Our First Ever Suprise Trip to Disney

[MK2010]

So...its done. Our first ever Walt Disney World trip is booked, airline reservations are made. Sounds simple right? Everyone of you have done the same thing many times over. What's the big deal you say?
Here's the big deal. As a 30 something mother of four I have NEVER made any kind of reservations. I have NEVER posessed the amount of money it takes for this kind of a trip. I had been working planning to try to surprise the family with a trip to Disney next May. They all knew we were going just not the exact when. However, i got a pin for free dining for my birthday this December. I though, "I'll just call and price this thing out." Hah! Within 20 minutes I had booked a trip to Disney over the for the first week of December. I got off the phone nauseated, the room spinning, my hands shaking. I managed to hold it together long enough to call my mother (Who can always find the holes in any wild scheme i come up with.) She said, "That's great honey!" Aargh! This should have been enough to reassure me, but well it wasn't. However, not to wimp out at this point I booked our flights. Now you all know with Disney you can pay it out, get trip insurance and cancel at any time. With the airlines...not so much. By the time i booked our flights I was sick. With a click of a button I had just spent $1400. Aaaaagh! I have never spent that kind of money. I literally made myself an icepack and went to bed for four hours. My husband came home at lunch saw me in bed and didn't even want to know. So, I didn't tell him. No one in the family has a clue!
I am scared to death! Just waiting for the other shoe to drop. (You know the one you never see hanging above your head!) So for the next 120 days I will be working any and all available overtime, praying I come up with the rest of the money (Not too worried about that aspect) and planning this trip for my family of 6 ALL BY MYSELF. (That is a very scary undertaking for a person with ADD. One slip in your concentration and you're left standing at the airport because you forgot to schedule ME service!)
Anyway, check back frequently to get your day started with a laugh because with my skill who knows what I'll manage to screw up!

 

[MK2010]

Here is the update at T-104 (# of days until we board the airplane for Disney!!!) So far the kids still don't know. ALthough the oldest one is such a snoop he'll probably figure it out soon. The husband figured it out, but its all good. By the time he figured it out I had enough overtime scheduled that the trip itseld was actually paid for (Now tips and spending money is another story). He was impressed! It is very difficult for me to impress my husband. He now refers to me as his Amazingly Awesome Impressive Wife!

Our original travel dates were Nov. 30 arriving at MCO (that's the Orlando airport) at 10:45 p.m. and departing MCO Friday Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. It wasn't what I wanted, but it was what I could afford. So hubby (who had refused to help pay for any of this vacation or talk about it, until he found out I had already done it all and is now whistling quite a different tune) agreed to pick up an extra night at ASMu and the little bit extra to fly out a day early. My respone? I looked online to change our flight. I was so excited there was one! Yay! I decided to go to bed and book it in a couple of hours after I had had some sleep. (I work nights and have learned do nothing without sleeping a bit first) Unfortunately, in the three hours that I slept the flight disappeared So after much screaming, cursing and throwing things I finally got us a flight we could afford out of San Antonio on Nov. 29 at 7 a.m. Our original flight were out of Dallas. My parents live nearby and could drop us off at the airport. With the new plan, my Mom is flying in from Dallas to pick up our car from San Antonio and driving it back to Dallas cause that is where our return flight is landing! Crazy isn't it? To top all of this off, my vacation request for Dec. 3, 4, 5 still hasn't been approved because apparently you aren't allowed to take vacation between Nov. 26 and Jan.1. Unfortunately now I also need Nov. 28 off and I know that won't be happening. I am hoping to beg with some co workers who will trade me days. the way it stands now if I work the 28th I get off at 7 a.m. on the 29th. Scroll back up and see if you see any problems with that. Keep in mind we're a good 8 hours from San Antonio. (I think I feel food poisoning coming on. It should hit in about 103 days!)

Check back in a couple of weeks when I have my ADRS booked and posted!

