Obsessive Planner, Paitent Hubby & Fantastic Friends are going to WDW! *UPDATE 4/6

[blairbear]

Hi Disers! I think that I am starting to drive DH crazy with all of my Disney obsessive planning. So I thought that I could bounce things off of you.

Index:

Introductions
Where are we staying?
First purchase for trip
Trip Planning Ramblings Take #1
The restaurant post/Atlanta plan
Atlanta TR Pt 1A



The trip came about because DH and I had a trip planned for last year at the beginning of December and had to cancel
We knew that we wanted to go back to Disney World this year, so here I am starting to plan our trip for November. I am really excited to be going back to Disney World *doing the happy dance*

First off I will introduce the cast.

Me

I am the obsessive Disney planner. I love all things Disney! Around my work place and among my friends I am the crazy Disney girl. If people have a question they usually come and ask me, which I love I work for an office supply company setting up new accounts for their contract division. I love fashion, reading, the color yellow, my furry baby Hermie (okay she is a cat) and I am a complete girly girl! I am also trying to lose around 60 lbs this year. I will share my progress in that department too.




DH, Robb

DH, now he loves Disney but could care less about the planning details. He just wants me to tell him when and where to show up. He is a team lead for a plastics manufacturer. He loves Playstation, football, the color green and Disney World.

Here's a few pics of us together.

Fantastic Friends:

We have two of our best friends joining us for the first part of our trip.

Cyn

(She is the blonde)

Cyn and I have been friends for 10 years, she is the older sister that I never had that I always wanted. She is a writer and producer. She is just as much as a Disney nerd as I am. She used to live in CA so she went to Disneyland all the time. She loves the movie Cinderella, fashion, the color sage green, and the theater.

Will

Will is Cyn's little brother. So needless to say I have been friends with him as long as I have been friends with her. He is like a little brother to me too. He is into all things in the entertainment business. He is a photographer. He loves Disney too but is much cooler about it than I am


The Dates:

11/10 - 11/19, we really hope the Christmas decorations will be up then, and we got a fantastic PIN code for that time

The Plan:

Right now the plan is for DH and I to leave on 11/10 and drive down to Disney, where we will meet Cyn and Will. They will join us for the first 3 nights of the trip, then they will leave and go home on 11/13. DH and I are staying until 11/19th. I am still working on the resorts, that has been part of my drama.

Last Disney trip we stayed at All Star Sports for 9 nights, and then moved to the Dolphin the last 2 nights of our trip. DH and I really did not enjoy All Star Sports. We have stayed at All Star Music before and enjoyed it but for some reason in the small room we got on each others nerves a lot last trip. When we moved to the Dolphin we both felt like we could breathe again. The room was more spacious and the location couldn't be beat.

DH this time he preferred not to stay in a value unless it's just for a few nights. Luckily I got a PIN code and booked us for Coronado Springs for 11/13 - 11/19 but after reading some not great reviews I decided to surprise DH by upgrading to Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge. Unfortunately neither of those were available with our PIN code for that time frame So I remembered how much we liked being in the Boardwalk area when we stayed at the Dolphin, I have checked Boardwalk and it is available. However the price point is higher than I wanted to go. I am still considering it though. I started reading about Port Orleans French Quarter. DH and I both really like the look of it too. So we are still undecided.

DH has agreed that if Cyn and Will want to stay at a value the first 3 nights that he can "live" with it.

So right now the plan is to stay at Pop the first 3 nights, which I am excited about as I think the resort looks super fun.

So my first question to all your Disers is if you have stayed at CSR, POFQ or BW which resort do you like best? Is BW really worth the extra $$$?


CSR

Boardwalk

POFQ

I hope that you will come with me on my planning and weight loss journey

 

[momabaarjo]

I am coming along in your journey as I am in the mist of doing the exact same 2 things you are trying to lose about 60 pounds and planning a trip to WDW (although after you). Can't wait to hear more and share with you!

 

[blairbear]

I am coming along in your journey as I am in the mist of doing the exact same 2 things you are trying to lose about 60 pounds and planning a trip to WDW (although after you). Can't wait to hear more and share with you!

