Please keep your arms, legs and antlers in the vehicle at all times. *2 UPDATES! 1/16

[Poohtigeey]

AND THE VACATION WITH STRANGERS BEGINS...

Hi everyone! I'm Monica and I've been elected to do the majority of the writing for this crazy girls trip. You are welcome to read the pre trippie if you feel compelled, but I'll tell you now, nothing planned in it is actually what we did so I say, "Don't bother"! We all "met" on the DIS and instantly formed one of those weird internet relationships that cause people to give you funny looks. You should have seen the looks I got when I would tell people I was going on a Girls Trip with my friends that I met online!! I eventually started leaving that part out! We started the planning in March and there were many people and plan changes along the way. So, here's the final cast:

Me: Homeschooling mom of Hunter 7, and Megan 3. The only time I've left Hunter more than one night was to have Megan. Not by choice necessarily, just where would I go? I'm married to Dave who was apprehensive about this Girls Trip to say the least. But in the end Dave and my mom were so awesome and were very happy for me to have this opportunity.

Michelle (mkluvsmickey): Mom of Samantha whom we secretly hope will someday marry Hunter to make us one big happy family! (Yes, we need help). Michelle is truely one of the nicest people I know. We actually met last December when her and Sam drove up to Disney to spend the day with my family.

Sara (mom2mek): Mom of Micheal, Emily and Katie. We seem to live the same life execpt in different states. Our kids seem to have the same wardrobe, have the same toys, and do the same things. It's very weird. Sara also is such a great person. I can't believe I have made such wonderful friends on a Disney planning website! Who'd of thunk it?! I had actually met Sara as well in June when her family was in Ohio. You know how you laugh so hard you cry and pee a little at the same time? That pretty much sums up the night!

Jen (PrincessJV): Mom of 2 cuties as well met up with us during her family trip. I didn't "know" her very well, but she sure fit into out silly group. (Poor thing)

We stayed offsite in a 3 BDRm, 3 BA, condo. I know "BOOOO". However, you seriously think we could have put three women into a one room Disney resort with 1 bathroom?! We'd still be there trying to get ready!

Follow the links below to hear about our wild and crazy trip!
I sure hope this isn't a cruel practical joke! Pg 74
Michelle! Get off of that horse! Pg 75
Excuse me ma'am, we're not part of the decorations! Pg 76
Hidden Mickey's and high heels. Pg 77
Where's the yeti when you need him? pg 79
Ode to a Tree. Pg 80
The call of the wild. Pg 80





I think this trip started out as a joke. While talking on the DIS someone mentioned their trip in December. Another person said, "I'll drive up and join you. Anyone else?" I said, "Yeah, me too! (HA HA)" Well, a joke amung some DIS friends is becoming a reality! Yes, that's right. I am flying to Florida by myself. Leaving my children and husband behind. So I can meet up with a group of people I do not "know"! Are we crazy? Maybe a little.

My name's Monica. I'm a stay at home, homeschooling mom of a 6yr old and a 2yr old. I've never left my children for more than a night, let alone taken a trip w/out my family. I haven't flown in 10 years, and it's taking some serious sweet talking to convince my husband that I can make this work. Financially, as well as who's going to watch the kids, etc.

We'd love for you to join in on our planning and our wild ride! I'll let the rest of the group introduce themselves! Here's the plan so far: 1st weekend in Dec, staying at Pop Century. Yup, that's it!

**Updated itinerary 5/12
Thursday 12/4: Arrival, DTD?, MK early dinner, MVMCP w/ Jen
Friday 12/5: AK, early Pizzafari lunch, dinner at Boma, DTD?
Sat 12/6: Epcot, 2:30? Coral Reef, maybe catch the candlelight processional
12/7: Bfast at Kona?, Monica leave for airport around 12

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Yay! Let the planning begin. Lets see how many times our plans change between now and then!

I'm Michelle and I'll be driving up for the long weekend! My daughter Samantha (who is 7 and a Disney nut herself) has no idea this is happening. I'm going to have to tell her I have a business trip or something.

I will also be at POP (with Monica) from 12/4-12/7!! We are hoping to do MVMCP on 12/5.

