My DH wants another trip to WDW?!?! MNSSHP, F&W, and Diagon Alley Sept 14Update 09/12

[jmskinner]

So glad to see you back here! I was actually thinking of you the other day and wondering if you were still DISing.

I just quickly read through your intro, need to come back to read, but your fall trip sounds fantastic.

I'll try to keep up, but I really stink at following pretrip reports since I am always behind on my report, the Beach & Yacht Club FAQ and my other subscriptions.

"See" you real soon!

Dee

I have really been MIA. FB and Candy Crush have been getting in the way.

I've been on the Grand Floridian Fact thread a lot so I know how crazy those threads can be.

Disney and a car show?! Oh be still my heart!

Andd $99 at POR. I could not pass that up. Already discussing with the DH that we need to go to the next Car Masters that they have, and how did I not know about it.

 

[jmskinner]

So glad to see you back here! I was actually thinking of you the other day and wondering if you were still DISing.

I just quickly read through your intro, need to come back to read, but your fall trip sounds fantastic.

I'll try to keep up, but I really stink at following pretrip reports since I am always behind on my report, the Beach & Yacht Club FAQ and my other subscriptions.

"See" you real soon!

Dee

Hey! Just tried to send you a PM, but your stored messages are full.

 

[natebenma]

Hey! Just tried to send you a PM, but your stored messages are full.

I know. Really bad habit. The people on my thread make fun of me because when my inbox gets full I just clear a message or two. I'll do that now. Or you can also email me at the address I use for DIS purposes:

beachclubdee at yahoo

 

[fernfritters]

Hi there! Joining in to follow your PTR along I'm planning a trip myself this fall, and reading everyone's plans makes me excited to go to WDW! I love all your photos; your Splash Mountain one is super cute. My own DH isn't a big fan of WDW, but I'm hoping he'll change his mind as our little one gets older The car show looked like a lot of fun! My FIL would have loved that and my DD as well. She is obsessed with cars (or anything automotive -- trains, planes, and whatnot!)!

 

[jmskinner]

Hi there! Joining in to follow your PTR along I'm planning a trip myself this fall, and reading everyone's plans makes me excited to go to WDW! I love all your photos; your Splash Mountain one is super cute. My own DH isn't a big fan of WDW, but I'm hoping he'll change his mind as our little one gets older The car show looked like a lot of fun! My FIL would have loved that and my DD as well. She is obsessed with cars (or anything automotive -- trains, planes, and whatnot!)!

DH always surprises me when he mentions WDW trips. Maybe it is because we always seem to have at least one family meltdown per trip.

 

[jmskinner]

Hope everyone had a nice July 4th. I meant to at least post a "Happy July 4th" to everyone, but we were having such a great time, I didn't use my Ipad that much.

Had a great time in NC, downloading all the pics from my camera now, all 1500 of them. Digital is such a wonderful thing.

Work has been crazy this week. I was expecting the usual back to school stuff, which working in Young Men's means changing tables with jeans on them. They always decide that the tables with shorts will go to jeans, but they also decide to rearrange all jeans, such as 511's move to the shorts table, Chino's move to where 514's go, 514's go where the 508 were, which now will be where the Chino's were. Why do I love my job again?

But on top of the big jeans move, they have decided another brand will move from one side of the department, to another. I spent 5 hours working on that yesterday. And we are waiting to see if my jean wall is getting changed too. Alcohol was sounding good about midway through my shift yesterday.

I do have some updates on the WDW trip...

Park tickets have been purchased. DH was at the Pentagon, so instead of having to make another trip (we live an hour away), we went ahead and ordered them. We thought it would be several weeks before they came in, but we had them within a week.

And even bigger news....flights are booked.

That means there is no stopping us now...right?

We will fly out a little after Noon. That way we can help Grandma get Jacob to school once, just so she sees the routine. We will arrive about 3pm. That should give us plenty of time to get to the resort and change for our 9pm ADR at Narcoossee's (BTW, I have to Google that for spelling every time.)

Now, we only need MNSSHP tickets and Universal tickets. I'm torn on the MNSSHP tickets. You have to get the military discount tickets there at WDW, but do we dare wait? DH said to go ahead and pay full price. I have read that even if they sell out, they will let you in, but my travel agent said one of their agents tried and was denied entry. Not sure what to do.

The Universal tickets we can wait until August or September. I did see a discount if ordered online and it was better than the military rate.

Think I will now finish my little mini-TR since I work all weekend.

 

[jmskinner]

Jacob and I continued on our quest to look at every car



This was a Corvette with a 63 front and back end, placed on a more modern body. Interesting car.

Anybody for a wagon ride?



When we finally felt like we had seen everything, we needed to go back to the Speedway for the Mustang show. Seems when we purchased a t-shirt for Jacob the day before, we purchased a child's tee instead of an adult. My baby doesn't wear children's anymore.



