Making Her Wishes Come True: Surprise Proposal Trip!

[SuperNEMOfan]

I completely understand where youre coming from!

I just upgraded our room and he has no idea and im hoping to keep it from him.

Trying to keep my mind occupied with something else, luckily we are taking a short road trip to NYC in 10 days, i needed something to plan. After that trip, i dont know what im going to do to keep myself sane....

 

[indimom]

I have been neglecting this thread for a couple reasons and kind of on purpose. One is that the more I'm on here the more I'm just ready for that day to come and it's going to kill me watching that ticker go down slowly, one day at a time.

The other is that I've got pretty much everything planned out that I can right now and I REALLY don't want to start over thinking and changing things when I'm happy with where they are now.

I apologize to all of my followers for the slow replies. It might be like this for a bit until it gets closer and I can start really gearing up for the trip.

I completely understand. I'm in basically the same place. I really feel like I overplanned our last trip, and then when people wanted to make changes to the plan during the trip, I was sort of let down. I don't want to do that this time, so I've been actively avoiding researching the details. I'm trying to leave the "daily" plan open for interpretation when we get there. But, that means less to discuss in the PTR. I've already got all the broad strokes done.
Share some real life updates (like you did today) for a while so we don't lose you completely, though.

I'm glad you are enjoying following me. I plan on having us drink at least partially around the world on our trip too so you'll have clear a path for us!

I'd be a sick mess if I had more than two drinks, but I do plan to try the Grey Goose Slushie I've heard so much about. Maybe one of the drinks in Japan, I think? They sound really good and refreshing on a hot summer day.
We enjoyed snacking around the WS on our last trip. We would buy one or two small items at various countries and share them between the four of us. That way, we weren't overdoing it, but we still got to try some variety. It was a fun way to experience and explore the countries. I hope we'll get to do that again this trip. The food is one of DH's favorite parts of any trip. lol.

The first time we went, even at the end of it, she was saying how it was fun but that she didn't know how often she would want to return. A few months later though she started mentioning that she wouldn't mind going back. Now it's more like a "well we need to go back sometime!" Which is awesome because I was seriously worried that she wouldn't ever want to return.

I think you're going to completely win her over after this trip!

EXACTLY! I want to tell her so bad so that she can get excited for the trip and to also clear the way for our plans and not having to worry about things interfering. I just know though if I can keep my mouth shut, the payout will be MORE than worth it. I just want it here NOW!

We need to invest in duct tape. I'm still holding out, but it's killing me.

REAL LIFE UPDATE
Hannah just had an interview at University of Cincinnati to try and get into their radiology program. They are only taking 14 students out of the 40 they interviewed. Not only that, but they had to whittle it down to 40 from the hundreds they had apply. It was an honor for her just to be able to interview, but we are both REALLY wanting her to get into this program so that she can stay close to me instead of going back to Michigan for school (5 hours away).

How exciting. I hope she makes it in. How soon before she gets word?? (I just turned in my application for the nursing program, and won't hear until June. ). Hopefully, she'll find out much sooner! Good Luck to Hannah!!!

In other news, we are 158 days away and I'm only $500 away from reaching my savings goal for the trip! This will be huge in allowing me to finally start saving for a replacement car for the old rundown Saturn I have now.

Keep up the good work! What kind of replacement car are you looking at??

 

[golf4miami]

I completely understand where youre coming from!

I just upgraded our room and he has no idea and im hoping to keep it from him.

Trying to keep my mind occupied with something else, luckily we are taking a short road trip to NYC in 10 days, i needed something to plan. After that trip, i dont know what im going to do to keep myself sane....

That's good you have a trip to keep you preoccupied for now. I find myself looking to plan small excursions; Baseball game trips, hiking trips, mini-road trips, etc just to keep my mind off the planning for Disney so I won't spill it accidentally.

Keep up the good work! What kind of replacement car are you looking at??

I do plan on making real life updates every week or so. I'm hoping to have a decent one next week since I have some fun sports activities to take part in this weekend. I also have the Tough Mudder coming up at the end of the month so stay tuned for that!