 

[mom2mek]

I'm here! I'm here!

I'm Sara, working mom of 3 from VA. My three will have to be told something completely untrue about this trip as I would not have the heart to tell them where I was going without them!

I will be driving from VA and I guess staying at Pop! Hey, first time staying on property for me, other than the trip when I was 5, which I don't remember where we stayed, but I think it was on site!

Bring on the planning! This will be a blast!

Sara

 

[Poohtigeey]

Um, Michelle. Why don't our tickers match? I'll have to make sure I put in the right date!

Sara, where else would you be staying? No, I can't afford the Grand Floridian! BTW, checked out Spoodles menu and it's a little "fancy" for my taste.

 

[mkluvsmickey]

I was just coming here to type the same thing Monica - maybe I put the wrong date in my ticker?

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Just checked my ticker date and it says 12/4.

 

[Native NYer]

Can't wait to read more about your upcoming trip

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Can't wait to read more about your upcoming trip

to our first reader!!

 

[Poohtigeey]

Just checked my ticker date and it says 12/4.

I think I made mine before I decided to fly in on Thurs. I'll change it. That puts me a day closer!

Can't wait to read more about your upcoming trip

Hi Jennifer! I've been "seeing" you around alot lately! Welcome!

 

[Native NYer]

Hi Jennifer! I've been "seeing" you around alot lately! Welcome!

Thanks

 

[Native NYer]

to our first reader!!

Thanks

 

[mom2mek]

Sara, where else would you be staying? No, I can't afford the Grand Floridian! BTW, checked out Spoodles menu and it's a little "fancy" for my taste.

Oh come on Monica! Concierge level! You can do it!

I am the girl who has never stayed on site, remember? So you can imagine my sticker shock! Pop works for me! So far it looks like I will be all alone in my room though! Maybe I can be next door!

I haven't checked out any menus yet, but where is the infamous "Kitchen Sink"? That interests me!

Looking forward to a trip with my imaginary friends!

Sara

 

[MousekaMaddi]

sure sounds like fun to me, Id love to know how many trips each of u have had, and what years!

 

[mom2mek]

sure sounds like fun to me, Id love to know how many trips each of u have had, and what years!

Okey dokey! Ask and you shall receive!

I went to Disney back when I was 5 or so and then again twice in the horrible pre-teen years (once with my mom and family, once with my dad and family - Epcot had been open a few years. I want to say it was 1986/1987. One parent did it, then the other parent HAD to do it!

Didn't go back until 2002 when my son was 1. My mom and I were going to a conference so we dragged along the guys and then my sister and her family joined us once our classes were over and we hit the parks! 10 of us on that trip! Had a blast!

2006 - Our Disney Disaster Trip! Went in January of 2006 (our kids were 4, 2, and 1) with 12 people total in the group and almost everyone got the stomach flu! It wasn't pretty! Still made some nice memories, though.

2007 - Link for this trip report is in my signature! It's still ongoing! Thanksgiving Week with 16 people! My parents, brother, SIL and their 2 kids, sister, BIL, and their 3 kids, and my group. 8 kids and 8 adults! It was a doozy and I was the only planner!

That's it for me!

Sara

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Oh come on Monica! Concierge level! You can do it!
I am the girl who has never stayed on site, remember? So you can imagine my sticker shock! Pop works for me! So far it looks like I will be all alone in my room though! Maybe I can be next door!
I haven't checked out any menus yet, but where is the infamous "Kitchen Sink"? That interests me!
Looking forward to a trip with my imaginary friends!
Sara

Sara - when you make a reservation you can link it to ours and they will try to put us close together.
The Kitchen Sink is at Beaches & Cream

sure sounds like fun to me, Id love to know how many trips each of u have had, and what years!

Hi! I've lost track of my number of trips. I do know that this past February was trip #13 for my daughter who is 7!

I grew up in South Florida so we took annual trips growing up. We also did quite a few school field trips to WDW. Then, in college I would take friends during Spring Break. My trips slowed down when I got married in 1995 since my husband is not a Disney fan - I think he and I went twice before Samantha was born in 2000. We moved to Georgia for a few years in 2001 but when we got back here in 2005 I bought annual passes for Sam and I and have been putting them to great use!