That night a Dis friend that lives near Tampa was also at WDW, so she drove over to POR with her mother and we had a few drinks. We wanted to watch Yehaa Bob, but the lounge was packed, so we ended up at the pool bar. Had a great visit. Jacob went back to the room instead of hanging with us adults. He was very responsible and texted me when he got there. My boy really is growing up. I think I had three drinks, which on the way to the room, I realized I was really buzzed, walking alone at the resort. I was thinking the whole way back to my room "Walk in straight line, don't fall down. You don't want to read about yourself on the Dis."

The next morning, I let Jacob do one of his favorite things


Then we caught the boat to DTD


Of course we had to stop at the Lego store


If Jacob isn't playing video games, watching people play video games on Youtube, then he is building Lego ships.



This may shock people, Jacob tried a Mickey Ice Cream Bar for the first time and I think he liked it


We were on the bus at 4pm for the flight home. I took this before we even left WDW property


Didn't even step foot in a WDW park, and the boy was still worn out.

The trip home was just like the trip to FL. Storms delayed us, then when we got on the plane, there was a leak from the hydrogen lines or something. You could see vapors coming from the air conditioning vents. I don't fly a lot, but I knew that wasn't right.

Back out to the terminal, and we had to wait for another plane. They gave us a free meal voucher for Wendy's or somewhere, but I opted for a sandwich for Ruby Tuesday. We finally got home after 1am. I was so glad I planned a day of rest before school started, it would not have been a good first day in high school. Oh, and after the trip, we got emails from United apologizing for the delay and gave me a voucher for 10% off my next ticket and Jacob $50 off one for him. Of course the voucher had to be used by 9/1 this year, so we won't get to use them.

And that was my last trip to WDW. I have to say, I really enjoyed just being on property and didn't miss the parks much at all. Sounds crazy, doesn't it?

 

[jmskinner]

The 24th was the big day for us, the day to pick out FP's. I sat up until Midnight waiting to get them done.

Have I mentioned I am in charge of concert attire for the concert band at school. So while waiting on Midnight, I typed up a spreadsheet with all student names.

Finally it was Midnight and I click on select FP and it will only go 30 days out. Then I noticed I could do the online check-in. Did that, picked my building and a dormer room at GF. Anyone ever stayed in a dormer room?

Tried the FP system again, thinking maybe I needed to do the online checkin first. Nope, still wouldn't work.

Gave up, went to bed. Got up the next morning and was finally able to get it done.

Tuesday, the 23rd, we have Space Mountain, 7DMT, and BTMRR. I think we can even take a nap and head back to MK for the party. Staying at the GF will be helpful.

Wednesday, the 24th, we have TT, Mission Space and the Character photo. Not sure we will do that, but if we get the Memory Maker, I think it might be fun and we have never done this character encounter. Want to do the Disney Visa shoot also.

Thursday is the Universal day.

Friday is the day we leave, I got FP's for TSMM, ToT, and Star Tours. I'm not sure we will be able to make TSMM since we will have to catch the ME, so we may try to get there for park opening, do TSMM and RnRC.

Here are some pics I have in my area heading down to the basement of our house:










Hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[jmskinner]

Hope everyone is doing well...enjoying their planning!

Life has been crazy!

Work has been nuts. We had three overnights a week ago to do markdowns and then turned around and had a 5am to do more markdowns and work the merchandise off the truck. This next week we have an overnight on Sunday to completely redo the misses, women's and petite areas to make room for a new line. Then Thursday we do most of the men's to prepare for a new line there. Thank goodness we took care of the Young Men's last week. Oh, and work a truck there too. I know, I'm because I actually love this stuff.

By the way, if you ever go in a store and see someone that looks like that are staring into space in a department and/or talking to themselves, we are trying to figure out where to add more merchandise that the powers that be seem to think we have all the room in the world.

July 31st was my DH's retirement ceremony. I hope to have pics soon. Since it was at the Pentagon, we weren't allowed to take our own pics, even though the guys had me take a pic of the cake. Kept waiting on security to grab me.

Ceremony was really nice. A Colonel that Jonas worked for in Afghanistan performed the ceremony. Jonas has one of the jobs that I never really knew what he did, so it was nice to hear what all he accomplished throughout his career. Jonas' Dad, Stepmom, Mom and her BF were able to attend. There was a lot of walking that day, should have brought walking shoes along with our dress shoes.

Now he is having a really hard time because since he was 3, all he wanted was to be in the Air Force. What does he do now? All he is thinking about is money, I want him to find something he will really love.

And the horrible wife that I am, I have stressed him out even more by getting pre-approval for a construction loan. Yes, I know he doesn't have a job, but I want to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. We have been looking at property and two weeks ago we found one. Jonas liked it so much he thought about cleaning out the mutual funds. I'm not ready for that. After all these moves, it will be nice to have a house that truly feels like ours. We have purchased 4 homes during our lives and each one we looked at what we thought would be good for resale, not what we truly wanted.