Keeping the plans 'loose' really helped Hannah and I on our last trip since I wasn't sure everything she would want to do or what the lines would be like. You never know what you're going to be in the mood for or when it will strike you! I think this will be the way I plan our trips from now on, it just works so well and keeps the stress pretty low.

The Grey Goose slushie is our #1 must do for drinking on our next trip. I follow a family and their trips to Disney as they do an amazing job of filming them and doing daily videos when they get back and I saw the Dad got that once and I instantly wanted one.

I hope you're right about winning her over. I selfishly want Disney to be a place we both cherish since I have loved it since I was a kid. However, I would have totally understood if she didn't like it after our first trip.

Hannah will find out at the end of April or early May whether she got into the program or not. I have a feeling that she did but of course that doesn't mean much to her. My fingers and toes are crossed until then.

As for the car, I really, really, really want to get a Mini Cooper. I have fallen in love with the way they look and how they handle. They just really make me feel like I'm in complete control of the car. I'm a Formula 1 racing fan so as you can imagine, I love to drive like I'm racing every now and then. However, Mini's (even used) are pretty much out of my price range, so I may settle for a later model Mazda 3 or something similar. My main focus is good gas mileage and comfort. It'll also have to be a stick , I can stand driving an auto anymore, it's just too boring without it.

 

[golf4miami]

To keep myself from falling completely off the edge I thought I would give a real life update.

First let me say that these last few weeks have been surprisingly easy to keep the secret. As summer is getting closer and our planning for summer trips: Baseball games, The Mumford and Sons concert, and camping, my focus has been on those things more and therefore I haven't been on the edge of giving up the goods. Hopefully it can stay that way.

I decided last week that it was time I play some hockey again and on Saturday that's what I did. I played in an intramural game with my cousin down at Miami University and had a blast. I really miss playing hockey more often. Although, now I'm extremely sore sitting here at my desk. I only fell once and almost had a goal so I considered it a success. So much of a success that I'm going to be going back down there to play again this Saturday. I consider it good conditioning for Tough Mudder and it's fun.

I'm also feeling good today as the Blackhawks secured a birth in the playoffs last night and the Reds got off to a solid 4-2 start.

I hope everything is going well for my readers! I'll be talking to you soon I'm sure.

 

[indimom]

To keep myself from falling completely off the edge I thought I would give a real life update.

First let me say that these last few weeks have been surprisingly easy to keep the secret. As summer is getting closer and our planning for summer trips: Baseball games, The Mumford and Sons concert, and camping, my focus has been on those things more and therefore I haven't been on the edge of giving up the goods. Hopefully it can stay that way.

I decided last week that it was time I play some hockey again and on Saturday that's what I did. I played in an intramural game with my cousin down at Miami University and had a blast. I really miss playing hockey more often. Although, now I'm extremely sore sitting here at my desk. I only fell once and almost had a goal so I considered it a success. So much of a success that I'm going to be going back down there to play again this Saturday. I consider it good conditioning for Tough Mudder and it's fun.

I'm also feeling good today as the Blackhawks secured a birth in the playoffs last night and the Reds got off to a solid 4-2 start.

I hope everything is going well for my readers! I'll be talking to you soon I'm sure.

Sounds like a lot of fun coming up.
Based on your name, I've got to ask: Have you gotten any golf in yet? The weather has been sooo nice and DS managed to hit the driving range twice this weekend, once with each grandpa. He is so spoiled.
But he was loving it. He's a sports junkie and loves to play EVERYthing.
The Reds are getting fun to watch again, even for a less-than-sportsy gal like me. They did pretty well last year and seem to be off to a good start again. We're going to a game on April 21. Reds vs. Marlins. Hopefully it will be great weather and an exciting game.

 

[indimom]

That's good you have a trip to keep you preoccupied for now. I find myself looking to plan small excursions; Baseball game trips, hiking trips, mini-road trips, etc just to keep my mind off the planning for Disney so I won't spill it accidentally.



I do plan on making real life updates every week or so. I'm hoping to have a decent one next week since I have some fun sports activities to take part in this weekend. I also have the Tough Mudder coming up at the end of the month so stay tuned for that!