 

[Poohtigeey]

sure sounds like fun to me, Id love to know how many trips each of u have had, and what years!

Hi! We did a day visit when I was 4 and we have 2 pictures! We made another Spring Break day visit when I was 12 and we have 0 pictures! We went back in '96 and stayed at All Star Music and I was hooked! We went in '98 for our honeymoon and stayed at Caribbean Beach. Took DS for the 1st time in '04 right before he turned 3 and stayed at All Star Movie. Our recent trip was this past December. We stayed at POR and it was a wonderful trip. Actually, Michelle drove up and met us for the day so we have met. I haven't traveled much, but we love Disney.

Thanks for joining us in our planning! We're trying to do things we've never done before so we'd love everyones input!

Sara, have you ever seen a picture of The Kitchen Sink? Do a search. It's HUGE!

 

[disneyfanx3]

Hello!


Even though I can't make it in December I want to follow along on this TR - I am going in May and meeting about 20 people from another thread here so maybe I will learn some tips from that trip that I can pass along with you.


You all should get a grand gathering number as that helps you get your rooms close together - you only need 8 people not 8 rooms and they don't all have to stay at the same hotel and maybe you could do one of the grand gathering events. Also I found out that if you all want to eat together you need to try and make ADRs as soon as possible as it gets harder to make them for such large groups (our group is too large to eat together so we have to have a couple of ADRs)


YOu all are going to have soooo much fun and I can't wait to see pictures of you in your hats from around the world

 

[mom2mek]

Sara, have you ever seen a picture of The Kitchen Sink? Do a search. It's HUGE!

Sara

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Hello!
Even though I can't make it in December I want to follow along on this TR - I am going in May and meeting about 20 people from another thread here so maybe I will learn some tips from that trip that I can pass along with you.
You all should get a grand gathering number as that helps you get your rooms close together - you only need 8 people not 8 rooms and they don't all have to stay at the same hotel and maybe you could do one of the grand gathering events. Also I found out that if you all want to eat together you need to try and make ADRs as soon as possible as it gets harder to make them for such large groups (our group is too large to eat together so we have to have a couple of ADRs)
YOu all are going to have soooo much fun and I can't wait to see pictures of you in your hats from around the world

Glad you are here Charlene! Looking forward to hearing about your May trip and how it works out with so many people!
We'll have to check in to the grand gathering thing - thanks!

 

[Pakey]

OK, I'm here now too. I'm Faith, nickname is Pakey. I'm from California and am planning to make this trip too. Talk about insane. From my home airport to the Orlando airport is 9 hours of flying time with a connection somewhere as there are no direct flights. I will be taking Friday as a vacation day, spending the entire day traveling and with the 3 hour time change, will only get into Orlando at about 6:00 pm. Then I'll be leaving early enough on Sunday to get home before midnight so that I can get up and go to work on Monday.

I grew up in CA and took many trips to Disneyland. The first was in 1962. My first trip to WDW was in 1977 before I got married. DH and I have 3 grown sons but when they were younger, we went to DL 3-4 times a year.

We didn't return to WDW until the kids were grown. I think it was 1998 or so. That's when my real love of WDW began--when I didn't have to watch out for my small children anymore and could just enjoy myself. DH and I go often (it will be 3 times this year) but we've also taken our grown children and their spouses 4 times and in Jan 09, we'll make our first family trip with our grandson, who'll be 3 then.

I've never stayed at the POP. I've only ever stayed at the DVC resorts or Deluxe resorts on concierge level--we've stayed at GF, BC, YC, BCV, SSR and OKW. And I think I've eaten at just about every restaurant in all of the hotels, parks, and DTD (I like food). So I'm looking forward to this adventure and to finally getting to meet these fantastic women I've met on here. And it will be worth going just to watch Sara eat the Kitchen Sink over at my favorite resort, the Beach Club.

I also want to go to MVMCP on Friday night. I'll need to do something to walk off the stiffness of sitting in a plane all day. Plus then I won't have to say I flew all the way there just for one day in the parks.

So I'm ready to plan ahead here.