Thank you, I am glad that you will be coming with me on both journeys

 

[Kari-B]

We are going those exact dates, too! I'm looking forward the your PTR!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Hey I followed you over from my PTR and am joining in on your plans.

Your DH sounds like Zaheer - he also wants me to do all the planning and then just have to show up!

We are also looking forward to staying at Pop! Good luck with choosing your second resort - have read good reviews of all three resorts, however you can't beat Boardwalk for the distance to Epcot and DHS. Look forward to reading more

 

[blairbear]

We are going those exact dates, too! I'm looking forward the your PTR!

I am glad to have you along! That's really cool that you are going when we are

Do you have a PTR? I will join your planning journey too!

Hey I followed you over from my PTR and am joining in on your plans.

Your DH sounds like Zaheer - he also wants me to do all the planning and then just have to show up!

We are also looking forward to staying at Pop! Good luck with choosing your second resort - have read good reviews of all three resorts, however you can't beat Boardwalk for the distance to Epcot and DHS. Look forward to reading more

I am glad to have you along! I have made the decision on the second resort, I will update later tonight.

 

[blairbear]

I have several bits of news to share!

First off we are going to down to Atlanta, to visit the "Fantastic Friends", Cyn called me today and told me that JB Barrie's Peter Pan is in Atlanta the weekend we are going down and asked if we wanted to see it. So I know it isn't by Disney but it is some what Disney related, of course I said yes, while jumping up and down with glee! Luckily I didn't fall I will have a review when we get back. Here is the promo pic of the show.

Secondly, look at what I got it the mail today. I am pretty excited, reading it should keep me busy for a while.

My third bit of news, is we finally decided on a resort! We chose *drum roll please*

We chose Port Orleans French Quarter! We looked through all of our choices and seriously considered Boardwalk, but we have plans to go to Myrtle Beach with my parents in September and thought that it would stretch our budget too much. Coronado worried us because there is a convention there part of the time that we would be and after reading horror stories about the resort closing off a lot of areas during conventions and the internal bus system we decided that even though Coronado was beautiful that we were going to visit it before we stayed there for a vacation.

We really looked at our choices and went though lots of pics and reviews and it seemed like POFQ would be the place for us. We both think it looks romantic and quaint. We fell in love with the pictures.

Here are some more pictures, just to share my excitement with you all!

My 4th update is I lost 3lbs this week! I know it isn't much but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This is my step!

I hope you all are having a nice week. Come out and let me know what you think of my resort choice.

I will be working on dining this week. Any suggestions?

 

[MelMel11]

Count me in!! Congrats on your weight loss. We go in July and I am trying to lose weight also..Cant wait to hear more..

 

[blairbear]

Count me in!! Congrats on your weight loss. We go in July and I am trying to lose weight also..Cant wait to hear more..

Thank you for joining me! Good luck with you weight loss

 

[TanzUnited99]

Hey Blairbear look forward to reading your review of 'Fantastic friends' - have not heard of the show but it sounds great!

Yay on receiving the UG - I haven't read the 2011 one yet but read the 2010 version from cover to cover when booking our trip - have to say loved it!

on booking POFQ - that is a great choice and have heard they have a great evening entertainment show

3lbs weight loss in a week...that is awesome!!! I am doing WW and going for my weigh in tonight...am hoping to have lost

 

[blairbear]

Hey Blairbear look forward to reading your review of 'Fantastic friends' - have not heard of the show but it sounds great!

Yay on receiving the UG - I haven't read the 2011 one yet but read the 2010 version from cover to cover when booking our trip - have to say loved it!

on booking POFQ - that is a great choice and have heard they have a great evening entertainment show

3lbs weight loss in a week...that is awesome!!! I am doing WW and going for my weigh in tonight...am hoping to have lost

Tanz I see you are doing WW, are you following the new program? What do you think about it? I did the old program last year and lost weight, I just started the new program this week. I am interested to get some options on it.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Tanz I see you are doing WW, are you following the new program? What do you think about it? I did the old program last year and lost weight, I just started the new program this week. I am interested to get some options on it.

