PreTrippie (aka King Charming Takes Hypermommy (and family) on another cruise)

[Hypermommy]

Hey Friends - enjoying your second PTR. I have good news - we booked for Presidents Week! Yahoo!!!!! We won't be with you, but we will be with the Big Guy.

Oh how wonderful!!! Doing the Magic again? Eastern or Western?

Oh, and KC, I'm not sure how ol' Big Ears found out about your woodpile. He sure is slick, though, ain't he?

And I've been thinking about what you said about purchases, I am disinclined to acquiesce to your way of thinking. We're in a serious recession right now and we who love America as much as Walt did need to do our part to get the economy stimulated. I think shopping for fish extender items and other such things would be merely doing our patriotic part, don't you?

That being said I'll be holding an American flag in one hand and an oversized Disney captain's cap in the other as I head out to the centers of shopability this weekend.

What's that? Where'd the hat come from? Um, er, um...... well, I found it. Yeah. I found it in the yard. I'm... um... I'm not 100% sure how it got there.

Hey, don't you have some wood to split or something?

 

[nzdisneymom]

What a great find in all the wood! That's fabulous to boost things for the ole cruise fund!

My middle schooler told me today he likes silent lunch except when his lunch class is the same as your middle schooler... because if it's silent lunch then, they can't talk about any and all things Disney, especially cruises! I don't think DCL has to worry - we're definitely nurturing the next generation of DCLers

 

[MassDisLovers]

Oh how wonderful!!! Doing the Magic again? Eastern or Western?

It's an Eastern this time. I can never really decide which I like better. More sea days or more islands? But.... a cruise is a cruise, so I will not be complaining! And, yes, Miss Meaghan WILL be going. That's our school break week, not her college break week, but there is no way she'd let us do a DCL adventure without her! She's a good student and assures us that she'll make all the appropriate arrangements with her professors. Oh, actually...... I think she plans to tell them that she HAS to go because it's for a family wedding.
Mickey and Minnie are family, aren't they?

 

[Hypermommy]

What a great find in all the wood! That's fabulous to boost things for the ole cruise fund!

My middle schooler told me today he likes silent lunch except when his lunch class is the same as your middle schooler... because if it's silent lunch then, they can't talk about any and all things Disney, especially cruises! I don't think DCL has to worry - we're definitely nurturing the next generation of DCLers

LOL!!! Yep, I'd say we're probably doing right by both them and the Mouse!

It's an Eastern this time. I can never really decide which I like better. More sea days or more islands? But.... a cruise is a cruise, so I will not be complaining! And, yes, Miss Meaghan WILL be going. That's our school break week, not her college break week, but there is no way she'd let us do a DCL adventure without her! She's a good student and assures us that she'll make all the appropriate arrangements with her professors. Oh, actually...... I think she plans to tell them that she HAS to go because it's for a family wedding.
Mickey and Minnie are family, aren't they?

Absolutely!!!!!!

I've enjoyed getting to know her better through FB... she's a fun kid. Of course, she doesn't think she's a kid, I'm sure. She's ALLL grown up, right? LOL

 

[MassDisLovers]

I've enjoyed getting to know her better through FB... she's a fun kid. Of course, she doesn't think she's a kid, I'm sure. She's ALLL grown up, right? LOL

She is an "old soul" for sure........

 

[King Charming]

I've been scratching my head for years now trying to figure out how he does it. That little mouse can empty out a checking account quicker than Hypermommy AND any five other women. I've collected a few opinions and facts(?), but couldn't see the whole picture. Well, that's changed! It's really amazing what you can find out when you talk to the right person.

Anyway, I was out shooting pool, having a good time winning and showing off, and got to be trading beers with a fellow who claimed to have worked for a company who made components for a very special machine. It was rather late, and he was slurring his words, but I understood him well enough. Although not actually assembled at his plant, he said he had heard things about it and who really uses them. And I'm sure that Disney has installed some so that almost immediately upon entering the terminal building or parks you have to walk through it. They "say" it is a metal detector for everybody's safety, but the simple truth is that it is a cash X-ray machine designed to detect the ink on currency . Different inks for different denominations and travelers checks, this ultra modern unit can actually count the money in your pocket!! I could understand how the smaller handheld models would be very popular with salespeople, but of course Mickey would spring for the deluxe models.