Keeping the plans 'loose' really helped Hannah and I on our last trip since I wasn't sure everything she would want to do or what the lines would be like. You never know what you're going to be in the mood for or when it will strike you! I think this will be the way I plan our trips from now on, it just works so well and keeps the stress pretty low.

The Grey Goose slushie is our #1 must do for drinking on our next trip. I follow a family and their trips to Disney as they do an amazing job of filming them and doing daily videos when they get back and I saw the Dad got that once and I instantly wanted one.

I hope you're right about winning her over. I selfishly want Disney to be a place we both cherish since I have loved it since I was a kid. However, I would have totally understood if she didn't like it after our first trip.

Hannah will find out at the end of April or early May whether she got into the program or not. I have a feeling that she did but of course that doesn't mean much to her. My fingers and toes are crossed until then.

As for the car, I really, really, really want to get a Mini Cooper. I have fallen in love with the way they look and how they handle. They just really make me feel like I'm in complete control of the car. I'm a Formula 1 racing fan so as you can imagine, I love to drive like I'm racing every now and then. However, Mini's (even used) are pretty much out of my price range, so I may settle for a later model Mazda 3 or something similar. My main focus is good gas mileage and comfort. It'll also have to be a stick , I can stand driving an auto anymore, it's just too boring without it.

Doesn't it suck to be a grown up? The last time we went shopping, I totally fell for the Rav-4, but they were about $10,000 more than the Impala we ended up buying. I don't really need 4-wheel drive and had no good excuse for spending that much more just because "I liked it." Blah.

Have fun car shopping. It's nice to dream a little anyway!

 

[golf4miami]

Sounds like a lot of fun coming up.
Based on your name, I've got to ask: Have you gotten any golf in yet? The weather has been sooo nice and DS managed to hit the driving range twice this weekend, once with each grandpa. He is so spoiled.
But he was loving it. He's a sports junkie and loves to play EVERYthing.
The Reds are getting fun to watch again, even for a less-than-sportsy gal like me. They did pretty well last year and seem to be off to a good start again. We're going to a game on April 21. Reds vs. Marlins. Hopefully it will be great weather and an exciting game.

Have not gotten to golf yet this year and I doubt I will play much this summer. Golf is just so expensive and as much as I used to love it, I'm somewhat burned out. So, me spending the money on it is out of the question since I'd rather save for other things right now. I'm sure I'll play a few times this summer, but not as much as I used to for sure.

I'm jealous that you guys already have a game picked out to go to. Hannah keeps asking me when we're going to go to one, but she won't let me pick one on a school night and the weekend games are pretty expensive. I plan on getting to at least 4 or 5 this year though.

 

[letthewookiewin]

To keep myself from falling completely off the edge I thought I would give a real life update.

First let me say that these last few weeks have been surprisingly easy to keep the secret. As summer is getting closer and our planning for summer trips: Baseball games, The Mumford and Sons concert, and camping, my focus has been on those things more and therefore I haven't been on the edge of giving up the goods. Hopefully it can stay that way.

I decided last week that it was time I play some hockey again and on Saturday that's what I did. I played in an intramural game with my cousin down at Miami University and had a blast. I really miss playing hockey more often. Although, now I'm extremely sore sitting here at my desk. I only fell once and almost had a goal so I considered it a success. So much of a success that I'm going to be going back down there to play again this Saturday. I consider it good conditioning for Tough Mudder and it's fun.

I'm also feeling good today as the Blackhawks secured a birth in the playoffs last night and the Reds got off to a solid 4-2 start.

I hope everything is going well for my readers! I'll be talking to you soon I'm sure.

A busy summer should help the time go by quicker. We didn't get to one last year, but I really hope to get to a Texas Rangers game this year. There is just something about eating a hot dog in a ballpark that makes it taste better.

