth's place!

 

[Cory's Gal]

I finally caught up Katie! Loved the rest of the 2008 pictures!! It was nice to see a picture of the boys at one of the Kidcot Stops. Did they enjoy these?? I am hoping to take advantage of them this trip with Gabe and Helen. The old school pics were awesome!! Your mom must have started the "let's wear matching shirts to Disney" craze!! LOVE all the shirts you made too, especially the ones with the bleach pen! Sad to hear that Beth can't go, hopefully this procedure will help her a lot and she can be on the road to some recovery! Glad to hear your SIL can join you though on short notice, it will be a great trip!!

 

[kcandbella]

That is too bad about Beth, but at least you have someone who can stand in for her! We also live in southern IL and are flying out of St. Louis, but we are Sunday to Sunday so won't be on the same flights as your SIL. And that's great that they gave you some credit for the flight!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

You know, I've gone through quite a few ideas of my ideal career as the years have gone on but I was always captivated by the idea of "Julie, the Cruise Director" as a kid. Today my tastes might run closer to Isaac's profession. I'm going to have to see if I can find some old Love Boat episodes online!

Very sorry to hear about Beth's news. Please let her know strangers are thinking of her and wishing her well (hopefully that won't scare her!). I'm delighted Shelby can go with you and know that you will have a great time!!

 

[manntra]

Phew!! I read your "Major Change" announcement and rushed right over! Phew again!! Thankfully your SIL will be able to go Are you still doing the Deluxe DP etc?
I know someone from our cottage in PA(she lives in Jersey) and she is going at the same time as us....they are renting a house and I told her several times to make reservations etc...she has not made ANY! I think she is traveling with a large party also so the chances of her getting a walk up is very slim anyway. In my mind there is NO such thing as over planning!! Like most things in life you get out what you put into it...take the time to research, plan, you will have a much calmer, memorable trip
Love your old pictures!! I found some of mine (we had the disc camera too Christine) We used to go every year during Spring Break because my grandparents lived in FL also. I did not stay onsite until 2005 and then bought DVC two years later

Tracy

 

[kschafer]

I am so glad your SIL is able to go in Beth's place!

Me too! I have spent most of my day (good thing I don't have a job or anything ) making all the phone calls to get everything straight...airline, travel agent, Shelby...and of course making and cancelling ADR's

I finally caught up Katie! Loved the rest of the 2008 pictures!! It was nice to see a picture of the boys at one of the Kidcot Stops. Did they enjoy these?? I am hoping to take advantage of them this trip with Gabe and Helen. The old school pics were awesome!! Your mom must have started the "let's wear matching shirts to Disney" craze!! LOVE all the shirts you made too, especially the ones with the bleach pen! Sad to hear that Beth can't go, hopefully this procedure will help her a lot and she can be on the road to some recovery! Glad to hear your SIL can join you though on short notice, it will be a great trip!!

They REALLY liked the Kidcot stops. I would consider grabbing one of the passports they sell in all the pavillions too. The people there stamp it and write cute things in their native languages. If Helen isn't too shy, I bet she would enjoy that a lot! Most of the CM's who do this are very good with kids and talking to them/answering questions

Thanks for all the compliments :

That is too bad about Beth, but at least you have someone who can stand in for her! We also live in southern IL and are flying out of St. Louis, but we are Sunday to Sunday so won't be on the same flights as your SIL. And that's great that they gave you some credit for the flight!

Shelby is flying Sun-Sun too. Are you flying AirTran? She had mid-afternoon direct flights both ways. I was expecting a total loss on the ticket, they charged $75 for the change but that's better than nothing!

You know, I've gone through quite a few ideas of my ideal career as the years have gone on but I was always captivated by the idea of "Julie, the Cruise Director" as a kid. Today my tastes might run closer to Isaac's profession. I'm going to have to see if I can find some old Love Boat episodes online!

