MT and AZ take on WDW! – A September PTR

[oboedm]

Welcome to my PTR! I am having so much fun reading other PTRs lately, so I thought I would start my own! More will be coming tomorrow, but I thought I would set up the new thread tonight in an attempt to avoid work (naturally).

Here is a picture of me and DH from last year.

Dates: 9/1/2010 to 9/12/2010
Resort: POFQ

Coming Up: How this trip came to be

 

[oboedm]

Chapter 1: How This Trip Came to Be~
Chapter 2: Cast of Characters
Chapter 3: Why Labor Day?
Evan Destroys Your Childhood: Ariel Edition
Chapter 4: Why POFQ?
Chapter 5: Spending more money… upgrading to DxDDP
Chapter 6: ADR Roundup and Park Plans
Chapter 7: DH's Past WDW Experience
Chapter 8: My Past WDW experience
Chapter 9: Nephew Gifts, Short Update~
Chapter 10: What we are excited for!
Chapter 11: 11 Days—Online Check-In is Tomorrow!
Chapter 12: Epcot Day 1 Plans
Chapter 13: Day 2-- Animal Kingdom
Chapter 14: Day 6, WWoHP
Chapter 15: Not Packed Yet, New Look!

 

[oboedm]

DH and I took a trip to WDW last September. We had friends that went to WDW on their honeymoon and cousins that take a pilgrimage each year. I saw free dining advertised in May of that year, and toyed with that idea for a few weeks. I finally told DH (Evan) about it and he thought it was a great idea. We were married really young and never had a honeymoon. We had been married for seven years and had never taken a trip together that didn’t involve traveling with family, visiting family, etc.

So we booked the trip. We stayed POP and decided to upgrade to DxDPP since I wanted to try some of the cool restaurants everyone told me about. It was hot and miserable at times and we got on each other’s nerves. But we don’t really remember any of that. We had a great time.

We thought this would be a “babymoon” and honeymoon since were trying to have kids at that time. We figured that we wouldn’t get back to WDW until we were done being pregnant and we took the wee ones.

Fast forward to a year and thee failed pregnancies later. Clearly, we both needed something to look forward to (DH is as baby hungry as I am), and so I waited (impatiently) for free dining to return. Although it was hot that time of year, the crown levels were low (which I liked) and our vacation time is “reset” each year on Sept 1st—meaning we have plenty of vacation time to spend.

I was so excited when Free Dining was announced. I called my husband’s work phone the second I sw the annoucement and asked him if we could go. Of course he said yes. As I am working out the dates and getting ready to book, I thought of a brilliant plan. We're having trouble having kids, why not bring some with us?

Kidnapping children was obviously out of the question, so we settled on bringing DH’s, brother (BIL), his wife (SIL) and their two kids Hayden (4) and Ginny (born Jan 2010). We had visited BIL’s family in MT two weeks before and the trip was too short. DH and I were both sick with the flu and it was only a weekend trip. We wanted to see them again, but we also wanted to go back to WDW. What to do?

BIL is still in school, so they don’t have the financial means to do something like this. We don’t have kids to spend our “extra” money on—and wanted to do something for someone. It worked out perfectly.

I must say, I was a bit worried about suggesting it to SIL and her reaction-- I didn't want her to be offended or something-- so I asked DH to call BIL and ask if he would mind ditching school for a week and accepting our offer. He said he would talk to SIL. I emailed SIL a few hours later.

The three hours I spent waiting for her response were the longest of my life. But the email came. They agreed. I started shaking with excitement and anticipation.

MT and AZ are going to WDW!

 

[trickiwoo]

I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Aww, you guys make such a cute couple!!!

Last September was mine and The Boyfriend's first trip to WDW together (and my first trip ever!) and it was also the first time we took a vacation together that wasn't with family or visiting family! Though we hadn't been married for 7 years at the time! We'd only been dating for 3 years.

It was hot and miserable at times and we got on each other’s nerves. But we don’t really remember any of that.

That is so true!!! But I have a feeling it is all going to come back to us once we're there again!!!!


That's great that you get to go with his brother's family!!! We invited The Boyfriend's parents and siblings to come with us and they all turned us down!!!! We even offered to pay for them! (His mom would have loved to go, but she is out of vacation days for the year... everyone else in his family just isn't into Disney...)

Looking forward to more!!!

 

[oboedm]

Though we hadn't been married for 7 years at the time! We'd only been dating for 3 years.

Good for you! It took us WAY too long to get away. I don't know what was wrong with us!

His mom would have loved to go, but she is out of vacation days for the year... everyone else in his family just isn't into Disney...)

