Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: final update 12/29, p.98

rentayenta · Oct 5, 2012

Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks.....
:welcome:

to my pre-trip report that will evolve into a live trip report in just 8 days and then continue into a post trip report. I like to cover all of my bases. :teeth:

Count down along with me
8 days until WDW!!!

A friend of mine suggested I do my trip report over here as DVC will be the main focus. Thanks Alison. There will be some AoA, MNSSHP, park time, and F&W experiences too. The majority of my research has been on DVC and which resort to choose and after many many threads, as some of you can attest to and hours of research :blush:

, we finally decided on the THV and AKV Kidani savannah view. :woohoo:

I think I spent more time researching resorts than I did completing my Masters degree. :rotfl:

I'm kind of a chatty thing and even so this report will be photo heavy. I'm visual and want to see and share what's a happening hot stuff. Sixteen Candles anyone?

Let me begin by introducing my family and friends who will be going on this adventure.

The five of us, aka the Fugly Five, at Disneyland last November:

Me and DH on a recent trip to Nantucket:

On our boat on a local reservoir:

And our typical dynamic:

Gabby DD15:

Chloe DD13:

Mikayla DD's bestie 14. This is a pic of all 3 girls after they met One Direction (boy band) in Las Vegas this summer. Note their freaked out faces. From left: Gabby, Kayla, Chloe

Joshua DS11 after a rare Raiders win:

Needless to say we're a little crazy but in a good way. We've got a fierce bond that's for sure. We love to have a good time and believe strongly in the rights of others and human dignity.

Worth noting is that DH is a total foodie/amateur chef. Here are a few examples. He is such a great cook. Hope F&W lives up to the hype:

We've also got some friends that will be spending most of the first week with us:
Poor little Emma is so tired here.

Just the kids. This was a few years ago:

This trip is in celebration of Chloe becoming a bat mitzvah in May 2012. Instead of a huge party she chose a family trip to WDW. I couldn't be more pleased with her decision. She worked very hard during this process including years of religious school, learning Hebrew, and wrote a kick butt d'var Torah.

Cont. in next post......

rentayenta · Oct 5, 2012

Our dates are Oct 13-24, 2012.

This will be our first trip home since purchasing DVC in 2009 which was also our last trip to WDW. We've used our DVC twice though at the GCV at Disneyland and also traded into RCI once for a week in Cabo. Wanna see some pics? Cool, I hoped you'd say ::yes::

Villa pics of Cabo:

GCV pics. The first is of our villa view:

Cont. in next post......

rentayenta · Oct 5, 2012

How are we going to get there from Utah you might ask? Yes, we live in Utah. DH and I are from California, So and Nor Cal respectively. Got married and here we are 19 years later. We were married all of two weeks before relocating to Utah.

We're flying of course. I'd sooner poke my eyes with a hot fork than drive that far. I've got friends who do it and brava to them but I'm picturing the scene from Vacation where poor Aunt Edna is tied to the top of the car. We're flying Southwest on the way out and taking United on the way home. We had some SW points to use and flights were a decent price and at a good time. Plus with SW's 2 free bag policy it enables me to bring a duffle full of non perishables. Love Southwest. Here's my pic of an already packed bag of non perishables.

78A556DA-F339-4520-9737-2F9873604A66-662-00000041582F9109.jpg

On the way home were flying United. Hate United. Then why fly them you may be asking? Because we had $325 credit from a fiasco with them from a previous flight at LaGuardia. I found our return flights from MCO to SLC for $125 each. That's incredible so I jumped on it. In typical United fashion they have since changed our departure time, twice, sans notice but I'm learning to accept that from them. Okay accept might be an exaggeration. Expect is more like it.

We'll leave early Saturday morning from SLC and arrive at MCO about 4:30. We leave MCO at 3 pm and will arrive back home in SLC at 11 pm. Neither flight is nonstop as they just don't seem to exist from SLC to MCO unless I'd like to hock the farm. We don't really have a farm but you know what I mean.

ADRs: we've got some planned. We're also planning on a few+ days at F&W. We've got the Xante Mixology Seminar as well planned for 10/23. Our ADRs include:

Boma- dinner
Via Napoli- dinner
50's- dinner
Rose and Crown- dinner
Kona Cafe- dinner
The Turf Club- dinner
Saana- dinner

You will find out that I am a resort junkie and really enjoy our resort time. Trying their TSs is a must for me. Were also planning on AoA's CS for dinner on arrival night.