I haven't watched hockey in ages. I mean Richard Matvichuk, Darryl Sydor, Ed Belfour, Darian Hatcher, and Mike Modano were all still in the Dallas Stars lineup. When I started raiding at night in World of Warcraft, it just made it impossible to watch games, since the DH didn't like the tv on in the room while we raided. I did get to go to a couple of games, one with my mom (who loved the Stars as well) and then a playoff game with the DH. Maybe it was because I used a loophole with him to get the tickets I did, but he was such a Debbie-downer at the game. It was a play-off game and he told me I could get tickets as long as they were about $100. Well he didn't say "for both tickets", so I got tickets that were right at $100 each.

 

[jw50]

When you get to the Boma platform get her to go use the ladies room (the guides will probably tell everyone that since it is the only opportunity before the tours ends) as you still have an hour to go before the end of the tour. That will give you the time you need to get the ring back from the guides. There is plenty of room on the platform and there aren't that many people on each tour so you shouldn't have any problem getting some separation from the others when you want to pop the question, even if you don't enlist the help of the guides to give you a private space.

Personally I would wait until after you have eaten but I am sure the guides can help you determine the best time for you.

If it is within your budget you may want to consider contacting the Disney Florist to have something waiting in the room when you get back after the proposal. Most of their in room celebrations are pricey but they may still be able to come up with something special for her even on a limited budget. It doesn't cost anything to ask.

 

[golf4miami]

Doesn't it suck to be a grown up? The last time we went shopping, I totally fell for the Rav-4, but they were about $10,000 more than the Impala we ended up buying. I don't really need 4-wheel drive and had no good excuse for spending that much more just because "I liked it." Blah.

Have fun car shopping. It's nice to dream a little anyway!

It is definitely a wake up call to look at the prices of the cars and then what I'm being paid an realize that it's just not going to happen. Oh well, I care more about NOT being in debt than I do about having a nicer car. I guess that's the trade off you make.

A busy summer should help the time go by quicker. We didn't get to one last year, but I really hope to get to a Texas Rangers game this year. There is just something about eating a hot dog in a ballpark that makes it taste better.

I haven't watched hockey in ages. I mean Richard Matvichuk, Darryl Sydor, Ed Belfour, Darian Hatcher, and Mike Modano were all still in the Dallas Stars lineup. When I started raiding at night in World of Warcraft, it just made it impossible to watch games, since the DH didn't like the tv on in the room while we raided. I did get to go to a couple of games, one with my mom (who loved the Stars as well) and then a playoff game with the DH. Maybe it was because I used a loophole with him to get the tickets I did, but he was such a Debbie-downer at the game. It was a play-off game and he told me I could get tickets as long as they were about $100. Well he didn't say "for both tickets", so I got tickets that were right at $100 each.

I sure hope so. Which is why I'm hoping that we can pack a lot in this summer, to help the time pass.

You have been away from hockey for awhile if those are the names you remember. Still a fun sport to watch and I love getting to games and playing when I get the chance. Never been to a playoff game before though, so that's on the must-do list.

 

[golf4miami]

When you get to the Boma platform get her to go use the ladies room (the guides will probably tell everyone that since it is the only opportunity before the tours ends) as you still have an hour to go before the end of the tour. That will give you the time you need to get the ring back from the guides. There is plenty of room on the platform and there aren't that many people on each tour so you shouldn't have any problem getting some separation from the others when you want to pop the question, even if you don't enlist the help of the guides to give you a private space.

Personally I would wait until after you have eaten but I am sure the guides can help you determine the best time for you.

If it is within your budget you may want to consider contacting the Disney Florist to have something waiting in the room when you get back after the proposal. Most of their in room celebrations are pricey but they may still be able to come up with something special for her even on a limited budget. It doesn't cost anything to ask.

The bathroom nudge is a great suggestion! I'm sure we'll be drinking plenty of water on the Trek since it will be hot so hopefully that will help in that department.

As far as the in-room celebration goes right now it's looking like I may have a bit of 'excess' money I can play with but I'm trying to decide what to do with it. I'm leaning towards getting Photopass+ but I've also considered getting something delivered too. I'll have to take a closer look here this week.

Thanks!

 

[letthewookiewin]

I sure hope so. Which is why I'm hoping that we can pack a lot in this summer, to help the time pass.