I know how this goes! I am totally out of vacation time and I have 6 weeks left-- which doesn't seem like a long time, but it is! I understand what you mean about the Disney thing as well. I think my family think we are crazy for going again. At least we can use DH's family as a excuse this time around-- we have to take them, right?

 

[oboedm]

Chapter 2: Cast of Characters

Me: 29
Favorite Character: Donald

I work for an online university—both as a staff and as a faculty member. Yes, I work two jobs for the same people. I love it! I like to sew, scrapbook, etc. Dh and I are addicted to pop culture, TV, movies, you name it. Our tastes run the gamut. For example, as far as TV is concerned, we watch dramas like True Blood, heartwarming shows like Friday Night Lights, comedies like 30 Rock and reality shows like Real Housewives of <insert city here>.

DH: 33
Favorite Character: Goofy (Ariel is his most hated).

Works for the same online university as a training administrator. It’s great because we can carpool every day. He can drive, I can teach my classes. A perfect arrangement! DH is also a screenwriter. He and his best friend are thisclose to selling a screenplay, which would be great because then we can buy rocks for our backyard. DH is my best friend and we have so much fun together.

BIL: 29
Favorite Characters: Tarzan, Aladin, Beast, Stitch, the Incredibles

College student in Montana, youngest brother to DH (there is a brother in between, but he doesn’t factor into this trip). Overall great guy—loves video games. Works at the school he currently attends and wants to do something with computers. You will never see his eyes. He ALWAYS wears sunglasses for some medical ailment that I don’t know the name of. I have only seen his eyes twice in the 8 years I have known him.

SIL: 27
Favorite Characters: Snow White, Belle-- used to like Ariel until my DH ruined her.

SAHM to two adorable munchkins. She is the most crafty and creative person I know. She can take 3 random items and make the most beautiful thing ever! She sews, reupholsters things, paints, makes Halloween costumes, you name it! SIL is so much fun, and we are pretty similar. I just wish they lived closer! MT and AZ is pretty far away. Overall amazing person.

Here is a picture of the Halloween costume she made for her son last year.

Hayden: 4
Favorite Characters: Buzz Lightyear, getting into Woody, Mr. Incredible, the Fab 5

Hilarious kid. One day he decided to hold bowls to his chest and tell his mother “Look! I’m a grew-ole”. If he doesn't want to share his candy he tells his mom, "It's yucky. You won't like it." He says the word "chocolate" like he's British. Too funny.

His current project is potty training, so naturally he received a letter from Buzz Lightyear in the mail.

Ginny: 6 months (will be 7.5 months on the trip)
Favorite Characters: Jessie and Snow White

Although she came out looking like the boys’ dead grandmother, she became cute pretty quickly! Ginny seems pretty laid back. I am not too worried about traveling with her, but then again I am the lucky one who can just hand her back to her mom when she cries!

According to her mom, “she has a schedule where she is usually very sleeping and groggy and napping until about 10-11 am, then naps 2-3 times during the day, (sometimes some short cat-naps in/b/w) then she'll go to bed around 9 if things are settled down enough, she'll stay asleep.” Her mom made the awesome dress and bow you see here.

 

[disney<333]

Joining in! Donald is my favorite character, too. Isn't he cute?!
Good luck with getting pregnant. It took DH and I a while, too. Don't get discouraged.
Your niece and nephew are too cute. I love the Buzz Lightyear letter; too funny! Did you help Buzz make it?

 

[oboedm]

Joining in! Donald is my favorite character, too. Isn't he cute?!
Good luck with getting pregnant. It took DH and I a while, too. Don't get discouraged.
Your niece and nephew are too cute. I love the Buzz Lightyear letter; too funny! Did you help Buzz make it?

Why of course I helped Buzz! DH wrote the note, but I typed everything and added the pictures. I am not that creative with words... he is definitely the wordsmith in the family!

Thanks for the encouragement! My dream would be to get pregnant before we go-- and then have a diver in Coral Reef hold up a sign in the water to announce it to DH, BIL and SIL, but we will have to see!

 

[oboedm]

Chapter 3: Why Labor Day?

(Throughout this PTR I will share pictures from our trip last year. I didn’t do a TR since I was new to the boards in 2009, and I figured that pictures always make things more exciting!)

When the free dining offer was announced in May 2010, we decided to go the same week this year as we did in 2009. We knew that the crowds would be slow that week, and instead of taking 5 days of vacation, we only needed to use 4 (because of Labor Day).

​

The crowds at MK, Week of Labor Day 2009

Additionally, BIL would be early enough in the semester so missing a few days wouldn’t be a big deal. If it was later in September or in October, he may miss assignment deadlines, tests, etc.