Going upstairs to check-in is no better. Sure there is an escalator, they want your credit card too . then a quick check of the credit limit and BINGO, they know the total cost of your ship board charges before you have even left the port! That is why they make you wait to board the ship early in the day, to give them time to run your finances through their system to come up with this pre-arranged total! And you probably fell for the 'we are cleaning the ship' line. These computations take time ya know.

I had that "ahh" moment when that little tidbit fell into place. (or is it "duh"?) It explained alot. So it really makes NO difference in what manner you save, where you stash your money, or how much you plan on spending. They have already sized up your bank account and decided how big a chunk to take TODAY! And if they can figure a way to hit you again tomorrow, all the better. Here you probably thought the re-booking desk was to SAVE you money (snicker, snicker). Come back, please come back....

So be forewarned! You should only scream poverty as a last resort. They already know better and will only laugh at you behind your back as they smile and ask you to sign for yet another DOD.

You don't suppose DW has one of those handheld jobs that she uses when planning on how much shopping to do, do ya?

 

[Hypermommy]

And you thought I started carrying that big ol' Disney purse that mom sent because I love Disney, right? Hey, wait a minute! What are you doing in my purse? You weren't supposed to have seen that! What else did you see in there?????

 

[Diamondintheruff]

too funny!

 

[King Charming]

While I was in such a festive mood conjuring up Mic's fav machine a few weeks ago, I came up with an even better one, as I'm sure most of you will agree. It's a sure-fire way to keep Hypermommy's spending in check, and should have many other practical applications in the coming months. And it was all accomplished with just ONE phone call.

To our travel agent, of course. It was just a small change to our reservation; erasing her name and replacing it with 'TBD'. No, not her initials, but those of 'To Be Determined'. See where I'm going with this? (Hopefully not to the hospital!). For the next 6 months EVERYTHING can be resolved in my favor while I decide when to change it back. I sure wish I'd thought of this quicker, but my mind ain't what it used to be. So would someone please remind me to change it back before we leave.

Oh dearest, I need something..... Hey, has anybody seen Hypermommy or that big cast-iron fry pan that's usually over on the stove?

 

[King Charming]

Ya could have at least warned me that she was right behind me people. Not nice at all .

On the positive side the doctors said the stitches can come out next week and my hat should cover most of the bruises. It only cost me a weekend trip to WDW at the end of the month to allow me to move back in! Hopefully I'll stop limping by then. I'll let you know how it goes...

 

[Hypermommy]

And they'd warn you? They LOVE me! They like you too... you're a wonderful King Charming. But when you get between a Disneyphile and her Mouse, well........ there are usually consequences to be paid, that's all.

Now.... let's talk about that end of the month trip. I'm thinking making sure I'm at the door to the Rose and Crown by 10:58 ready for them to open should just about exonerate you. Just about. I know you... you're thinking maybe just taking me to the door is enough? Nope! I gotta has the ale!

And no turning around in the parking lot and saying "okay, now we've been there". Betcha I can jump out of a moving vehicle and limp over to Guest Relations to purchase an annual pass before you can cancel the credit card!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Hypermommy......I found you, ahhhh I am whole once again

I can't believe your cruise will be here before we know it You are going to have so much fun with all your men, you are a very lucky lady

Now that I have the internet at home I started a pre-trippie for our August trip, I still have no clue how to post pictures, Peg did them for me, but I clearly need to learn,......maybe Jasmine can help me

Can't wait to read more.....we can live thru each other....you and Peg have one up on me though....both been on the cruisemaybe some day for me

 

[King Charming]

Oh no, it's true. Mickey is back to his old tricks again. Guess who's hand I found deep in my pocket this week? When I caught him he stammered something about us reporting to the All Stars Resort this Friday for a almost free weekend in the parks. Almost free? I guess we'll see about that.