You have been away from hockey for awhile if those are the names you remember. Still a fun sport to watch and I love getting to games and playing when I get the chance. Never been to a playoff game before though, so that's on the must-do list.

What's odd is that I was raised a Dallas Cowboys fan. The only reason to miss church on Sunday was if the Cowboys were playing the Redskins and there was a noon kick-off. Well until our church got a pastor that was a huge Cowboys fan and then he made sure to start services early and let them out early on Sundays like that. I didn't start watching hockey until the Stars moved to Dallas because we never really got any games on tv here (of course this was back before satellite tv and having like 500 channels). As of yet, I have been to 2 hockey games (1 regular season, and one playoff game) and have not been to one single Cowboys game. I have been to games at the Cowboys stadium (both new and old), but they were all high school playoffs.

 

[golf4miami]

**Real Life Update 4/15**

Good morning everyone. I hope your last week went well and this post finds you well this morning. It's the 15th, which means I was paid today! With this latest installment of savings I have only $100 remaining to get to my goal!!! So, in two weeks when I'm paid again I will be completely saved up for this trip. I can't believe how quickly I've been able to pull this off.

Now you guys are going to have to help me make a decision. I've looked at my budget and it looks like I've WAY over budgeted, which is a good thing, but that means I have about $150 to spend on something a 'little extra' for the trip and still have plenty left over. I'm trying to decide on what exactly that money should go towards. Right now I'm leaning towards Photopass+ because I think it would be cool to have all of our on ride photos from the trip. We didn't use our Photopass much on our last visit, but we didn't have it pre-paid for either.

My other idea is to buy a really solid handheld camcorder to use to really document our trip well. Thoughts?

Final thought today, some beautiful music from the parks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS8SutB_334

 

[SuperNEMOfan]

Good morning!

Glad to hear that you're almost paid off!!!

Last year I brought my video camera and barely even used it! I would go with the pp+. If you prepay for it your most likely going to want to use it. Plus it included all the character dining pictures as well

 

[letthewookiewin]

I have been neglecting this thread for a couple reasons and kind of on purpose. One is that the more I'm on here the more I'm just ready for that day to come and it's going to kill me watching that ticker go down slowly, one day at a time.

The other is that I've got pretty much everything planned out that I can right now and I REALLY don't want to start over thinking and changing things when I'm happy with where they are now.

I apologize to all of my followers for the slow replies. It might be like this for a bit until it gets closer and I can start really gearing up for the trip.

No worries. Just make any updates you want to.

REAL LIFE UPDATE
Hannah just had an interview at University of Cincinnati to try and get into their radiology program. They are only taking 14 students out of the 40 they interviewed. Not only that, but they had to whittle it down to 40 from the hundreds they had apply. It was an honor for her just to be able to interview, but we are both REALLY wanting her to get into this program so that she can stay close to me instead of going back to Michigan for school (5 hours away).

I hope she gets in.

In other news, we are 158 days away and I'm only $500 away from reaching my savings goal for the trip! This will be huge in allowing me to finally start saving for a replacement car for the old rundown Saturn I have now.

WOOT!! It's a good feeling to have the money saved you need for a WDW trip. When I was upset at my DH this weekend for getting to go to a hockey game without me, he admitted he had the money saved and put away we need to get us to and from WDW.

One of the distributors my DH's family business uses rented a suit for this last Saturday's Dallas Stars game. Since it was a distributor thing, my fil and DH went. They even got to sit on the bench the Stars sit on during the game and get pictures made. The worst part about not being able to go, is that Derian Hatcher was being honored and the fil and DH were clueless as to who he was. Oh well, after going, the fil decided he wants to rent a suit for the business each season.

 

[kerrbear]

Congrats on saving so quickly!!!

I agree about the photopass. I also brought our video camera on our last trip and I think I used it once. Do you already have a video camera? Id definitely want to capture the moment on video.

So, I guess that was sort of a confusing non answer from me. Sorry! I'd say if you already have a video camera, go for the photopass.

 

[golf4miami]

Good morning!

Glad to hear that you're almost paid off!!!