We thought about flying out on Saturday morning of Labor Day weekend or later Friday night. The Friday flight got into Orlando at around 11:00 p.m., which means we would lose a half-day on Saturday due to tiredness. If we flew in early Saturday, we would get in around 4:30 p.m., which means we would only be able to eat dinner that night. Saturday would be shot as far as the parks were concerned.

​

At the Charlotte Airport, 2009

We wanted to make sure we had plenty of time in the Disney parks, rest time for the family, etc. We didn’t want to be rushed. Additionally, we knew that one of our days would be spent at IoA (WWoHP). We wanted 6 full days in the parks at least—2 for Epcot, 2 for MK, 1 for AK and 1 for DHS.

Solution: take another day off of work/school and fly in early on Friday 9/3.

We were able to find flights from AZ and MT on Friday that arrive in Salt Lake City around the same time. We are then flying on the same flight from Salt Lake City to Orlando!

​

DH at the Charlotte Airport, 2009

We are really excited about the shared flight because we can ride the Magical Express with the kids! We can also help with the kids while traveling through the airport and we can see BIL and SIL that much sooner. The excitement building up to the arrival in Orlando is the best! I want to share it with their family.

​

Our Magical Express Bus, 2009

Anyway, we originally planned to fly out of Orlando on Saturday, 9/11 @ around 4:30. However, a few weeks ago we were notified that Delta’s flight to MT was cancelled! The only option was a flight at 8:00 a.m. on 9/11—meaning we would lose a half-day at WDW. Unacceptable, really.

​

On ME Bus. I am making this face because I can't figure out why they are advertising ME while riding the ME. This part of the video made no sense whatsoever.

So we called back and asked if we could change the flight to 8:00 a.m. on 9/12. They said yes and we got everything squared away with the AZ flight. We also called Disney and extended our stay for a night. Instead of having our trip cut short by a half-day—we had it extended! Nine nights in WDW! Last year were only there for 6 nights, so this will is really exciting to me and DH.

It's magic! Our luggage is delivered to our room!
​

Coming Up: Why POFQ? ​

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi.

I followed you over from my PTR. I'm subbing. This looks like fun!

I absolutely love the letter from Buzz. OMG, I was cracking up as I was reading it!

I can't wait to hear more about your trip. Our trips cross. We are flying in on 9/10.

 

[klacey1]

Hi, joining in! Everything looks great so far--I LOVE that Buzz letter! Too funny-- hope it works!
I saw your hope about getting pregnant before the trip--hope it happens for you!! However, you can't get the diver with the signs anymore For some silly reason, they stopped doing it!

 

[oboedm]

Hi.

I followed you over from my PTR. I'm subbing. This looks like fun!

I absolutely love the letter from Buzz. OMG, I was cracking up as I was reading it!

I can't wait to hear more about your trip. Our trips cross. We are flying in on 9/10.

I am glad that you liked the letter! My husband is pretty funny. She is also forcing him to wear Disney Princess pull ups, which is pretty humiliating for him, I am sure.

Hi, joining in! Everything looks great so far--I LOVE that Buzz letter! Too funny-- hope it works!
I saw your hope about getting pregnant before the trip--hope it happens for you!! However, you can't get the diver with the signs anymore For some silly reason, they stopped doing it!

I hope it works too! Good to know about Coral Reef! Thanks for the info. I am sure it is because too many people had special requests. If it does happen, I am sure I can figure out another cool way to announce it! Maybe I will get Cinderella slipper desserts and have something written on the outside.

Maybe I am jinxing myself because I am planning how perfect it will be if it comes true! The best part is that I would get out of Mission Space and Rockin' Roller Coaster,

 

[trickiwoo]

Haha! Sounds like your husband hates Ariel about as much as my boyfriend hates Prince Eric!

That potty training letter is too cute!!!!

Oh, that MK photo you posted has me so looking forward to Labor Day crowds!!!

Looking forward to more! I can't wait to read about why you chose POFQ... since that is also the resort I chose!

 

[Joyciemc]

I was driving home from work today and the following thought popped into my head: "I need to check if Paula started her PTR"
I can't believe I missed it before, but I'm here now!

When you mentioned on my PTR that you sent your nephew mail, you were holding back... you didn't even hint at how ridiculously funny that note was!


Can't wait to follow along, especially considering that we have almost the exact same dates (first week of September is the bestest)!

 

[oboedm]

Haha! Sounds like your husband hates Ariel about as much as my boyfriend hates Prince Eric!

That potty training letter is too cute!!!!

Oh, that MK photo you posted has me so looking forward to Labor Day crowds!!!

Looking forward to more! I can't wait to read about why you chose POFQ... since that is also the resort I chose!

The crowds at the parks are so awesome. You will love it!

I will have to post the reason why DH hates Ariel so much-- and how he ruined it for SIL. Maybe that will be my next post instead of POFQ-- we will get around to that one of course, but I love how he dissects the movie/character.