And other news, I have to have a Gallbladder test next week. A couple of months ago, I had abdomen pain and other symptoms, but it went away and I didn't think about it. After Jonas' retirement ceremony, we went to eat at my favorite restaurant and I couldn't eat my food. I didn't eat for three days. Food didn't look appetizing and anyone knows me, knows I love food. So I'm a pudgy, I enjoyed what I ate to get that way. So we will see if surgery is in order.

Now, on to trip news, because I know that is what everyone likes to hear about.

Since we already have our four days passes and FP+ selections there really isn't much to do. I still need to order our MNSSHP tickets. May do that today.

Now, Universal has been an issue. A few weeks ago I priced it and it was going to be cheaper to purchase one day/two park tickets with express pass online, then to buy the military tickets and then buy the express pass. I put it off until this month, go to do it last week and they raised the online prices. So priced it all again, and went ahead and purchased the express passes and planned on going to SoG to purchase the park tickets from them. This would save me $80 from the new online price. Jonas was grumbling about having to go to SoG, but it would just be a monorail ride to the Poly and then a 10 minute walk to SoG.

But today he had to go to the Pentagon and thought he would check the ticket office. Now the Disney tickets we had to order...but I got a text that he got the tickets. Of course, this is after he called me to ask what "we need 2 one day/two park passes" meant.

That is about it for now. I always like to throw in some pics, how about family pics throughout the years.

June 2008 with my stepdaughter (when we were moving to FL, we went on a househunting trip followed by a week at WDW)


2008 (Christmas with my Mom and Stepdad. This is probably my favorite picture because they thought they bypassed getting splashed...we knew what was coming)


2009 with my BFF and her family


Same month with my Dad and Stepmom


2010


Have a good weekend everyone!

 

[jmskinner]

Hi! Things have been crazy around here. Work has been nuts, getting Jacob ready for school and hoping DH gets a job soon.

I have ordered the MNSSHP tickets. We will pick them up at Will Call. I am going to ask if they will give us a discount to give us the Military rate. Thought it would be worth a try since Jonas didn't want to chance MNSSHP being sold out on our night.

I have other big news....I cancelled Narcoossee's. Jonas got to looking at the menu and realized how much the steak was there. I had been discussing doing the monorail crawl our first night before dinner. After he made his comments about the price, I started checking out the different bars that would be included on the Monorail Crawl and appetizers offered there. Then checked out the room service menu for GF. Now the plan is to get to GF. Then over to Will Call, maybe go to Downtown Disney or we could even go to a park, then give the Monorail Crawl a try. My main plan is to be in our room in time for Wishes, with dessert ordered from room service. Just sounds like a really nice first evening at WDW.

 

[Zooshoveller]

That does sound like a nice evening! A Monorail Crawl is on my Disney bucket list.

Any news on your gallbladder? I had stones and had to have mine removed a couple of years ago. Everything is fine now, except sometimes I have an emergency bathroom break after eating. No accidents or anything, but you know when your stomach tells you "hey, you better go, like NOW"? It's like that feeling half the time.

 

[jmskinner]

That does sound like a nice evening! A Monorail Crawl is on my Disney bucket list.

Any news on your gallbladder? I had stones and had to have mine removed a couple of years ago. Everything is fine now, except sometimes I have an emergency bathroom break after eating. No accidents or anything, but you know when your stomach tells you "hey, you better go, like NOW"? It's like that feeling half the time.

I went ahead and got FP's for a few rides for our first night, including meeting the mouse, Mickey! But now I am thinking, instead of trying to do rides and then the monorail crawl, maybe we can get some Photopass pics, along with Mickey, and then hop on the Monorail. Getting DH to stop for a pic is difficult.

Gallbladder test came back negative. Of course, I felt fine when I went in for the test. They told me to come back if it acts up again. Now I have to worry about it flaring up while at Disney. Guess it is good I cancelled that expensive meal.

 

[natebenma]

I got caught up on your previous trip and your upcoming plans.

And life.

Wow, lots going on for you!!!

**************************

Wow, what a lot of impressive cars!

I love the picture of Jacob with Hulk. He sounds a lot like my Ben, with the video games, watching people playing video games (what is up with that???) and Legos.

You never forget your first Mickey bar!

*******************************
I love the pictures you chose to decorate the house. Wow!

*******************************

Congratulations to Jonas on his retirement and thank you to him for his service and to your family for the sacrifices you have made. Sounds like an amazing ceremony!

Sounds like some exciting times ahead for you. Hope all is going well with the new place you are looking at.

It's good that you don't need surgery, hope you continue to feel ok.

************************************

And your upcoming trip sounds fabulous!

