Maybe, Kinda Sorta, I Don't Know If I AM Going to Run in February

[annmarieda]

This PTR has been a hard one to start. Never have I had as hard a time starting a PTR as I have this one. Only a TR for my last trip has been harder to start. However, since I can only call this a PRE TR for a bit longer I figured it best to start this before starting my most recent TR.

I think this is what inspired me to give it the title I did. Maybe I am going. Kinda Sorta am I excited about it but I really don't know if I actually am going.

You with me so far? Good.

The thought behind this trip started back at the end of September with a hesitant version of myself registering for the princess half marathon.

So yes, the goal of the trip would be for me to run the PHM. Exciting

Well, maybe. Only when I registered I was likely to have someone who was going to run it with me. Now that does not seem to be the case.

Still I have been training as if I were going to go because I am kinda sorta excited that I may just run my first half marathon.

However not everything is booked so I am not certain that this will actually all come together and I will actually get to go.

So if you are the least bit curious to see how this drama (I am beginning to think that drama follows me...or maybe I it) unfolds, please follow along!! Be warned though... it may be so bumpy that you can't hold on to your seat or it may be so boring that you fall asleep and thus fall out of your chair.

Up next: The Who

 

[annmarieda]

This isn't my first report, so some of you may know me. For those of you who don't, my name is Ann. I am almost in my mid 40's. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for more than half my life. We have 4 children. (who I will list later). The job I have is not very glamourous but enables me to go on my Disney trips. What do I do? Well, I drive all day from store to store as a vendor. What do I vend? Depends on the week, but it all surrounds advertising. You see a promo in a store or a coupon or some other advertisement for some product within the store. Yep.. probably was put in by the company I work. Who knows, with as much as they have me driving all around lately maybe it was even me who did it. (Not seriously... but all the driving does make it seem like I am traveling all over the place)

Next there is my dh, Steve. As I mentioned, he is my high school sweetheart and has put up with me for over 20 years. or may it is the other way around He is a software engineer with hobbies that involved electronics He battles with his health and is currently out on disability. He has Chrohns disease and lately it has really got bad. Most days he spends much of his days in bed. We wait for insurance to approve a new treatment so that he can get patched up and back on his way to work. Not to mention be able to go with me in February.

Finally, there is our dd. She is our second "Z in February" Zoe is our youngest and a light in my life. She too has health issues as she was born with a rather serious birth defect that has left her "technically" disabled. However you would not know by looking at her, nor would you know by talking with her. She is one of the brightest kids in her grade and has been placed in an accelerated program due to her "smarts" She is currently a second grader and is sadly is outgrowing her princess phase. Maybe more a diva now

Here is the three of us last July when we went to DLR.

Our other children will not be going. I said I would list them though, so here goes.

Our oldest is Akira (Kira for short, but she is our first "A" in October)
Kira is 22 and married to Josh. Incidentally, the two have known eachother since they were 10 and share the same birthday. Josh is either 19 or 12 minutes older than Kira. (I always forget which it is) They recently bought a home that is in a near by town. I purposely picked up an assignment in her town so I could get paid to drive to see her once a week. It isn't terribly far, but 45 minutes or so still isn't so close she can run over and get something here if she needs it.

Here is a photo of the two of them in their wedding attire on their rainy wedding day a couple years ago. (sorry it is so big, I snagged it from her facebook account)

Next there is our oldest son, Zach. Zach is our first "Z in February". (I know that sounds odd... you will get what I mean soon enough) He will be 20 on his next birthday. Zach is in the military and about to be deployed. Its all hush hush though, so I cant say where or when He has been with the same wonderful gal for a while now. I got her a job where I work, so I know she will be in my life even when Zach is away for a year or so.

Here is the two of them being funny recently. (again, I snagged a fb photo..and I am sure he wouldn't be happy I shared, but aren't they cute? )

Next is our second "A in October" Alex is 17 now. He is currently struggling to find his way in life, but he is a gentle soul and I have faith he will find it.

Here he is about to ride on radiator springs racers in DCA back in July.

Next up: The When

 

[annmarieda]

Well, since nothing is set in stone it is hard to say what exactly our dates are. Right now it looks like it will be 2/20 to 2/26.