Anyway, a new TR has been started. Come on over to the parks side of the site and read all about the great exploding trip. I'll get DW to post a link soon.

BTW, and thanks for asking, most of my head injuries have healed, with only slight memory lapses. I sure hope I remember to take old whats her name with me when I drive off Friday morning.

 

[Hypermommy]

Boy, it's been waaaaay too long since I've posted. But I just don't have much to say about the cruise yet. Don't have much going on with it. Although one of the wonderful folks on my cruise thread did turn me on to the fact that the dolphin folks are having a half price sale. If I can, I'm going to cancel EM#2's ressie and book it for both of us. King Charming says if I can lock my legs the dolphins can push me. I dunno.....

And let me tell you something, I seem to be raising some really rotten sons!!!! When I mentioned this whole thing to them yesterday before church they started talking about how terribly difficult it's gonna be for the dolphin even though I'm lighter in the water. Boy, they were really mean but I knew they were teasing.... guess that's what you get for raisin' them the way I did, huh? LOL

Now that I have the internet at home I started a pre-trippie for our August trip, I still have no clue how to post pictures, Peg did them for me, but I clearly need to learn,......maybe Jasmine can help me

Can't wait to read more.....we can live thru each other....you and Peg have one up on me though....both been on the cruisemaybe some day for me

Oh I'm LOVING your new PTR. It's gonna be so much fun to see y'all ping-ponging off each other! And yes, you absolutely must cruise one day! It's too, too cool!!!! Maybe one year Peg will let you have her points so you can go cruising. Yeah... she seems that nice to me.... well, it could happen.... in some fantasy world.... maybe.....

Anyway, a new TR has been started. Come on over to the parks side of the site and read all about the great exploding trip. I'll get DW to post a link soon.

Y'all really have to check this out! We had such a wonderful time! You know as much as I love to tell the stories of Disney when my kids were little (I'm sure you've all heard my EM#2/Cinderella story) there is a particular magic at Disney when it's an adults only trip. Sleeping in, strolling around instead of having ro rush everywhere.... just a lot of fun! Y'all come check out the trip report. I'll get a link in my sig.

 

[King Charming]

The last time I went to Disney World 2 1/2 years ago, it cost me an arm and a leg. When I complained to Mickey about it he said to come back sometime and he'd give me my arm back. So we went. When I cornered him about it he claimed I surprised him (even though I registered ahead of time for the free Bday deal). He said he remembered exactly where he put it and would send it on over to the hotel room. Yeah, right, so where is it?

Other than that it was a good time, please read all about it now that the TR is written and posted.

 

[King Charming]

I've given up on ever seeing the video camera I left in the hotel room(?) when we loaded up and checked out, and was secretly hoping Mickey might include it with my arm. No such luck on either of them. What we did get in the mail last week was the info packet they send out about your cruise, excursions, et al. I don't remember getting one last time. What it did remind me of was the balance due. We owe less than half, but that's still a good chunk of cash I still have to earn. And soon, within 60 days if you please. So maybe running down to Orlando was a poor fiscal choice. It just wasn't as free as it needed to be. I figured some of the money we spent there should count towards the cruise, and even told old big hands that. He nodded his head in agreement (good enough for me). Unfortunately it will probably show up as some sort of on-board credit and that he won't discount the cruise tickets any further and I better pay up. At least the 'during vacation' money is safely stashed in the 10+ cords of split firewood that I have been carefully supervising these last few months.

But it sure was fun spending one percent of the year at Mickey's house and still have reservations for another 2% at sea with him.

 

[Queenofallthings]

I've given up on ever seeing the video camera I left in the hotel room(?) when we loaded up and checked out, and was secretly hoping Mickey might include it with my arm. No such luck on either of them. What we did get in the mail last week was the info packet they send out about your cruise, excursions, et al. I don't remember getting one last time. What it did remind me of was the balance due. We owe less than half, but that's still a good chunk of cash I still have to earn. And soon, within 60 days if you please. So maybe running down to Orlando was a poor fiscal choice. It just wasn't as free as it needed to be. I figured some of the money we spent there should count towards the cruise, and even told old big hands that. He nodded his head in agreement (good enough for me). Unfortunately it will probably show up as some sort of on-board credit and that he won't discount the cruise tickets any further and I better pay up. At least the 'during vacation' money is safely stashed in the 10+ cords of split firewood that I have been carefully supervising these last few months.

