March '11 TR: My 21 + 5 Years Birthday At WDW!! (HOME SWEET HOME) 6/24

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

MY 21 + 5 YEARS BIRTHDAY AT WDW!!!!



WELCOME TO MY TRIP REPORT!!!!!!!!!!!

The trip as always had its highs and lows but I'm happy to report, there were mostly highs!!!!

If you missed the PTR and would like to read about that, here is the link: DEC 2010 TR: I WILL NOT STOP BOOKING ADRS UNTIL I GET TO WDW/ MARCH 2011 PTR

**Please join me as I relive my 26th Birthday Trip **

~My PTR for June 2011 will be marked in the bold/green!!





CHAPTERS:

TRIP DETAILS AND THE CAST 3/26


DAY ONE: MARCH 17, 2011

TRAVEL DAY 3/26

POFQ ROOM 6134 3/28

BIRTHDAY SURPRISES 4/1

1st WDW MEAL OF THE TRIP 4/3


DAY TWO: MARCH 18, 2011

EPCOT DAY!! 4/9

OT: WDW, UNIVERSAL ORLANDO, AND VERO BEACH..OH MY!!! 4/10

LE CELLIER LUNCH 4/12

PICK A PEARL SURPRISES!!! 4/13

OT: HEALTH UPDATE 4/18

OT: WHAT WOULD YOU DO?? 4/19

MEETING DUFFY FOR THE FIRST TIME!! 4/21

AK, FIREWORKS, AND FISH! 4/22

OT: APRIL/EASTER UPDATE 4/24

EPCOT EMH AND LIFE UPDATE 4/28


DAY THREE: MARCH 19, 2011: MY 26TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

ISLAND BRAIDS AT GF SALON 4/30

OT: ADRS AND SHOPPING FOR JUNE!! 5/2

CHEF MICKEYS 5/4

LA NOUBA AND OHANA!!!! 5/7

OT: MICKEY MAIL AND SHOPPING!!! 5/8

OT: 35 DAYS TO GO!!! 5/11

DAY FOUR: MARCH 20, 2011


DHS DAY!!! 5/15

OT: 30 DAYS TO GO!!!!! 5/16

LUNCH AT CORAL REEF 5/20

OT: PACKING LIST FOR JUNE!!! 5/22

EMH AT MK!!! 5/28

OT: MOUSEKEEPING ENVELOPES + MORE 5/30

EMH AT MK PART II 6/4


DAY FIVE MARCH 21, 2011

DEPARTUE DAY/DEPRESSION DAY!!! 6/9

OT:TRIP SHOPPING AND LUGGAGE!!! 6/11

MARCH TRIP RECAP 6/14



PACKED AND READY TO GO!!!!!!! 6/16

HOME SWEET HOME 6/24

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

TRIP DETAILS:

DATES: March 17-21, 2011
RESORT: AP Room/Dining at POFQ with DDP (basic)
TICKETS: Me: AP Mom/Bro: GR Free Tickets from our horrid POP stay in Dec
DINING ADRS: 4: Le Cellier (3/18), Chef Mickey's (3/19), Ohana (3/19), and Coral Reef (3/20).
TRANSPORTATION: Bro picked us up at MCO and we took DME back to MCO
FLIGHTS: Delta: Cincinnati to MCO and MCO to Cincinnati for $145 per ticket.
WHY?: My 26th BIRTHDAY!! or my 21 + 5 years birthday!



THE CAST:

The cast of the trip included (pics are from past trips):

ME (Megan): Now 26, Pre-K teacher north of Cincinnati, Disney lover, and former WDW CM at BBB and AK (Kids Discovery Clubs intern).

Brother "Bro": 24, currently works at Universal in Harry Potter World/lives in FL, loves Disney too, and worked as a CP at Test Track!