I did the same! Lost weight on the last programme and then had a break...when I returned it was all Propoints!! At first I missed the old programme and my brain and body took a bit of time to adjust to the new plan! I wasn't losing any weight and getting a bit disappointed, but I think I finally have figured it out!

Rather then use my 49 weekly propoints on junk every week I now save them for special occasions and try not to use them every week...it seems to be working. I think the plan works differently for everyone - I am not the biggest fan of exercise but am slowly taking up walking and swimming...am hoping it will all help. The new plan seems to be working for you if you've lost 3lbs in a week!!! You'll have to share your tips.

Btw I have just noticed your Myrtle beach ticker...is that new? If so congrats on a beach trip in approx 5 months! When you get back it will be no time at all until your Disney break!!

 

[QuirkyButterfly]

Joining in looks like you are going to have a great time. Especially going with friends. Port Orleans looks wonderful doesn't it, we are staying at Riverside but I think that French Quarter looks good too. I have the unofficial guide as well, I find it so helpful. I have read it cover to cover 2 times. Can't wait to read more.

 

[blairbear]

Happy Weekend Disers!

I wanted to let you all know I added an index in the first post to make it more manageable as I have a little over 7 months left, I am sure this will get long

Also, all you lurkers out there come out and say hi. I would love to meet you

We have had a pretty nice weekend so far. Friday we just grabbed some Chick-Fil-A and rented some Redbox movies, and today we ran errands, had dinner with my parents and did some shopping. I have goodies to share

We went to Target to do some weekly shopping, I had been eyeing some fun Disney cups and plates a for a few weeks, but wanted to wait until they went on clearance. By the time we got there they didn't have very much left but I did find these.

I thought I could use the water bottle at work to have a little extra Disney magic

I also a cute shirt for my trip. I really love it! I think my cat thought I had lost my mind

Here is one closer up where you can see the pic better.

I am still working on my ADR's. I hope to have them done after our trip to Atlanta as we are supposed to all sit down and have a planning session. I am super excited for the weekend getaway. Cyn pre-ordered Tangled for me at the Disney Store, it comes with a coupon, plus I have Disney gift cards. I will have more Disney loot to share once I get back.

We also talked to my parents about our Myrtle Beach family trip and they told us for sure if gas doesn't go down very soon they were going to cancel. I am pretty sad about it as I love spending time with my family. If they do cancel the beach then this will lead to more resort drama for our Disney trip, as DH and I decided that we would go deluxe. Stay tuned for updates

On the weight loss front, I haven't weighed anymore, I think I am going to weigh again on Tuesday, that will give me a week in between weigh ins. I will be completely honest, I have not been great on my eating today. I have been really good most of the week but hubby and I went out to breakfast and then we had dinner with my parents. I will get back on track tomorrow.


Question of the Day: What is your dream Disney resort and why?

Have a great Saturday!!

 

[blairbear]

I did the same! Lost weight on the last programme and then had a break...when I returned it was all Propoints!! At first I missed the old programme and my brain and body took a bit of time to adjust to the new plan! I wasn't losing any weight and getting a bit disappointed, but I think I finally have figured it out!

Rather then use my 49 weekly propoints on junk every week I now save them for special occasions and try not to use them every week...it seems to be working. I think the plan works differently for everyone - I am not the biggest fan of exercise but am slowly taking up walking and swimming...am hoping it will all help. The new plan seems to be working for you if you've lost 3lbs in a week!!! You'll have to share your tips.

Btw I have just noticed your Myrtle beach ticker...is that new? If so congrats on a beach trip in approx 5 months! When you get back it will be no time at all until your Disney break!!

Happy weekend Tanz!

That is a great idea about not eating your extra points, I may try that. I really like being able to eat more fruit on this plan. Now if they would only make cheesecake and chocolate free points I would be a happy girl!!

I am not an exercise girl either, I do like to swim but the only gym that has an indoor pool here has gotten really pricey. I am planning to start walking on my breaks and lunch at work. I also bought a Biggest Loser game for my WII. I think I will start it next week...maybe

Right now we are planning a family trip to Myrtle Beach with my mom, dad, two aunts and cousin. Gas prices has gotten really expensive here and we drive down there so the trip is up in the air right now as my parents will cancel if gas goes any higher. I created the ticker hoping that positive thinking would still keep the trip on

 

[blairbear]

Joining in looks like you are going to have a great time. Especially going with friends. Port Orleans looks wonderful doesn't it, we are staying at Riverside but I think that French Quarter looks good too. I have the unofficial guide as well, I find it so helpful. I have read it cover to cover 2 times. Can't wait to read more.