But it sure was fun spending one percent of the year at Mickey's house and still have reservations for another 2% at sea with him.

Is this your subtle way of telling me that Hypermommy can't come down and meet us for a couple of days The hotel room would be free, she can stay with Jasmine and I I will keep my fingers crossed that somehow we can make this work

Sorry to hear about your camera That is not very Disney-like....I hope eventually it shows up

HI HYPERMOMMY

 

[King Charming]

Subtle?? Me?? I may(?) be full of hot air, but I usually say exactly what I mean. In as far as her running down in 5 weeks, this is the first I've heard. But with how wrapped up Hyper has been trying to get her medical program out the door (still), she hasn't had time to dream, let alone plan. I guess what it will boil down to is if one of us starts drawing a steady paycheck or a few of the larger proposals we have pending come through. I was feeling rich 5 weeks ago, but we all know how fleeting those moments are (especially when Mickey finds out). Lets hope that July is a more profitable month than June was.

 

[King Charming]

And you thought I was kidding. Really now, just because YOU don't know of the program doesn't mean it isn't there. Most everyone knows of the offering up of their first born to Mickey, as evidenced by the huge number of strollers in the parks everyday. And some folks don't stop there and willingly donate their entire family (and therefore access to the checking account). There really is a Disney program for most every situation, but they are designed to TAKE your money (offspring, inheritance, et al), not the other way around. But it will soon be possible to get some of that money back! Now I'm not talking coupons, or the fact that the Pop is cheaper than the All Stars because the county tax is less. (Yeah, they are in 2 different counties.) What I'm saying is that Mickey sends you a check. That you can cash. REAL MONEY! All you have to do is fill out a form and request it. I personally think it's just a ploy to access your bank account, but grudgingly signed up when it looked like a deal I couldn't pass up.

The Mic said I have to keep a lid on this info for a little longer, but I thought my DIS friends should know. Please don't tell anybody I told you.

I was recently part of a wildly successful test program, which was the real reason we went in May and stayed at the AS Sports Resort for the whole weekend. They were trying to gauge how much extra you WILL spend if you knew you were getting a kickback. They must have thought I was the perfect sucker for this lastest offer as our stay blossomed from 1 night to 3. As you might expect, Mickey helped our trip budget grow exponentially. We had a good time anyway. I expect them to launch this new money back program, called 'DisneyRebates', nationwide sometime after Labor Day. With the way they were playing it up, I expect it will continue to be valid for all tickets, food, rooms, services, and merchandise purchases in the U.S. parks. There was some debate about including DCL as well, but I represented well (and loudly) and I hope they see fit to include us. Last I heard, there were no plans to extend it to the parks out of the country, and DVC'ers are out of luck on this one. The only real drawback is that you have to keep and scan all your receipts unless you charge everything to your room. I've been fighting (I mean negotiating) with the original gloved one over the percentage, but getting ANY money back is long overdue.

I need your cooperation on this, first by not blabbing about this, and second, everybody, all together now, chant with me.....10%....10%....10%....

 

[Queenofallthings]

Subtle?? Me?? I may(?) be full of hot air, but I usually say exactly what I mean. In as far as her running down in 5 weeks, this is the first I've heard. But with how wrapped up Hyper has been trying to get her medical program out the door (still), she hasn't had time to dream, let alone plan. I guess what it will boil down to is if one of us starts drawing a steady paycheck or a few of the larger proposals we have pending come through. I was feeling rich 5 weeks ago, but we all know how fleeting those moments are (especially when Mickey finds out). Lets hope that July is a more profitable month than June was.

Here's hoping, our fingers and toes are crossed!!! Hey, if we win the lottery we will send for all of you to come meet us.