No Ticker Needed, I Live 10 Mins From WDW!! (9/9/12)

[Nermel9]

A cruise sounds like so much fun! I'd really love to do one someday, my sister and her family just did one this past October and they really loved it (she did a TR if you want to read it, it's on the Cruise boards, her DIS name is pinkxray).

AKL looks so beautiful! I have to stay there someday! That is definitely a savanna view!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

"MVMCP PART I"

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2011

When I left off it was 12:30pm and my 2+ week of Christmas Vacation had begun!!!

Mom and Dad came back right at 12:30pm to pick me up and even managed to stop at Walmart after AK and got some supplies to finish cleaning out my car in the hopes of trading it in for a new one.

After they picked me up, we drove through downtown Celebration and headed back to AKL.

When we got back, Mom and I unpacked. Dad NEVER unpacks and leaves his stuff in a corner of the room. It was very quickly that mom and I realized that:
#1: The room is smaller than WL.
#2: We miss the bottom sink shelf that you get at most Deluxe hotels and most Moderates too.
#3: There were only 2 DRAWERS to put clothes...ONLY TWO. Good thing it was for only 4 nights!
#4: Having bunk beds really does make the room larger!!

I can't stay that we are WL snobs since they are both in the same category of prices but as far as the overall room goes: we enjoy WL better.
Not only is the room bigger but the fridge/shelf area is in the hallway, you get more drawer space, and more space in general. We toyed around with the idea of upgrading to Yacht Club but in the end there were no regrets..no upgrade means more on-site Disney trips!!

MOVING ON....

After we unpacked:

After we unpacked, we are lunch at the Mara:

Mom and I got the Veggie Pizza and Chicken Pita to share and to be honest...

It was quite possibly the worse resort CS meals I've had. Luckily they did get better there! Mom also agreed and she never really is picky on food..but then again, neither am I but we would have gladly gone to POP and gotten something else lol.

After lunch we decided to head back to AK to watch the parade. It was then that my decisions would affect my father's attitude for at least the next few hours. I decided we should take the bus and not drive...wow. We waited for the bus, it came, and on our way we went. What I forgot and misjudged was the fact that after the parade EVERYONE LEAVES and thought it will be a piece of cake to catch the bus back..

WRONG.

5 mins goes by..no bus. 10 mins goes by...no bus. 15 mins goes by..FINALLY A BUS! BUT we didn't fit on so we wait again..

5 mins goes by..no bus, 10mins, no bus, 15 mins, no bus and dad goes NUTS. He walked over to the bus people who are supposed to be watching the lines and suggests they get a bus for AKL as the line had grown for it past the bus station!

In less than a min the bus came.

It was then that I was a horrid daughter who should have driven..go figure.

I'm guessing that people who might have breakfast ADRs or know how to not pay to park at AK park there and take the bus over making it a horrid mess after the parade. Lesson learned and I apologized.

When we got back, we got ready and headed to MK for MVMCP.

It was then that the camera was put away except for Fireworks, Parade, Castle Show, and FOOD.

For dinner, we were a family split..Mom and I went to Pecos + Dad and Bro went to Caseys.

After riding some rides and a few cookie breaks, we caught the fireworks front and center!

The fireworks were as good as always!!

It was right after the fireworks that we found out through bro that a roommate of his had secured us Private Parade Viewing Seats...the same ones as last year!!!!!

Dad of course was thrilled (his favorite thing now!) and there's no way I could top that..EVER. I'll work on it lol.


UP NEXT:

~BEST PARADE VIEWING SPOT EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

See, 8A would definitely be my dream area at CSR. I always seem to need to do laundry, at it so close to the bus stop there, I would love it. I'm really excited now!

Good!!!! I can't say I've seen the laundry but we love the building because it's close to the parking lot, steps to the bus, steps away from the main pool, and just a bridge walk from the food!!!

I've only ever stayed in 8A the 4 times I've stayed there and would highly suggest it!

A cruise sounds like so much fun! I'd really love to do one someday, my sister and her family just did one this past October and they really loved it (she did a TR if you want to read it, it's on the Cruise boards, her DIS name is pinkxray).

AKL looks so beautiful! I have to stay there someday! That is definitely a savanna view!

Omg, I'm actually reading it right now!!!! That's your sister?! How funny is that!!!! But now that I know that, I look back and your DN looks just like you!!! How funny..small world I've been stalking those boards, WDWinfo for cruiseline, and other sites for cruises.