 

[MK2010]

So, I'm a little confused about ADRs. Since we're only staying 5 nights that means I need to call in each morning of the 90 day mark to make the reservation for that day correct? So for 11/29 I would call in on 8/31 and for 11/30 I would call in on 9/1, etc. This is correct? Also has anyone heard for sure if CP package has gone to two TS credits? I would like to book Coral Reef for 12/3 and Mama MelRose's for the Fantasmic Package. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[MK2010]

So, I'm quite excited! We're just over 90 days out. I finally have my ADRs figured out with certainty. I talked to a friend today who is going to make the kids autograph books for me. (We both love to scrapbook, but I just haven't had the time.) She has it all figured out! I'm so excited! Then today after getting my root canal I went to the supermarket to get my prescription filled for the pain med he put me on and as I walked through the front door there it was. (The hallelujah chorus is now playing in the background!) They had plain white T-shirts on sale for $1! Why am I so excited? Because I had planned on making matching T-shirts for the family for our entire stay at Disney. I had budgeted $70. My husband laughed at me when I told him of my budget for this idea. I realized at that point that the T-shirts alone were going to run me more than that, but not now!!! All that is left is to buy the iron on transfers. They will probably run me about another $50. I just found a great Disney clip art site with all kinds of different clip art. They even have the characters in Christmas themes. Woo hoo!

 

[MK2010]

So, it is now 6:16 am on the 90 day mark and I just finished making my Dining Reservations. As you can see it pays to call early. It was fairly simple. Only two disappointments- Candlelight Processional is 2 TS credits. (I knew before I booked- Its posted on the Disney website.) Also, T-Rex was completely booked for the day we wanted to go. I'll try calling the restaurant directly and I'll call back frequently hoping for a cancellation. If not it isn't crucial since it was going to be OOP. I couldn't book for Fantasmic yet. The CM said we had to wait for the December hours to be posted which should come out later this week. I will be stalking the Disney boards so I can call the moment they are up!!!. All in all not too bad. Although I refuse to get too upset. Afterall, we are just talking about food here!

 

[MK2010]

I made our ADRs. I did pretty good. I had to call back to add Fantasmic because when I called at 6 a.m. on my scheduled date the CM wouldn't let me book because Dec. hours weren't officially out. Anyway, I called back the next day. I really wanted Mama Melrose's, but thanks to DIS I was already prepared to not get it. I did get Hollywood and Vine, but at 3:45 . I can't get anything for T-Rex on our arrival day, but I haven't called the restaurant directly yet.

This is the hard part of the planning stage. I have earned all of this money for the trip and now the bank account is dwindling 'cause I'm actually paying for it!! I know.. the psychology is a bit off, but as I see those dollars going down I'm like, "Wait, wait, I might need that for something!" Silly.

 

[Sarilas]

HEY! You sound just like me last year when I was booking our first trip to the World! I planned it all out by myself and nearly had a heart attack when we spent over $5,000 for our family of 6 to spend 10 days at the World!

We just booked our second ever trip for this November to take advantage of free dining and are spending WAY less money, and it's so much easier to take things in stride this time. Your family will have a BLAST! It will be some of the best money you could spend for amazing memories.

 

[MK2010]

Thanks! The end is near. I'vebeen working crazy overtime to get it all paid for, but we're almost done. thenI can start working crazy overtime so we have spending money!

 

[MK2010]

So, my husband informed me last night that he got a side job roofing his boss' father's house and that he would pay the remaining $500 for the trip! Does he not rock?!!! I am so tired of overtime. I can't see straight. I feel like my whole life has been taken over by this stupid trip and am beginning to wonder if it will even be worth it. Then, he swoops in like my Prince Charming that he is and saves the day!! He is SOOO AWESOME!

 

[Sarilas]

That is awesome!

 

[MK2010]

Here's a picture of our cast and crew:

This was taken about a year ago. I have cuter pictures of my kids, but none of my husband or myself. Just in case you're wondering, we took this the day after Texas Tech beat those stinkin' Longhorns!

Today, I made 1/2 of our remaining balance, ordered our customized maps, and booked ME service. Woohoo! The trip is moving along quite nicely. Tomorrow we'll be at T-75! I'm quite excited!