Mom: 50+ , currently a SAHM (with no kids to stay home with!), loves Disney as well, went to WDW on her and Dad's Disneymoon in 1981, and passed their love for WDW onto their kids (bro and I!). Dad did not join us for this trip since he had board meetings at work but he's already in the planning stages for a summer trip!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

TRAVEL DAY

to the TR again!!!

As always, the trip begins the day before you even leave!

WED MARCH 16, 2011

The day before the trip was crazy busy! I worked a full day, mom and I went to TGI Fridays after work, I stopped to tan on the way home (big mistake), and spent the rest of the night packing.

In true WDW fashion, I do no sleep the day before I leave and the 1st night at WDW. This trip was a little different!!

By 11:30pm, there was no way I was sleeping even though I had to work a 1/2 day before we left! I decided to put in some random bits of laundry and turn on WDW Behind the Scenes DVD. By 4am I did fall asleep but my alarm went off at 6am so it was a quick sleep!

THURSDAY MARCH 17, 2011

I started off my morning with a quick shower and decided to grab breakfast a Chick Fil A on the way to work. After getting breakfast and almost to work, I realized that I had never brushed my teeth so I made a pit stop at the grocery store before getting to work a min before I had to be there!

I left work at 1pm, drove home, packed up odds and ends, said goodbye to the dogs, and we left for Cincinnati Airport at 1:45pm

There seemed to be more traffic than when we went at the same time in Dec but it was a beautiful 70 degree March 17th so I don't think that helped!

We pulled into the park/ride place and had to wait for a bus to arrive but enjoyed the warm day! We finally were picked up and got dropped off at the airport. I didn't do online check-in since I don't know how that works with our free bags but we went to the kiosk and were done in 5 mins. Once again free bags with my Delta American Express card

We walked towards security and quickly noticed that it wasn't going to be as quick as in Dec. Mom got selected to do the scan which took less than a min. She was glad she didn't have to do a pat-down!!

We got our things and started heading for our gate. Last year we had plenty of time to hit up a sit down/appetizer meal at Max and Ermas but between traffic, waiting, and security, we didn't have much time so we settled for McDs.

After McDs we went to our gate and waited!

I always feel weird for taking airport pics but oh well!

The plane coming in was a few mins late and it seemed like it took forever and a day to load the plane for the 4:15pm flight. I was glad I didn't bring 2 carry-ons this time even though there was plenty of over-head space this time (go figure). We found our seats and prepared for take-off!

We were a few mins late but got in 15 early, 6:15pm instead of 6:30pm!! The flight was uneventful. Mom and I both read, listened to my iTouch, filled out my journal, and had the light refreshments. When we landed we had to sit and wait for the other plane to leave the gate which turned our 15min early into nothing since we had to wait..grr!! Who cares, I was in WDW finally and didn't have to wait forever and a day for DME!! The pilot also said it was 80 degrees!!!!!!

We got into the gift shop area and saw Bro waiting! We made our way to baggage and waited 25 mins for the bags to come out. They finally did, we got our bags, headed for the car, and drove off to WDW!

I was happy to land in FL when it was still light out since we always seem to fly late at night! After stopping off at Hess for gas, we finally saw the glowing lights!

I was in the backseat so the pics were not very good We were finally at WDW!! We pulled into POFQ just before 8pm which wasn't too bad since we were late to the gate, waited on bags, drove, and got gas.

I walked in expecting a huge crowd based on the massive amounts of people we saw at MCO but there was not one soul in line for check-in. We walked right up to Amanda and began the check-in process since I decided against online check-in. She took our info, took out our folder, I looked down to see the room number (I REQUESTED BUILDING 6 SEVERAL WEEKS AGO) before she even told us and what did I see... ???!!!!

WERE WE ASSIGNED BUILDING 6 OR GET BUILDING 3, THE ONLY BUILDING NOT REFURBISHED AT POFQ?!!!


STAY TUNED TO FIND OUT!!!!!!!!

 

[creativeamanda]

First of all, I see the hopes for the ticker. I honestly think you should be at Disney sometime between June 4 and 14.

Really.