I'm also having a crazy amount of groceries delivered. I won't bore you with the lists but lets just say we'll be well prepared for our 10 night DVC stay. We will have breakfast daily in the villa as well as grilling 2 dinners and a lunch via BBQ. That full kitchen makes me happy. I want to be equally as comfortable on vacation as I am at home. Thank you DVC for making that possible.

Tickets?
YES!
DD and her best friend will be taking a YES class in AK so I was able to get hoppers at a huge discount. I saved $660 or $110 per hopper. We've got 8 day hoppers that include 8 water park days as well.

Our daily plans keep evolving so I'll hold off on those until I've got a better grip. I love to plan and then love to ditch most of the plan. It's an illness, I know. But what a fun illness to have. Disney mania I like to call it. :hyper:

We do have tickets for MNSSHP on 10/18. I need mother nature on our side. After last night's weather in Orlando, I'm hoping she's got most of it out of her system. Maybe a sun dance is in order?

That's all for now. I think that's a fairly decent introduction but will be back with more. Ciao.

Oh and the title: it's F&W festival. I think it's illegal to count calories during any festivals. I'm hoping exercise is also illegal. We'll find out as the trip proceeds.

rentayenta · Oct 5, 2012

franandaj · Oct 5, 2012

Well I'm here! I found it before you even posted your link on your PTR!

Love the pictures!

rentayenta · Oct 5, 2012

franandaj said:
Well I'm here! I found it before you even posted your link on your PTR!

Love the pictures!

and yay! I just linked it in mine and linked it in yours. Great idea. I gave you props too. :goodvibes

It does feel more homey over here.

Thanks, I am a photo junkie. That's why I love your reports too; they're chock full of photo goodness.

eandesmom · Oct 5, 2012

It is illegal to count calories on vacation and I think double penalties apply during F&W.

I did not know you did an RCI trade for Cabo. Would LOVE to hear how that whole process went.

I listened to the F&W podcast last night while at the gym and started looking at my menu apps again for our ADR's!

Finishing up our costumes this weekend. It's SO close!!!

Thumper4me · Oct 5, 2012

Jumping on the Food & Wine Festival bus!! Looking forward to reading/seeing more - your pictures are marvelous!!

Kelly

jennyjinx3 · Oct 5, 2012

I'm in! Glad to put a face to your name! :goodvibes

kaoden39 · Oct 5, 2012

I'm here!

PrincessInOz · Oct 5, 2012

I'm just following the breadcrumbs......looks like they change to celery sticks....or not.

Your family is wonderful. Glad to put a name to the face.

rentayenta · Oct 5, 2012

eandesmom said:
It is illegal to count calories on vacation and I think double penalties apply during F&W.

I did not know you did an RCI trade for Cabo. Would LOVE to hear how that whole process went.

I listened to the F&W podcast last night while at the gym and started looking at my menu apps again for our ADR's!

Finishing up our costumes this weekend. It's SO close!!!

and here ya go friend.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2427045&highlight=playa+grande

The pics are on FB too but here's the thread. The details are fuzzy now but it was a smooth transaction. And totally worth it. We stayed at the Playa Grande. We met some really fun friends that we still keep in touch with.

I think we had 3 different wait lists for the Playa Grande for 3 different weeks. That was when you could have unlimited wait lists. It didn't take but a couple of weeks to score our villa. It was a one bedroom. The sofa was a pullout so we could have easily brought the kids. Glad we didn't though.

I know it's not the best use of points but for us, it was. DVC was our entire room budget and we didn't want to go to WDW. It was perfect. Their dos por uno (happy hour) was incredible.

What are you dressing up as???? Can't wait to see. :hyper:

Gym? I know I've heard the word and vaguely recall some sort of building but can't quite put my head around it. It's been ages. :blush:

And heck no, no way I'm counting a single calorie on this vacation. I haven't in 6 months so why start now? :rotfl:

I need to find that F&W podcast. Did you make any ADR changes?

Thumper4me said:
Jumping on the Food & Wine Festival bus!! Looking forward to reading/seeing more - your pictures are marvelous!!

Kelly

Kelly. Good to have you. I'm so excited about F&W and promise to post a ton of photos.

jennyjinx3 said:
I'm in! Glad to put a face to your name!

I like seeing who I'm talking to as well. I can't get into the reports that don't have photos. I know I'm probably missing some great information but I enjoy the stories and pics together.

kaoden39 said:
I'm here!