I have my four full days off this week so I am getting quite a lot accomplished. We're almost done with school for the day and then we will have a short naptime before we go run a few errands and clean the house. Then it will be time for supper. My husband won't know what to do when he walks through the door and dinner is ready. They've been having to fend for themselves the last few months!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Count me in! You sound a lot like me - I am working CRAZY hours to pay for this trip, once it's paid off I'll be working CRAZY hours to help pay for tips and souvies!

 

[mindy5648]

I cant wait to hear how you tell the kids!!!

 

[MK2010]

T - 75!! Needless to say I am EXCITED! I thought I would post our itinerary as it is now planned.

Saturday 11/28: The family will pick me up at 7 a.m. from work and we will head to San Antonio where we are meeting my parents for a quick vacation. Jonathan (DS 9) is quite excited about seeing the Alamo. (Hee! I am good!) My parents are actually flying to San Antonio for their anniversary earlier in the week and then sticking around to drive our car back to Dallas (which is where we'll fly back in to). It's all about where you can get the best prices. Anyway, we spend the night at Hyatt Place San Antonio NW in a family suite that I got for $103.15 from Hotels.com. (Yes, that includes tax)

Sunday 11/29: Ou flight departs SAT at 7:00 a.m. so we will probably wake the kids about 3:30 in the morning and have them open their gift bags that have their matching T-shirts that will say, "I'm going to see the MOUSE." and they will have a large Mickey head on them, (Perhaps in lime green?)I plan on videotaping that experience and I feel sorry for our neighbors in the hotel 'cause I imagine there will be screaming as the kids realize what this means!

Our plane lands at MCO at 11:30 a.m. I scheduled our ME service yesterday. So I figure by 12:30 we will be at ASMu. While I check in I thought I'd have the husband take the kids to look around and maybe get some lunch at the Food Court. Once we get into our room (around 1:30 p.m.?) We'll unpack and take a nap since it was such and early morning. Around 5 p.m. or so, I figured we'd head to Downtown Disney.

Now, I really wanted to eat at T-Rex, but when I called to make my reservations they were booked solid. I thought about, "If at first you don't succeed..", but then I settled on maybe it was a sign since I would have to pick up yet another shift to pay for it. Instead we'll do Mc Donald's. I am planning on letting Stephen (DS 4) build his own dino. A couple of years ago we did Build a Bear for my daughter's birthday and my youngest still loves his bear! I know Jonathan wants to go to the Lego Store. He and Cameron (DS 7) will want to build their own light saber. My daughter,7, (Lauren) is kinda getting the short end of the stick. My MIL is customizing a princess dress for her.I'm going to buy a "real live" crown for her. That's pretty much gonna have to be it for souvenirs 'cause there's just no more money in the budget.

Okay, that's Saturday and Sunday. I'll have to post more later. Now, it's time to get those kids started on their school.

 

[MK2010]

Count me in! You sound a lot like me - I am working CRAZY hours to pay for this trip, once it's paid off I'll be working CRAZY hours to help pay for tips and souvies!

Whenever I have to leave for work, the kids line up behind me and march out to the car chanting, "It's all about the mouse! It's all about the mouse!" When things get hairy at work I find myself chanting (through gritted teeth), "Its all about the mouse! It's all about the mouse!" Sometimes even my co workers will look at me and smile sweetly (although with a hint of evil delight lurking behind it) and say, "Remember, It's all about the mouse!"

BAH!

 

[jgazda]

Sounds like you will have a fantastic first trip! Here's hoping you have a great time!

 

[disneyaddicted]

Wow! Amazing! And your kids are going to sing your praises. It was so cool of you r DH to swoop in and help out with the finances. Seems like you are working major hours to pull this off. How exciting to be surprising the kids with Disney and around Christmas time no less. I am really happy for all of you. I can't wait to read more and see the T-shirts you make. (You will post pics right?)
We are going to be there around the same time as you. Maybe I will see you all. You have a gorgeous family.
Ty

 

[MK2010]

Sounds like you will have a fantastic first trip! Here's hoping you have a great time!