Also, it always amazes me how much waiting and what not you have with the airport. I am glad we live 8 hours away. By the time we did all that we would have to at the airport, I think we could already be at Disney.

I'm glad your brother has a job at Universal--that's awesome!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

First of all, I see the hopes for the ticker. I honestly think you should be at Disney sometime between June 4 and 14.

Really.

Also, it always amazes me how much waiting and what not you have with the airport. I am glad we live 8 hours away. By the time we did all that we would have to at the airport, I think we could already be at Disney.

I'm glad your brother has a job at Universal--that's awesome!

Well...It probably won't be during that time but right after (16th) My parents are wanting to do like 3 nights at Disney and 3 nights at Vero Beach (Disney). Have you guys ever been to Vero Beach?????? We're only doing 3 because of not knowing the area or whats around. Were also thinking about driving so golf clubs can come along and be used!

I'm also hoping that my test is passed by then because there is a teacher job fair on the 23rd of June in Tampa so I might sign up for that (invitation only based on application). It's all pretty much up in the air right now and flights are really expensive! Welcome to the TR though! I hope to announce good news before it's over!!!

 

[Queenofallthings]

You started

Love the day before travel and travel day...they are my favorites....the excitement is so fun!!1

Can't wait for more

 

[Trentmom]

Am Here


Going back to read now

 

[Trentmom]

Love all details leading up to departure

Sounds like weather was awesome there

Can't wait for more details

 

[Cat0727]

Hey Megan I'm joining in!

 

[DisneyDreamerMN]

Subscribing!
I had to slap my own hand for looking at pics on Facebook!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

You started

Love the day before travel and travel day...they are my favorites....the excitement is so fun!!1

Can't wait for more

Am Here


Going back to read now

Love all details leading up to departure

Sounds like weather was awesome there

Can't wait for more details

It was..much better than the 30s and 40s that we had in Dec

Hey Megan I'm joining in!

Subscribing!
I had to slap my own hand for looking at pics on Facebook!

..you were warned!!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

SUMMER 2011 TRIP

HEY DIS FRIENDS!!!

I know it's a little early to start showing off plans for my next trip..and rude of me too but my family and I are in a bit of a dilemma! I figured when I'm not the expert in the situation, turn to those who are!

Basically, we are planning a trip to see Bro this summer. Our first plan was to do Hilton Head, SC but now that Bro is staying in FL and that's my plan too, if I pass my test , we figured for this year, FL it is!

Bro and Dad want to do the beach so instead of Disney Craziness, we figured why not take it to the beach and try Disney's Vero.

1. HAVE ANY OF YOU BEEN TO DISNEY'S VERO BEACH??!!
...Tips, Advice, Good, and Bad would be great.
We haven't been to HHI, SC in 12+ years so we are used to it being a pretty remote location but still within a small driving distance to get to shops, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. We typically eat breakfast in, most lunches in (maybe a pool lunch from time to time), and dinners out.

The sketchy plan is:

June 17-drive, stay at Aunts in ATL
June 18-drive, get to Orlando, stay at a Marriott with points
June 19-drive, check in at Vero Beach..they have an Ocean Inn for $310 or Studio for $260
June 22-check out of Vero, drive to WDW, stay at POFQ, go to Universal for a day with Bro.
June 25-check out of Disney, drive to ATL, stay at Aunts
June 26-Arrive home


2. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF DISNEY GIVES ANY AP ROOM ONLY RATES FOR THE SUMMER???

Right now, they are only showing till like the 2nd of June. To pay rack rate at POFQ is $215 (standard) and for my friends CM Discount POFQ, POR, and CSR are all booked with her discount. We could do 2 rooms at POP with a CM discount or one at POFQ with rack rate but mom and I both felt that when we left last Monday that we didn't want to leave and LOVED the resort! Plus it has it's added benefits of being small, fridge in room, queen beds, nice sink area, towels at the pool, hot tub, boat to DTD, etc.