I am glad you are joining in!! We considered Riverside too, I think I considered every resort on property lol, Riverside looks beautiful. I haven't gotten too much of mine read yet, I am hoping to do so this week

 

[TanzUnited99]

Am loving all your purcahses - that shirt sure is cute!!

Yay on pre-ordering Tangled!!

Hope you manage to make it to Myrtle Beach but if not how cool to be staying at a Deluxe Resort!! I have a top three list of deluxe resorts and they are all quite different - AKL, Beach Club and Contemporary.

Good luck with the weight loss - have not been that good myself! If only chocolate was free points...think everyone would be losing weight!! Enjoy The Biggest Loser Game on Wii - you'll have to let me know what it's like

 

[blairbear]

Am loving all your purcahses - that shirt sure is cute!!

Yay on pre-ordering Tangled!!

Hope you manage to make it to Myrtle Beach but if not how cool to be staying at a Deluxe Resort!! I have a top three list of deluxe resorts and they are all quite different - AKL, Beach Club and Contemporary.

Good luck with the weight loss - have not been that good myself! If only chocolate was free points...think everyone would be losing weight!! Enjoy The Biggest Loser Game on Wii - you'll have to let me know what it's like

Thank you

AKL, WL, Poly and BW are at the top of our lists. I really hope we can do the beach but if not it is another Disney thing we can look forward to

 

[blairbear]

So I have planned other WDW vacations, and I love doing it but for some reason I am having a super hard time deciding on an itinerary so I can get our ADR's figured out this time. I have come to the conclusion that there is a couple of reasons for my hesitation.

1. DH and I have always went to WDW alone. We have never had other people with us. While I love my friends they are really more fly by the seat of your pants type people and not super planners. I have tried to tell Cyn in particular that we need to make sure that we know our ADR's before May if we want to get into the popular restaurants but I think that she thinks that I am exaggerating.

See they used to live in CA and were frequent visitors to Disneyland. She said for the most part you didn't have to make ADR's there. I don't want to drive her crazy with it (I know I can get obsessive ) but I really want to have a set plan as early as possible. Hopefully during our visit this weekend we will be able to sit down together and she will tell me where they really want to eat.

I know that I am not responsible for their good time but I feel like I am. I just want them to have the best time possible, neither of them has been to WDW in a really long time. I guess I want them to love it as much as I do.

2. The second reason I am having a difficult time with ADR's is the fate of our Myrtle Beach trip being up in the air, as this will affect our budget in a huge way. We will be able to eat at more TS restaurants. It is looking like I may not know the fate of the beach trip by ADR time in which I will go ahead and make ADR's that I may have to cancel later. I really hate to do that but that trip is looking more unlikely all the time.

Right now I am working on going through the crowd calendar on TouringPlans.com and making a chart for the best and worst park days, trying to get a good grasp on where we will be everyday in hopes this will give me a better idea on where we should eat. I am also really hoping to build some down time for DH and I after our friends leave because we will be going non stop with them because they have such a limited time there this trip.

So that is where we are at now. I hope you all are having a fantastic week. Please come out and say hi, or give me any advise you can. I would love to make some more new friends


Question of the Day: For all you planners out there, do you feel responsible for the fun of everyone in your party?

 

[TanzUnited99]

Good luck with sorting out your plans - it sure is difficult to plan when you have so many unanswered questions

Hopefully, everything will come together soon. Don't worry about changing ADRs - think everyone more or less has to do it as a result of things out of our control!

Yay on planning some down town for the two of you after your friends have left - it'll be nice to have that time together.

I do feel a bit responsible in that I really want Zaheer to enjoy this trip - partly so we can plan another one! However, I am going in with the thinking that things may not go according to plan and I should be willing to accept that things may change. No matter what I am certain that we will come back with great memories and am sure the same will happen for you