Wow! Amazing! And your kids are going to sing your praises. It was so cool of you r DH to swoop in and help out with the finances. Seems like you are working major hours to pull this off. How exciting to be surprising the kids with Disney and around Christmas time no less. I am really happy for all of you. I can't wait to read more and see the T-shirts you make. (You will post pics right?)
We are going to be there around the same time as you. Maybe I will see you all. You have a gorgeous family.
Ty

First of all, Wow! I have a page two! Secondly, thanks for all your well wishes! I will post more pics of all the amazing things I buy/make! Especially the T-shirts and autograph albums. I'll be back later to post the rest of our itinerary!

 

[MK2010]

Okay, I think I left off after Sunday. So here we go again.

Monday 11/30: Morning at Epcot. We'll be focusing mainly on Future World today. My big question is who gets to ride Mission: Space. I'm pretty sure I won't let any of the kids ride except maybe the oldest. He's 10. But I don't want his memory of Epcot to be throwing up in the bucket outside the ride. LAst year we went to the Tri State fair and I talked him into riding the spider octopus thingy. Well, we managed to get a really spinny car and we were both sooo sick long before the ride was over.

Okay, focusing, I have a lunch ADR at Akershus. Now, do I let my daughter change into her princess dress or not? This will also be where I slip one of the princesses the (real) tiara I'm buying for my daughter and let them give it to her. I'm planning on heading back to the hotel for an hour or so after this. Monday evening we'll head to Magic Kingdom around 6p.m. pick up a CS meal and pick out a spot to watch Spectro and Wishes. Then it'll be back to the hotel and bed for us (My kids will NEVER go to bed after all that!)

Tuesday 12/1: Morning at Magic Kingdom. It isn't an EMH day so we get a little slower start to our day than otherwise.We'll do mainly Fantasyland and then hit a couple of spots in Frontierland and Adventureland. Of course, we will spend time at Mickey's Toontown fair! We'll head straight to Animal Kingdom at lunch and hang out there until they close around 6 p.m. We'll probably get a CS meal from the food court at the resort. Then we'll just chill for the evening. The kids may be tired anyway since we didn't have a break earlier in the day.

Wednesday 12/2: We'll start out at MK again this morning. Today we'll hit Frontierland and then double back and catch a couple of things we may have missed elsewhere or grab another ride on a favorite from the day before. We WILL be making another stop by Mickey's Toontown Fair! Then we'll head back to the hotel for a bit and grab some luch before going to the much anticipated DHS. Now, you must understand, my boys are HUGE Star Wars fans. So much so, that the Jonathan (DS 9) has already watched Jedi Training Academy on YouTube and memorized all the moves! I booked the Fantasmic dinner package, Unfortunately, Mama Melrose's was unavailabe. All that was left was Hollywood and Vine at 3:30 So I guess, we'll eat Hollywood and Vine at 3:30. Then of course we'll stick around for FAntasmic and Osbourne lights that evening. Hopefully, we'll get to ride something other than Star Tours over and over and over...

Okay, I'll have to stop here. We homeschool and I'm seein' a whole bunch of recess goin on and not a lot of anything else!

 

[disneyaddicted]

My big question is who gets to ride Mission: Space. I'm pretty sure I won't let any of the kids ride except maybe the oldest. He's 10. But I don't want his memory of Epcot to be throwing up in the bucket outside the ride.

Okay, focusing, I have a lunch ADR at Akershus. Now, do I let my daughter change into her princess dress or not? This will also be where I slip one of the princesses the (real) tiara I'm buying for my daughter and let them give it to her.

There will be no throwing up in buckets outside of mission space, because mission space has barf bags on the ride itself, no seriously, They do, but they also offer a tamer side to the ride, it's the green side and non spinning, so you can kind of get the effect of being in space without the whoozy feeling and possibly tossing your cookies.

I love the idea of the princesses giving your DD a tiara. It would be perfect if she were wearing her princess dress.