I was driving home from work today and the following thought popped into my head: "I need to check if Paula started her PTR"

When you mentioned on my PTR that you sent your nephew mail, you were holding back... you didn't even hint at how ridiculously funny that note was!

Can't wait to follow along, especially considering that we have almost the exact same dates (first week of September is the bestest)!

I love that you thought about me on your way home. I sometimes check DIS threads on the ride home (depending on how much work I have to do) and he always makes fun. I think DH thinks I am crazy or something... but he was excited when I started to get more "involved" by posting and when I made a PTR (he even read the posts).

 

[oboedm]

Evan Destroys Your Childhood: Ariel Edition

Hello Everyone! I was able to get DH to write up why he hates the Little Mermaid! Please see his rant/story below. Read it in a"funny ranting voice", not in a voice like he wants to hunt down Ariel and kick her at Akershus. Sometimes he "goes off" and its pretty funny, but in order to know that this is meant to be funny, you have to know Evan. He is essentially a big teddy bear-- who hates Ariel...

I can already tell that some of you are rolling your eyes. You’re saying, “Evan, it’s just a little fairy tale about a princess from the ocean who falls in love with a man.” First off, listen to what you just said-- it's insane. Second, Ariel may be the worst Disney character ever created... next to Pocahontas. She is the Paris Hilton of the sea world. Let’s recap.

Ariel is the princess daughter of the King of the Sea. She is surrounded by loving sisters and humble servants. Anything in the kingdom can be hers, but what does she want? To quote the movie “I want more!”

Sure, we’re along for the ride. We see her little cave of wonders where she stocks away all of her found (stolen) objects, but let's just imagine this movie was told from someone else point of view.

What if we saw the movie from her father's point of view? Where does she go during the day? Why can't we just talk about what you're going through? Oh, you want more. Thanks, Ariel, I built a kingdom, I rule over everything in the sea, but I guess that's not enough. Glad I killed all of the other claims to the throne in order to give you a comfortable home. THEIR BLOOD IS ON YOU!

Then Ariel gets enamored with the Prince. After what? Uh... two seconds with his unconscious body! Kind of gross. In order to get the prince, Ariel makes a deal. She gives up the one thing that is truly special to her, her singing voice, for legs. Listen to what I am saying. SHE GIVES UP SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR PLASTIC SURGERY! What are we teaching our kids?

Just wait... in the end-- when she can’t fulfill the deal-- she gets her daddy to bail her out. AWFUL! Don’t come and tell me about the "purity" of her love for the prince. She barely knew him! Imagine your favorite niece, daughter, or cousin coming to you to tell you they were going to marry someone they saved from drowning.

Don't tell me Ursula is evil, either. She had a legitimate contract that Ariel entered into without any confusion and of her free will.

Well, there you have it. I hope you think of me the next time you watch this ridiculous cartoon. The end.

Naturally, when we met the princesses last year I had to take a picture of Evan with Ariel. I told him that he needed to make an angry face in the picture. However:

Evan says: This Ariel was as real as her wig. She kept asking us where we SWAM from, and wouldn’t step out of character at all. Then, when I was going to give an angry face in our picture this Ariel kept shaking like an addict in need of a fix. Suffice to say I couldn’t get an angry face.

And that's the story of Evan and Ariel.

 

[Joyciemc]

Evan makes a very valid point... she is kind of a lame-o.
I actually waited in a line to see her at her grotto one trip because I was on a princess meeting kick. She was the cheesiest out of all of them... with her dinglehopper talk and saying "fishies" instead of "cheese".

 

[oboedm]

She was defintely the cheesiest at Akershus-- I think she was really frightened of Evan, since he is so much bigger than she was, but then again she looks pretty scared of Flat Stanley as well.

I should have posted that the post is meant to be read in a "funny ranting" type voice-- not an actual angry voice. Evan goes off on these ridiculous tirades sometimes and we all end up laughing. I will have to edit the above post, just so readers know that he doesn't want to hunt an animated character down and steal the life from her...

 

[klacey1]

Haha, I always loved the Little Mermaid, but when you put it like that...
The original Hans Christian Anderson story is too creepy for words-- Disney WAY tamed it down.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Hi Paula!
Definitely subbing to your PTR!! You and your DH are sooo cute! Looks like we'll be in WDW at the same time and at POFQ too! I am really looking forward to the lack of crowds in Sept. I wonder if Free Dining will change that? It looks like it didn't last year from your pic!

Wow 9 nights at the World? Lucky!

Your analogy about how Ariel is the Paris Hilton of the princesses is hilarious. I can totally see that now. She is rather spoiled right? LOL

Looking forward to more!!!