Anyways, I guess that's it for now but we have never been to Vero so I'd like some advice on that and it's my first time hopefully getting an AP rate for the summer!!!

TIA!!
~Megan

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Hey there! You've been so loyally following along with mine and Jess' TR that I saw the link in your sig from one of your comments over there and jumped right on over here! Great start so far!

I LOVE your Vera crossbody bag! So cute!

The travel days are always the best ones!

I love that you stayed at POFQ!!! It was my first ever Disney resort so it will always hold a special place in my heart. And it is one of my faves. I love it there.

Can't wait for more!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Hey there! You've been so loyally following along with mine and Jess' TR that I saw the link in your sig from one of your comments over there and jumped right on over here! Great start so far!

I LOVE your Vera crossbody bag! So cute!

The travel days are always the best ones!

I love that you stayed at POFQ!!! It was my first ever Disney resort so it will always hold a special place in my heart. And it is one of my faves. I love it there.

Can't wait for more!!

POFQ was my first WDW resort too!!! We stayed there twice, followed by a split stay at Poly/POR, and then we were supposed to stay at POFQ again in 2000 but my dad surprised us with WL and we haven't been back to POFQ since then (1996). It will hold a special place in my heart too

 

[Trentmom]

Your summer plans looks great

Don't know anything about vero beach. Sorry

Are you going to go to one of the disney parks in addition to going to Universal? Just curious

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Your summer plans looks great

Don't know anything about vero beach. Sorry

Are you going to go to one of the disney parks in addition to going to Universal? Just curious

Thanks! We're trying. Everything really hinders too on if I pass my test and when because I'm really interested in teaching in FL so based on my current job, I need to figure out if I want to take a month off and see what happens or just quit all together and hope I get a teaching job. It's a really hard decision right now because I really don't want to leave a job that I'll be at for 2 years in the hopes that I get something in FL.

Anyways, no we aren't doing Disney parks in the summer. We'll do one day at Universal but hang out at Disney, DTD, resorts, etc. I could of course do WDW bc of my AP but my parents both have tix from Dec but they expire after 14 days if the 2nd day isn't used so they'll probably save those for in the fall or in Dec.

 

[exwdwcm]

I'm here Megan. I love all the great details and pics you have every step of the way, makes me want to take more pics this time.

sorry, no help on Vero, but i am listening, as I'd like to eventually try out Vero and HH since we are DVC now.

i can't believe you only slept 2 hours. i would be a zombie! i have to have my 8 hours. even before a trip, even with all that excitement, i manage to get some decent sleep.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I'm here Megan. I love all the great details and pics you have every step of the way, makes me want to take more pics this time.

sorry, no help on Vero, but i am listening, as I'd like to eventually try out Vero and HH since we are DVC now.

i can't believe you only slept 2 hours. i would be a zombie! i have to have my 8 hours. even before a trip, even with all that excitement, i manage to get some decent sleep.

Yes, just 2 hours! I did get some laundry done though so I didn't have it to come home to so at least I was productive

 

[Nermel9]

I'm here! LOL I'm the same way the night before I leave for Disney, I'm lucky if I sleep at all, and we always take crack of dawn flights so I'm pretty much useless the first day! Our flight for October leaves at 6:40 am I think so I HOPE our room is ready when we check in so we can nap...otherwise it's gonna be a loooong day!

I don't really know anything about Vero Beach, but I'm sure it's a lot of fun! And at least you will have some WDW days in there as well, so it sounds like it could be a great vacation!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I'm here! Glad you started.

Okay, so I can be of some assistance regarding Vero Beach. I love it there. It's a great place to go and just relax. Sit on the beach, sit by the pool, read, basically do nothing. Vero Beach/Indian River is not too far, so if you have a car, there are other places to go (shopping, movies, etc.).

The only thing to remember at the resort directly is that there are only three places (4 if you count the bar/lounge), to eat. Sonya's, Shutters, and the quick service place by the pool. If you've never been though, I suggest visiting.