Hi Michele. Glad you found me. I can't believe they haven't closed that thread, it's at 255 pg. Alison was right though, much better over here for my report. The other section gets more traffic but sometimes it moves too fast.

PrincessInOz said:
I'm just following the breadcrumbs......looks like they change to celery sticks....or not.

Your family is wonderful. Glad to put a name to the face.

and

I'm thinking breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs that will be either dipped in something or filled with something delicious. No celery! :laughing:

eandesmom · Oct 5, 2012

rentayenta said:
and here ya go friend.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2427045&highlight=playa+grande

The pics are on FB too but here's the thread. The details are fuzzy now but it was a smooth transaction. And totally worth it. We stayed at the Playa Grande. We met some really fun friends that we still keep in touch with.

I think we had 3 different wait lists for the Playa Grande for 3 different weeks. That was when you could have unlimited wait lists. It didn't take but a couple of weeks to score our villa. It was a one bedroom. The sofa was a pullout so we could have easily brought the kids. Glad we didn't though.

I know it's not the best use of points but for us, it was. DVC was our entire room budget and we didn't want to go to WDW. It was perfect. Their dos por uno (happy hour) was incredible.

Well if I can't convince Jeff we need to go to DL in April, I may be attempting something like that. I'd rather take the gang to Aulani and we could pull it off point wise but the airfare is a bit of a buzz kill.

We did book a couples weekend to san fran in dec last night so that will help grease the skids for an April disney trip. LOL!

I'll check out your TR!

rentayenta said:
What are you dressing up as???? Can't wait to see.

We haven't told anyone, it's a surprise. I may post a clue on my TR on departure day, we will see. They are a riot!! I have one thing to finish up for them and will be making that this weekend.

rentayenta said:
Gym? I know I've heard the word and vaguely recall some sort of building but can't quite put my head around it. It's been ages. And heck no, no way I'm counting a single calorie on this vacation. I haven't in 6 months so why start now?

LOL!

I am planning on working out a couple of times while there, otherwise I will be crabby and go crazy. Nothing extreme though. Probably hit each gym...once.

rentayenta said:
I need to find that F&W podcast. Did you make any ADR changes?

No, but I've been looking at my budget and am a little concerned about 3 signature dinners, cost wise. Might end up dropping one on the trip...it's cutting into my souvenir funds!

Ok actually my $400 water bill and $200 car tab renewal cut into my souvenir funds...bums me out, seriously crummy timing.

Ms. WDW · Oct 5, 2012

This is FANTASTIC!! Love all the pictures of your family!! I can't believe you haven't been to WDW since 2009. I would have sworn you were there last year.

I know you're going to have a fantastic time. You will absolutely love the F&W. You'll be arriving as I leave...boo hoo!!

Well if "we" can't sleep tonight we can always meet up here!

Looking forward to this trip report!!!!

sarahk0204 · Oct 5, 2012

Yay!

I'm glad you've started. After reading your resort threads, as well as the grocery thread, I feel like I am ready for this trip too. :rotfl:

Looking forward to more! ::yes::

rentayenta · Oct 5, 2012

eandesmom said:
Well if I can't convince Jeff we need to go to DL in April, I may be attempting something like that. I'd rather take the gang to Aulani and we could pull it off point wise but the airfare is a bit of a buzz kill.

We did book a couples weekend to san fran in dec last night so that will help grease the skids for an April disney trip. LOL!

I'll check out your TR!

We haven't told anyone, it's a surprise. I may post a clue on my TR on departure day, we will see. They are a riot!! I have one thing to finish up for them and will be making that this weekend.

LOL!

I am planning on working out a couple of times while there, otherwise I will be crabby and go crazy. Nothing extreme though. Probably hit each gym...once.

No, but I've been looking at my budget and am a little concerned about 3 signature dinners, cost wise. Might end up dropping one on the trip...it's cutting into my souvenir funds!

Ok actually my $400 water bill and $200 car tab renewal cut into my souvenir funds...bums me out, seriously crummy timing.

$400 water bill? Is that for the entire summer? :faint:

I'd be at the corn dog cart for sure. Which signature would you cancel? And bummer about the renewal. They happen every year and they seem to creep up on me.