I have our resort booked, but airfare has been a challenge. I know, I know... some who know me are laughing. "Ann and stalking the airfare pages" Right? Only I thought it was bad in the past (or you all did) This time it is far worse. Airfare is so much higher this year than in previous and I just cant seem to catch a low priced deal. I keep thinking I will books soon as it drops a little and then it goes up. Who knows what I will end up doing.

What we do know is that the PHM weekend is the 22nd, 23rd and 24th. This means we will have to be down there during those days at least. Given that travel is a full day on either side for us means that we will have to leave no later than 2/21 and come back no earlier than 2/25. Well, I guess if I got a late enough flight back on 2/24 we could leave that day.

So are we all clear? Some time over the last week or so of February is when we will be there. .

Oh, and did I forget to mention that I will have a work issue that for all intents and purposes requires me to be home the week of 2/21 to 3/1? Yeah, that kinda further complicates my dates issue. It was also why in the beginning I was so hesitant to register for the PHM. Looking back, I truly wish I had not registered. Course, then you would all miss out on my wonderful ramblings as I plan this trip.

Next up: The Where

 

[annmarieda]

If you follow along in my TR, you will find that I have found a new favorite hotel. POFQ is an amazing hotel for a moderate. I had hoped to stay there on my next trip.

The problem was I needed a deal. After a very long trip to WDW in december of last year and a trip to DLR in July and then ANOTHER trip in September/October (not to mention another trip planned for next fall) February was really causing me to think I am going a bit over board on the Disney spending. I know, right? Could there be such a thing? Well, my bank account might suggest that maybe there is

So a deal. Well the problem with that is Steve doesn't want to go to Disney. This means he wants to stay at a resort that would have amenities that would allow for a vacation without doing the parks. Again, right? No parks?

Back to the resort dilemma. Steve coming with me (which I am ever so happy about cause who wants to go to WDW by themselves to run a race by themselves) meant no value resort. Ok doesn't that mean that POFQ is still in the running? Nope. For whatever reason it was priced higher than the other mods. CBC was the lowest, but they have only double beds. I guess that is doable since we won't have the boys with us and I spose Steve and I can squeeze in a bit.

Then came word that the expo had been moved from WWoS to CSR.

CSR?! Well, both Steve and I agreed we would have to eat at Pepper Market on the trip. I also have always wanted to stay there. They also have a TS restaurant that we have never tried. Looks like a perfect fit for someone who doesn't want to leave the resort, right?

So currently (and remember all things are subject to change without notice) we are booked in a water view room at CSR for 6 nights with a 2 day base ticket (yes, I talked Steve into a day at MK and a day at Epcot) and the dp. I paid for Zoe to be an adult on the plan again. Which is a story itself...sooooo

Next up: Booking Adventure

 

[lovethattink]

I'm here! Great intros! Love the pictures.

 

[KatMark]

I'm here....be back to read.

***Okay, I've read. An Ann trip report or pre trip report would NOT be the same without some drama or complications.

As for Coronado and your concern because of my post, let me just say we still LOVE the Coronado and would go back in a heartbeat IF Pop Warner was not there and IF I did not get a cheaper rate for a DVC room.

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

I'm here! I'm here and all caught up! Why do I get the feeling that this PTR will cause a lot of behind the scenes texting? Lol

 

[swwake]

I'm subscribing! So suspenseful!

 

[mommy2mrb]

joining in here too!
hope everything will work out for your trip!

 

[dizneeat]

Just got home after a long day at work and found your PM. Subscribing now, then going back to read.

Eager to make page 1, especially for THIS pre-trippie!

 

[annmarieda]

I'm here! Great intros! Love the pictures.

Thanks!

I'm here....be back to read.

***Okay, I've read. An Ann trip report or pre trip report would NOT be the same without some drama or complications.

As for Coronado and your concern because of my post, let me just say we still LOVE the Coronado and would go back in a heartbeat IF Pop Warner was not there and IF I did not get a cheaper rate for a DVC room.

You make me laugh... so is that drama following me or the other way around ?
I think Coronado will work out well. My only concern is how large it is. However not needed to travel to the expo means that I can stay as long as I like...wander back etc.

I'm here! I'm here and all caught up! Why do I get the feeling that this PTR will cause a lot of behind the scenes texting? Lol

I am so glad you are here.

I'm subscribing! So suspenseful!

Yay!!! And yes... very suspenseful. I am sure it will work out fine. I just need to book airfare. Speaking of which... I should see what the rates are today.

joining in here too!
hope everything will work out for your trip!