Very sorry to hear about Beth's news. Please let her know strangers are thinking of her and wishing her well (hopefully that won't scare her!). I'm delighted Shelby can go with you and know that you will have a great time!!

I still wish to be Julie, maybe we could start our own cruise ship...all we need is a good chef and some cute waiters

I'll let her know you send your best, it will mean a lot to her!

Phew!! I read your "Major Change" announcement and rushed right over! Phew again!! Thankfully your SIL will be able to go Are you still doing the Deluxe DP etc?
I know someone from our cottage in PA(she lives in Jersey) and she is going at the same time as us....they are renting a house and I told her several times to make reservations etc...she has not made ANY! I think she is traveling with a large party also so the chances of her getting a walk up is very slim anyway. In my mind there is NO such thing as over planning!! Like most things in life you get out what you put into it...take the time to research, plan, you will have a much calmer, memorable trip
Love your old pictures!! I found some of mine (we had the disc camera too Christine) We used to go every year during Spring Break because my grandparents lived in FL also. I did not stay onsite until 2005 and then bought DVC two years later

Tracy

We asked about making some changes to our package (extending the number of days and taking some off our room-only then downgrading to the regular dining plan) but it would have saved us $60 and cut our dining credits by a lot...um no thanks! So yes, we are keeping deluxe and I'm waiting for Shelby to look at menus but I suspect we will keep most of our ADR's.

Too bad your friends isn't listening to your advice. There are still quite a few ADR's available but not necessarily exactly what/where you want, I've had to play around quite a bit to find ones that will work around my plans.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Oh goodness Katie, I was so nervous for you when I read your update title! I'm sorry Beth isn't going to be able to make it, I hope this procedure that she is getting will help with her issue, that has to be an awful thing to live with. That is awesome that your SIL is able to fill in though!

 

[MHTeacher]

Katie, I just wanted to let you know that if something else comes up, and your SIL is not able to make it either, I'll be able to go with you!

But seriously, I'm so sorry that Beth won't be able to make the trip. I know how much you were looking forward to reconnecting with an old friend. Thank goodness your SIL is able to step in, so that you still get to enjoy your trip.

 

[cdotla]

Katie...I am so sorry your friend is not going to be able to make the trip with you, but so glad you are still going. And how wonderful your SIL is able to join you!

Hopefully you will be able to finalize all the details shortly, and I totally agree with you about not giving up deluxe dining. If there is ever a time to indulge it would be on this trip without the kids! Save counterservice for trips with the whole family!

On another note - Loved the old photos. I actually spent a couple hours at Christmas in my parents' basement trying to dig up our old Disney photos. I was able to find a few photos of my 1st trip to WDW and the Poly from 1977...what a treasure! Like you though, I was unable to find many pictures of the later trips. It seems both of our families stopped taking pictures over various years. Not me! My kids' lives are so well-documented it isn't even funny!

 

[100acrewoodsfan]

I am really sorry that Beth won't be joining you. I was looking forward to meeting her too. But I am very happy to hear that Shelby will be joining you. It sounds like the switch it going well.

I would stick with deluxe dining no matter the cost. We have done it the last few trips and LOVE it. It's not something we will do when we have kids so we are trying to get in all the signature restaurants in before then. Just as a tip if you change any reservations try to make them at restaurants you will be close by. We learned the hard way that you can waste a lot of time traveling. Our new rule of thumb is that we won't travel more than one bus, boat or monorail trip to eat (although we make an exception for Cali Grill). It may cost you a gray goose but a taxi ride home from a nice dinner out is well worth the cost of an hour spent bus hopping trying to get back to your hotel when you are in heels and it's raining.

I can't wait to hear all the new plans!

 

[PrincessInOz]

WOW!! Sad for Beth; but glad you've got a new partner in crime for your trip.

Hope it all works out for Beth.

 

[MeMom]

I enjoyed seeing the 'oldie' pictures. I wish I had pictures of my 1971 trip to Disney World.