Airfare to Hawaii is a total buzz kill and what's been stopping us as well. Disneyland in April? We're thinking June. You'll love the GCV. They are amazing. We've had 2 fabulous stays there. Nothing beats being able to run into your villa after getting soaked on Grizzly River and being back inside the park in 15 minutes. pixiedust:

I may walk in the morning but I won't use the gym. I hate the gym on a normal day. I super hate the gym on vacation. You're dedicated and I'm envious.

Tease. Hmm.....a group costume with of all ladies...I'm guessing it's Disney themed.... :scratchin

I do love a good surprise.

Ms. WDW said:
This is FANTASTIC!! Love all the pictures of your family!! I can't believe you haven't been to WDW since 2009. I would have sworn you were there last year.

I know you're going to have a fantastic time. You will absolutely love the F&W. You'll be arriving as I leave...boo hoo!!

Well if "we" can't sleep tonight we can always meet up here!

Looking forward to this trip report!!!!

Linda, I'm happy you joined in. Thanks for the kind words. We went to Disneyland last November and in 2010 but haven't been to WDW since May 2009. I can't believe it's been that long either.

I can't wait to read about your time at the BWV. Have you stayed there before? The BWV were in my top 3 choices but my crew was determined to sleep in a treehouse and with the animals. One day though. Please post some pics when you return. And you're so lucky to be able to walk to Epcot.

And ::yes::

we can always meet here. Too bad, we'll barely miss each other.

sarahk0204 said:
Yay!

I'm glad you've started. After reading your resort threads, as well as the grocery thread, I feel like I am ready for this trip too.

Looking forward to more!

Thanks for joining us. I know, I posted so many threads. :lmao:

I gained so much valuable info and believe it or not, I still feel underprepared. :crazy2:

Misskitty3 · Oct 5, 2012

Sounds like you are going to have an incredible trip! Can't wait to see and hear all about it!

rentayenta · Oct 5, 2012

Misskitty3 said:
Sounds like you are going to have an incredible trip! Can't wait to see and hear all about it!

Thank you and :welcome:

It's nice to see so many familiar names. :goodvibes

eandesmom · Oct 6, 2012

rentayenta said:
$400 water bill? Is that for the entire summer? I'd be at the corn dog cart for sure. Which signature would you cancel? And bummer about the renewal. They happen every year and they seem to creep up on me.

Airfare to Hawaii is a total buzz kill and what's been stopping us as well. Disneyland in April? We're thinking June. You'll love the GCV. They are amazing. We've had 2 fabulous stays there. Nothing beats being able to run into your villa after getting soaked on Grizzly River and being back inside the park in 15 minutes.

I may walk in the morning but I won't use the gym. I hate the gym on a normal day. I super hate the gym on vacation. You're dedicated and I'm envious.

Tease. Hmm.....a group costume with of all ladies...I'm guessing it's Disney themed.... I do love a good surprise.

I'd like to go in April. Jeff isn't quite aware of that yet.

Nope, that bill was for 2 months. We have a leak in the sprinkler system.

Ms. WDW · Oct 6, 2012

rentayenta said:
welcome: Linda, I'm happy you joined in. Thanks for the kind words. We went to Disneyland last November and in 2010 but haven't been to WDW since May 2009. I can't believe it's been that long either.

I can't wait to read about your time at the BWV. Have you stayed there before? The BWV were in my top 3 choices but my crew was determined to sleep in a treehouse and with the animals. One day though. Please post some pics when you return. And you're so lucky to be able to walk to Epcot.

And we can always meet here. Too bad, we'll barely miss each other

I've stayed at the Boardwalk many times as I own there and SSR. SSR is the resort I love when I'm with my husband. It's very relaxing and yet still has that "Disney" feel. The Boardwalk now is where we book when it's time for the F&W because of the closeness to Epcot.

Sadely, you and I just miss eachother. My friend Cee and I always miss eachother. We keep saying "One day we'll meet at the F&W". :rotfl:

But for now, we'll all get together and share our amazing stories right here on the DIS! :thumbsup2

Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: final update 12/29, p.98

DIS Legend

DIS Legend

DIS Legend

DIS Legend

I'm so happy, I could BOUNCE!

DIS Legend

I'm with Beast

Planning my next trip

DIS Veteran

<font color=peach>Prayers and pixie dust from your

Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!

DIS Legend

I'm with Beast

A DIS Veteran who just won't grow up!

DIS Veteran

DIS Legend

DIS Veteran

DIS Legend

I'm with Beast

A DIS Veteran who just won't grow up!