Weren't you supposed to stay at AKL one of your trips lol. It is nice but for sure a drive from everything but AK!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Great score on the parade seats. Just wondering where they are located?

 

[creativeamanda]

Too bad that you became the "bad daughter". Sometimes the Disney transportation is hit or miss. I've noticed, though, the transportation for Wilderness lodge on the couple of occasions I have been there was the best of all of the transportation.

That was until the Beach Club.

But no matter where you stay, if you take the bus to Downtown Disney, you have to alot yourself an hour and a half.

 

[CPer'sMom]

Hey Megan,

A cruise is a great idea ~ my DD & I are doing one next month!! 4-night Dream and we are very excited First Disney cruise for us and actually it's her first cruise ever. We have Palo booked for both a dinner and brunch and are very much looking forward to that. Also can't wait to try out the heated tile loungers in the Rainforest area of the spa Yes, we will be spoiling ourselves on this cruise! I'll fill you in on everything ......

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Great score on the parade seats. Just wondering where they are located?

Yes they are great!! They are located just across the bridge from the Christmas Store and Funnel cake area facing the castle. There are no seats across from ours (it's a parade costume area for costume issues during parade) so all the characters come right over to the spot. The area seats about 25-30 people and most of the people that sit there are with Guest Relations (VIPs) or friends/family of CMs that are managers + higher up or friends that work the parade which is how we got it. My brother's one roommate works the parade and when they don't fill all the seats you can add people to the list of the seating area. You show up 15-5 mins before the parade, grab a seat, and relax!

Too bad that you became the "bad daughter". Sometimes the Disney transportation is hit or miss. I've noticed, though, the transportation for Wilderness lodge on the couple of occasions I have been there was the best of all of the transportation.

That was until the Beach Club.

But no matter where you stay, if you take the bus to Downtown Disney, you have to alot yourself an hour and a half.

I hate WL buses! We say if you pay $300+ a night why should you have to share with other resorts. I get the possible FT.Wilderness but GF?! It's not even close to WL. I'll go on a rant later on about Kidani and Jambo..just wait! lol.

Hey Megan,

A cruise is a great idea ~ my DD & I are doing one next month!! 4-night Dream and we are very excited First Disney cruise for us and actually it's her first cruise ever. We have Palo booked for both a dinner and brunch and are very much looking forward to that. Also can't wait to try out the heated tile loungers in the Rainforest area of the spa Yes, we will be spoiling ourselves on this cruise! I'll fill you in on everything ......

Thanks Nancy!!!! I can't wait to hear about it!!!!!!! I looked at the 4 night but I guess it's just Nassau, CC, day at sea, and then home so I guess for now, I'll save the money (and I only want to use 2 paid days off of my 4) and try 3 for now! I don't think we're going to do the spa or Palo since you have to pay more but I'm looking at the historical tour at Nassau and possibly snorkeling at CC + I want to get the island braids But..maybe you can change my mind!!!

Is DD still statused at WDW?? I know they've made a ton of cuts. My friend who is CT at Sunset Mkt (DHS) said their seasonal CMs were around 50-75 and now they only have 12 or less and she was lucky enough to keep her status but with being a teacher she's flexible when she can work which is once a month usually since she lives down near West Palm Beach.

I've been searching for seasonal openings but of course they are all FT/PT. I'm going to try again around Easter and if anything I'll try for this summer but I hate to get hired for PT/FT and have to quit at the end of summer and have it on my record...we'll see!

 

[CPer'sMom]

Is DD still statused at WDW?? I know they've made a ton of cuts. My friend who is CT at Sunset Mkt (DHS) said their seasonal CMs were around 50-75 and now they only have 12 or less and she was lucky enough to keep her status but with being a teacher she's flexible when she can work which is once a month usually since she lives down near West Palm Beach.

I've been searching for seasonal openings but of course they are all FT/PT. I'm going to try again around Easter and if anything I'll try for this summer but I hate to get hired for PT/FT and have to quit at the end of summer and have it on my record...we'll see!

No, she isn't and she is sad about that. If she still lived in FL it might have been easier to keep her status, but they raised the required yearly hours SO much there is no way she could do that! Thank goodness for CM friends

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

No, she isn't and she is sad about that. If she still lived in FL it might have been easier to keep her status, but they raised the required yearly hours SO much there is no way she could do that! Thank goodness for CM friends

Aww too bad My friend debated about letting her status go as well but not only does she have me but she has 4-5 other friends that live in Orlando who she can stay with when she works which is a plus for sure!!