You have some great plans and Fast Passes lined up. I did the character meet & greet at EPCOT (alone) last week. It was fine and set up really well. I went past the Visa M&G, it looked like the line was around 20 minutes long. I was confused and thought the Character Spot and Visa thing were the same place, and you just got a free picture from that session. Nope!

Lots of new stuff at US/IoA from your last trip!

 

[Zooshoveller]

I went ahead and got FP's for a few rides for our first night, including meeting the mouse, Mickey! But now I am thinking, instead of trying to do rides and then the monorail crawl, maybe we can get some Photopass pics, along with Mickey, and then hop on the Monorail. Getting DH to stop for a pic is difficult. Gallbladder test came back negative. Of course, I felt fine when I went in for the test. They told me to come back if it acts up again. Now I have to worry about it flaring up while at Disney. Guess it is good I cancelled that expensive meal.

Ugh. I hate to say I hope it flares up again, but I hope you can get an answer soon!

 

[jmskinner]

Ugh. I hate to say I hope it flares up again, but I hope you can get an answer soon!

Thank you, that is exactly how I feel. Stomach was gurgling earlier, hoping it was just hunger, but that is what it does during one of the episodes.

I got caught up on your previous trip and your upcoming plans.

And life.

Wow, lots going on for you!!!

**************************

Wow, what a lot of impressive cars!

I love the picture of Jacob with Hulk. He sounds a lot like my Ben, with the video games, watching people playing video games (what is up with that???) and Legos.

You never forget your first Mickey bar!

*******************************
I love the pictures you chose to decorate the house. Wow!

*******************************

Congratulations to Jonas on his retirement and thank you to him for his service and to your family for the sacrifices you have made. Sounds like an amazing ceremony!

Sounds like some exciting times ahead for you. Hope all is going well with the new place you are looking at.

It's good that you don't need surgery, hope you continue to feel ok.

************************************

And your upcoming trip sounds fabulous!

You have some great plans and Fast Passes lined up. I did the character meet & greet at EPCOT (alone) last week. It was fine and set up really well. I went past the Visa M&G, it looked like the line was around 20 minutes long. I was confused and thought the Character Spot and Visa thing were the same place, and you just got a free picture from that session. Nope!

Lots of new stuff at US/IoA from your last trip!

The car shows were fantastic.

And what is up with the videos of people playing video games, I just don't get it.

We are just getting started on the whole buying land and building a house. I had no idea where to start, so a very nice builder has been helping me and we met with a mortgage broker yesterday. Next step is to start meeting more builders, getting a house plan figured out, and we are thinking we will sell our current home and move into a rental. That way we have profits from it to use for a down payment and won't be worried about it selling before closing on a new home. DH is not happy with this idea, but does see it as the best way.

I can not believe we have never done the Epcot Character Spot.

Thanks for the well wishes, sure would be nice if I was episode clear from here on it. Not very optimistic about it though. I seem to be losing weight, which is a benefit.

 

[jmskinner]

I came up with another idea for our first night. Still want to do the Monorail Crawl, but now thinking that if I purchase the Memory Maker, we should go into MK and get as many Photopass pics as possible. That way, later on we don't have to take precious ride and trick-or-treating time to stop. Well, we will have to have a few during MNSSHP. We will have an extra park day ticket, so we wouldn't be wasting it then.

 

[Bamfield]

Just subscribed. Sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned. I also enjoyed your past TR. I always love to see how other folks trips have gone. I just have never been brave enough to start one of my own.

I really hope your stomach doesn't act up on your trip. I have had one gallbladder attack and couldn't stand up, lay down or sit the pain was so bad. It is awful being away from home when something like that happens, let alone spoil a trip you have planned for so long.

 

[cheryllarsen]

Lol how funny

 

[jmskinner]

Just subscribed. Sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned. I also enjoyed your past TR. I always love to see how other folks trips have gone. I just have never been brave enough to start one of my own.

I really hope your stomach doesn't act up on your trip. I have had one gallbladder attack and couldn't stand up, lay down or sit the pain was so bad. It is awful being away from home when something like that happens, let alone spoil a trip you have planned for so long.

You should try starting one, I always try to follow those following mine. It's nice to relive the trip.

And thank you, hoping mine doesn't flare up during my trip too. It would be the first trip that I didn't gain any weight.

Lol how funny

 

[jmskinner]

Got my email today that we are 10 days away!!! But I'm also thinking we are two weeks from being home from our trip. I have never felt this way. Guess I know it is the last for awhile.

The school music association decided on Hershey Park instead of WDW for the Spring Trip. They decided to do big trips every other year, so hopefully next year.

I did order the Memory Maker today. I knew if I didn't I would regret it. So my TR will have ride photos!!!!

Not long now!

How about some previous MNSSHP pics?

September 2010






September 2009
I have looked for this man's hat since I took this picture