Glad you are here too! There are not too many of us Washingtonians on the boards. (you are in WA, right? )

Just got home after a long day at work and found your PM. Subscribing now, then going back to read.

Eager to make page 1, especially for THIS pre-trippie!

You made page one on both!!! Sorry bout the long day. Long days are not at all fun

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Joining in!!! Can't wait to hear more about your plans!

 

[mommy2mrb]

yes I am in WA - everett area

 

[momabaarjo]

Did I make it on the first page?

 

[annmarieda]

Joining in!!! Can't wait to hear more about your plans!

So glad you are here too!

yes I am in WA - everett area

I am further south of you. A small town that takes FOREVER to get to from the i5 corridor...or 167 even.

Did you get the emergency broadcast messages yesterday and the day before? Last one went off for me at 5am yesterday. "blizzard warning" We did wake to a ton of snow today...but hardly a "blizzard"

Did I make it on the first page?

Yep First page!!!

 

[mommy2mrb]

I am further south of you. A small town that takes FOREVER to get to from the i5 corridor...or 167 even.

Did you get the emergency broadcast messages yesterday and the day before? Last one went off for me at 5am yesterday. "blizzard warning" We did wake to a ton of snow today...but hardly a "blizzard"

!

we are only 2 miles from I-5 which is nice...no I didn't don't have a "smart"phone..the news said last night the message was sent out in error, was for the mountains and eastern WA....not a nice wake up call for you! we only got a dusting overnight, but saw the south end got hit much harder, stay safe!

 

[wiigirl]

Joining in...

 

[annmarieda]

So I said I would give better details on the booking of this trip, so here goes.

Basically, I often watch promos even after I have booked. Playing around with FDM is often a past time of mine.

I booked with the room only discount. I figured that would work best since we didn't need tickets for the entire stay, etc.

Originally, I booked for just 5 nights. Then I realized we would need two park days and we would need six nights in order to have 2 travel days, 2 race days, 2 park days and a day for the expo. (wait, did I just give away my plans for the entire trip )

Thus began more playing with the disney math and what I found was I could save money if I switched promos. Well, actually it cost $9 more. I will get to that though.

Since I needed to speak to a cm to switch I ofcourse called.

I am not sure who was drug off the street and told "you know are a Disney cm" but obviously, this person knew very little about Disney.

When I first mentioned I wanted to switch to the "play, stay and dine" promo, she argued with me that there was no such promo. She assured me that I must be aware of a personal promo that someone had since there was no public offer like that. I held my ground and told her it is on the disney site. She asked when I saw it. "good grief woman...it has been one of the only two promos for quite a while now" Is what I would have liked to say, but didn't. I did mention it being the current promo and that it had been for a while. Instantly.."well, maybe it is expired" After I FINALLY was able to walk her through the site to find it (cause we all know how hard it is to find it under special offers. ) she agreed she could switch it for me.

Now, being the eternal optimist that I am I threw her a new curve ball. I needed to add a night and switch Zoe to an adult.



I think she may have done just that. Cause I was put on hold.

I waited

and waited

and waited

She then came back on to tell me "maam, that is not going to actually save you money." "Your new total will be $9 more"



and yes, that is where I was fainting.

I responded by saying "yes, but I get one more night and Zoe gets to eat as an adult on the dp rather than a child"

She scoffed a bit and asked "so, you still want me to change if for you?"

I think at this point she was getting bothered because I remember saying if it would be easier for you to just cancel my entire reservation, I can book this online by myself.

In the end, she did switch me to 6 nights at CSR with 2 day base tickets and 3 adults on the dp.

Next Up: ADR planning

 

[annmarieda]

we are only 2 miles from I-5 which is nice...no I didn't don't have a "smart"phone..the news said last night the message was sent out in error, was for the mountains and eastern WA....not a nice wake up call for you! we only got a dusting overnight, but saw the south end got hit much harder, stay safe!

Yeah, those messages were weird. And I could have done without the 5am wake up call yesterday.

Zoe is home this morning because of the snow, which means I am delayed at getting to work. We did get a solid couple inches.

Joining in...

 

[mommy2mrb]

how frustrating to get a CM who doesn't know their job! I've been booking our trips through Dreams Unlimited for the past few years...she keeps me updated with discounts and I don't have to worry about stalking the site!

happy you got everything worked out so far!