CM friends too!! If only you could use their cruise discount without them coming along for the trip!

 

[CPer'sMom]

Aww too bad My friend debated about letting her status go as well but not only does she have me but she has 4-5 other friends that live in Orlando who she can stay with when she works which is a plus for sure!!

Oh, having a place to stay was never a problem! She just knew that with the extra hours now required she would be using most all of vacation days to go to Disney to work (and of course play) and she wanted to do vacations other than Disney. She had wonderful fun being a CT for 5 years after the end of her program. Her first vacation after the end of her CM status? Paris! Where of course she visited DisneyLand Paris (with comp tickets!) Italy is next, so there is life after Disney.

If only you could use their cruise discount without them coming along for the trip!

Isn't that the truth!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

HI DIS FRIENDS!!!

I can't believe NYE is tomorrow!!! After flying back to Orlando tomorrow night, bro will pick me up, and we're heading to Poly for dinner at Kona!!! Sadly my TIW card is blocked out = no free valet or dining discount but we'll pay for the valet if we can't find a spot to park. I land at 8pm and our ADR is 9:15pm...will we make it?! Hope so

Mom and I have been discussing DCL and she has me nearly convinced it would be better to cruise in Oct. Not only is it $200+ cheaper and we'd get an ocean view room instead of an interior room but it would allow us to save money for a possible excursion at Nassau and possibly scuba equipment at CC. It would also allow us to save money for tips and possibly have some money for the spa or adult beverages!! I've also been told by several that it would be a good idea to have a passport so going in Oct would allow plenty of time to save up/pay for/wait for the passport.


** My only two concerns going Oct vs. April are:**

-Hurricane season and I'd hate to be paying $500+ each for a first time cruise and have a possibility of not going to Nassau AND/OR CC.

-Right now financially, my roommate is paying out her part of the lease till June 30th so I'm more stable than I will be in the fall with paying higher rent, all utilities on my own, and now a car payment. My goal was to save $$ throughout the year and possibly go home for the summer but that didn't happen so I'll be staying in FL (hopefully finding a summer job) and working to pay off rent, car payment, and hopefully saving a little money.

Several posts from Disboards that I have been reading about fall cruises seem to be not good in terms of cruise prices. I guess Late Aug-Oct cruises are typically very cheap and the one we are looking at is around $1,075 for 3 nights/4 days--2 ADULTS(ocean view stateroom- no verandah) but I hear that they are usually way cheaper than that. I guess we'll see and hopefully book by March!

**ANY THOUGHTS OR SUGGESTIONS, LET ME KNOW!!!**

MOVING ON....

MVMCP PART II

When I left off, we were done watching Holiday Wishes and got some refreshments before heading to our parade viewing area. My brother talked to the CM guarding the area and I guess whomever was supposed to add us to the list...DIDN'T. FAIL... but bro talked his way into the area and the CM couldn't have been nicer!

We didn't sit in the first row as we let the people who are paying top dollar sit in the first row but we settled for the 2nd row again!

Honestly, I think my pics from last year and from the MVMCP that I went to in Nov were better but we had good seats, didn't have to stalk the area for the seats, and it was my 3rd time seeing it this year so there are no complaints!

We made sure to say a special thank-you to the CM for allowing us to sit even though our name was not on the list and headed off to ride in Fantasyland!

After we hit a few rides and bro got ice cream at the Mrs. Potts stand, we rushed to the front of the castle to see the show.

After the show, we decided to head out. Someone had told us early in the night that the shops were all out of the party merchandise and a lot of the stores that were selling it (on the past 2 parties I went to) were closed so I guess it was true?! We didn't even hit any shops but headed straight out of the park towards AK bus.

Overall it was a good party for it being sold out!

Having the parade seats made such a difference and saved time too! The fireworks and castle show were great but I think you get a much better value at Halloween with the candy stations. There's no way you can eat a ton of cookies and hot chocolate in that little bit of time!

We walked out got our special peppermint chocolates and headed for the bus. We got in line and a bus came right away...score!!!

We were back to the resort before 1am and drifted off to sleep shortly after!!


UP NEXT:

~WHO GOES TO WDW AND COMES HOME WITH A NEW CAR???!!!!

~UNIVERSAL ORLANDO, ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE, AND CITY WALK IN A DAY!