Sorry you lost your original traveling partner, because that would have been fun. Your new buddy will be/have fun, too, though. We'll keep Beth in our thoughts and prayers as she gets all better, and hopefully you guys can plan another trip in the future.

 

[kschafer]

Oh goodness Katie, I was so nervous for you when I read your update title! I'm sorry Beth isn't going to be able to make it, I hope this procedure that she is getting will help with her issue, that has to be an awful thing to live with. That is awesome that your SIL is able to fill in though!

She has always shown me such strength and optimism and would apologize if she started to get negative. on the phone the other day was the first time I heard her break down and cry. It is terrible for her to feel like she can't live her life because of this condition. I am praying this procedure brings her relief and gives her life back!

Katie, I just wanted to let you know that if something else comes up, and your SIL is not able to make it either, I'll be able to go with you!

But seriously, I'm so sorry that Beth won't be able to make the trip. I know how much you were looking forward to reconnecting with an old friend. Thank goodness your SIL is able to step in, so that you still get to enjoy your trip.

Aww Michelle, that is so generous of you

I know Shelby and I will have a great time

Katie...I am so sorry your friend is not going to be able to make the trip with you, but so glad you are still going. And how wonderful your SIL is able to join you!

Hopefully you will be able to finalize all the details shortly, and I totally agree with you about not giving up deluxe dining. If there is ever a time to indulge it would be on this trip without the kids! Save counterservice for trips with the whole family!

On another note - Loved the old photos. I actually spent a couple hours at Christmas in my parents' basement trying to dig up our old Disney photos. I was able to find a few photos of my 1st trip to WDW and the Poly from 1977...what a treasure! Like you though, I was unable to find many pictures of the later trips. It seems both of our families stopped taking pictures over various years. Not me! My kids' lives are so well-documented it isn't even funny!

Shelby laughed at me when I told her Beth and I planned this trip around food and booze She will make a good replacement!

I really think there is a mental difference with digital photography. I'm sure my parents, who were very frugal with everything else, didn't take too many pictures bacause of the cost of film and developing. With our kids we keep clicking until we get the shot we want!

I am really sorry that Beth won't be joining you. I was looking forward to meeting her too. But I am very happy to hear that Shelby will be joining you. It sounds like the switch it going well.

I would stick with deluxe dining no matter the cost. We have done it the last few trips and LOVE it. It's not something we will do when we have kids so we are trying to get in all the signature restaurants in before then. Just as a tip if you change any reservations try to make them at restaurants you will be close by. We learned the hard way that you can waste a lot of time traveling. Our new rule of thumb is that we won't travel more than one bus, boat or monorail trip to eat (although we make an exception for Cali Grill). It may cost you a gray goose but a taxi ride home from a nice dinner out is well worth the cost of an hour spent bus hopping trying to get back to your hotel when you are in heels and it's raining.

I can't wait to hear all the new plans!

I considered dropping it because with Beth not joining me for 24 hours, we will probably not use all our credits but to make the switch I was considering, I would have given up the discounted room-only rates AND reducing our food options which was just silly! I will probably never choose deluxe with the family either.

I will likely give up a grey goose for 1 or 2 cab rides! we will be tight I think on Shelby's arrival night with our dinner ADR and we have 1 late ADR at AKL which just seems quite remote for resort to resort transportation

WOW!! Sad for Beth; but glad you've got a new partner in crime for your trip.

Hope it all works out for Beth.

She has requested I send a tinkerbell for her garden so she is surrounded by pixie dust Hopefully she will be returning to her normal self soon!

I enjoyed seeing the 'oldie' pictures. I wish I had pictures of my 1971 trip to Disney World.

Sorry you lost your original traveling partner, because that would have been fun. Your new buddy will be/have fun, too, though. We'll keep Beth in our thoughts and prayers as she gets all better, and hopefully you guys can plan another trip in the future.

I told her as soon as she is ready, we will plan another trip together. I'm not sure how I will convince Greg of that though

I'll miss Beth for sure but Shelby and I will have a great time too