Last year I brought my video camera and barely even used it! I would go with the pp+. If you prepay for it your most likely going to want to use it. Plus it included all the character dining pictures as well

Thanks, I'm really surprised how quickly I've been able to do it.

I think that's the main reason why I am leaning towards Photopass+ because I already have a small Flip Camera that I hardly ever use.

Congrats on saving so quickly!!!

I agree about the photopass. I also brought our video camera on our last trip and I think I used it once. Do you already have a video camera? Id definitely want to capture the moment on video.

So, I guess that was sort of a confusing non answer from me. Sorry! I'd say if you already have a video camera, go for the photopass.

Thanks! Ever since I got my job saving and paying down debt have been my two highest priorities. I'm just glad I'm getting this one knocked out early, then it will be on to save for something else!

I think you're completely right in that if I bought a video camera I would probably end up leaving it in the bag a lot and forgetting to get it out for things. I'm not worried about getting the 'moment' videoed because I already know there will be a photographer there to get it all.

 

[indimom]

**Real Life Update 4/15**

Good morning everyone. I hope your last week went well and this post finds you well this morning. It's the 15th, which means I was paid today! With this latest installment of savings I have only $100 remaining to get to my goal!!! So, in two weeks when I'm paid again I will be completely saved up for this trip. I can't believe how quickly I've been able to pull this off.

Now you guys are going to have to help me make a decision. I've looked at my budget and it looks like I've WAY over budgeted, which is a good thing, but that means I have about $150 to spend on something a 'little extra' for the trip and still have plenty left over. I'm trying to decide on what exactly that money should go towards. Right now I'm leaning towards Photopass+ because I think it would be cool to have all of our on ride photos from the trip. We didn't use our Photopass much on our last visit, but we didn't have it pre-paid for either.

My other idea is to buy a really solid handheld camcorder to use to really document our trip well. Thoughts?

Final thought today, some beautiful music from the parks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS8SutB_334

That's a tough one. You could use the video camera for years.
But, we had photopass on our last trip and I really liked it (and it didn't even have the plus option). We used it every day, but the best perk was the ability to get photos at the waterparks.
We got a lot of awesome photos (that I never would have gotten on our camera) and didn't have to worry about keeping our camera dry or missing out on pictures!
I don't think I can budget for it this time, but it was certainly worth it to us for that trip! If I were you, I'd probably do it. This is a real "once in a lifetime" trip so I'd want every picture I could get!
Oh, and Good Job OVER-budgeting! Isn't that nice having a little cushion to play around with!

 

[golf4miami]

That's a tough one. You could use the video camera for years.
But, we had photopass on our last trip and I really liked it (and it didn't even have the plus option). We used it every day, but the best perk was the ability to get photos at the waterparks.
We got a lot of awesome photos (that I never would have gotten on our camera) and didn't have to worry about keeping our camera dry or missing out on pictures!
I don't think I can budget for it this time, but it was certainly worth it to us for that trip! If I were you, I'd probably do it. This is a real "once in a lifetime" trip so I'd want every picture I could get!
Oh, and Good Job OVER-budgeting! Isn't that nice having a little cushion to play around with!

I think it's definitely going to be Photopass+ after the responses here and how I was leaning that way already. I think it would just be a great way to get as many pictures as we can out of this without having to worry about the quality of our own every time that we stop. Not to mention, I've always wanted digital copies of our on ride photos, this will allow us to post them all to FB!

Over budgeting is something I'm really good at. I think it's part of the same gene that makes me HATE being late somewhere. I would much rather get there and have WAY more money in reserves than I will ever need than have to worry about every dime that we spend.

 

[indimom]

I think it's definitely going to be Photopass+ after the responses here and how I was leaning that way already. I think it would just be a great way to get as many pictures as we can out of this without having to worry about the quality of our own every time that we stop. Not to mention, I've always wanted digital copies of our on ride photos, this will allow us to post them all to FB!

Over budgeting is something I'm really good at. I think it's part of the same gene that makes me HATE being late somewhere. I would much rather get there and have WAY more money in reserves than I will ever need than have to worry about every dime that we spend.

I completely understand (and I'm the same about being late as well, ha).