 

[creativeamanda]

Aw, I miss that party and parade! I am so glad that it was not so busy for a sold out party. I remember the one I went to in 2009 was sold out and it seemed really busy!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I have many of the same pictures but during the daytime parade. LOL.

Looking forward to hearing about your new car.

Wow- you are cutting that dinner reservation quite close, don't ya think Missy?

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Aw, I miss that party and parade! I am so glad that it was not so busy for a sold out party. I remember the one I went to in 2009 was sold out and it seemed really busy!

I was expecting a crazy sold out party but it wasn't too bad. I guess it helps when you go multiple times a year so your not stressed to ride everything. The parade viewing also helped so we didn't have to sit for an hour to save seats and I fully expected the fireworks to be crammed with people but I guess not everyone watches fireworks

I have many of the same pictures but during the daytime parade. LOL.

Looking forward to hearing about your new car.

Wow- you are cutting that dinner reservation quite close, don't ya think Missy?

I am I had my ADR booked way before my flight and of course a 5:45pm flight to Orlando on New Years Eve was by far the cheapest so I jumped on it. My bro + his gf are picking me up and we're heading straight to the Poly. At this point, I doubt we'll even attempt to self park and just pay for Valet but I will try with my hardest to use my TIW free valet even though it's blocked out for the meal (and most likely the Valet too!)

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

WHO GOES TO WDW AND COMES HOME WITH A NEW CAR??!!!

Yes! The title of the TR!! Although there were a few other runner-ups including:
~The first trip ever that we didn't go into Tomorrowland
~The first trip ever that we didn't go on ANY rides in Future World!!!!!

I figured I would update one more time before we make the nearly 2 hour drive to Columbus for my 5:45pm flight back to Orlando! We'll head straight to Kona after I get my bags, eat dinner, and watch the fireworks at 11:45pm! I didn't charge my camera and I wonder if I should..hm..

SATURDAY DECEMBER 17, 2011

We got up around 7:30am that day even after lack of sleep from the night before but we had a plan for the day:

~Attempt to buy a new car
~Go to IOA
~Eat at Bubba Gump
~Go to Universal

The car dealerships didn't open till 9:30am (or so we thought) and we arrived just after 9:00am and were met by Micheal and they opened early I guess!

My top pick was a Hyundai, followed by Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic. Based on what we saw online, Hyundai wasn't offering any deals but Toyota was so we went straight there. I test drove a 2011 white Corolla, loved it, and we began the paperwork!

Apparently I had wonderful credit so I was approved for my loan without a co-signer so we began the process!! Michael said that in 45 mins the car would be cleaned and mine to take home! We couldn't believe I'd get it on the same day!

By 11:45am, I said goodbye to my 2000 Honda Civic and hello to my new Toyota Corolla with $300 monthly payments for the next 5 years and was given $2,000 towards my car thanks to my parents!

Hello to my new baby!!!

Thanks Michael!!

Since we were already near Universal, we decided to just head straight there instead of going back to AKL and then to Universal.

We got free parking because of my AP but paid $4 for preferred parking and actually got to pick our own spot so we chose one to hopefully protect my new car!

We walked in, went to the electronic kiosk and printed tickets for my parents thanks to my Bro's free tickets! Their system for letting friends/family in is so much better than Disney! The team member doesn't have to be there and the kiosk was super quick in getting/printing the tickets!

We got the tickets and away we went!

We went straight to WWOHP to find bro since we had never seen him in his costume!

After our quick 5 min wait thanks to Bro, we were on and off the ride and on a hunt for Butterbeer!!!!


**That's it for now I'm off to finish packing and getting ready to leave!! I'll see you back in Orlando!!!!!!!!**

UP NEXT:

~Seeing all of Universal's holiday delights + dinner at Bubba Gump!!!

 

[creativeamanda]

Nice car! We've been the first to a dealership before. It always makes the seller's day.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Congrats on the new car!

Love your brother's WWOHP costume.

Have a good New Year!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Love the car. Have a safe flight and a wonderful night at Disney tonight.

 

[CPer'sMom]

Safe travels and Happy New Year!! Congrats! on the new car. PS...We got our cruise docs yesterday!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Alright... so, sorry I haven't commented in awhile. RL is a pain in the you-know-what and I've had ZERO DisTime, so now I do have some, I'm getting back up to speed on all my TRs. So, congrats on your new car! It looks like you were pretty happy to get rid of the old one, big plus and all these trips I've been reading about seem to be going really well, no more sickness I presume... well... I shouldn't presume too much, but... can't wait to read more!