PTR-2015 Year of a million trips….oh maybe only five. UPD 9/22 lnk to video

[stacy~**]

Yes! This year we are planning 5 trips to the World but before I go into more detail about these trips let me introduce us. It's brief, I know....you can always check out my past report if you are dying to know more!


Stacy (me) mother, wife, part-time Disney Store Cast Member and generally obsessed with all things Disney.

Aaron: father, husband, Engineer, tried to resisted but failed and loves Disney too (just not ALL of my chatter about it).

Olivia: daughter (almost 20), sister, undecided college student, and future DCP’er (2015 Fall Advantage).

Lucy: daughter (11), almost a middle-schooler, actress, proud Disney lover even though it is not the tween cool thing to do.

How we got to the point of taking a million trips?

The last 6 months have been a whirl wind of amazing Disney fortune! The only thing left would be for us to move to Orlando!

In August we started the process of becoming DVC owners. It was stressful at times dealing in the resale market with sellers that didn’t seem too concerned with deadlines but in the end (November) we became proud owners at Disney’s Boardwalk Villas!

View of Boardwalk across the water!

In September I became a seasonal Disney Store Cast Member. It is something I have wanted to do for years and finally took the plunge. While it has been an adjustment (after being a stay at home mom for 12 years) it has been so wonderful to be a part of the Disney family. I truly love it and was beyond thrilled when I was asked to stay on past the holiday season.

Just a few weeks ago we found out that Olivia was accepted into the 2015 Fall Advantage Disney program. This wasn’t her first try so we are so excited that she has made it through and will spend about 7 months working for and living at Walt Disney World!

"The" coveted email!

So it only makes sense that a family SO enwrapped in the Disney magic spend all free time and money in the place that dreams come true, right? So for now our Disney plans (and the topic for this PTR and hopefully future TR’s) for 2015 include:

February 2015-Yes this trip has already happened so no PTR discussions but because I didn’t write a TR I am thinking of possibly writing a few “throwback Thursday” posts to document some highlights. This trip was minus Olivia and the reason we went was to use up expiring DVC points.

Trip highlight....meeting Baymax! Olivia was at home and Facetimed (you can see her on the ipad) with us through the whole meet. It was loads of fun!

May 2015-This will be Olivia and I only. We will road trip down to Orlando to settle her in for her DCP. Besides the dates I don't have any plans decided on yet but need to get on that ASAP!

Current countdown!

July 2015-Our originally scheduled family vacation will still be happening and will hopefully include a lot of new experiences as well as time with Olivia.

October 2015-Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party has always been on my Disney bucket list so with Olivia down there it only seems logical that we pay her a visit during this time. Not sure if Aaron will be going…. this may be just a girls trip.

December 2015 (January 2016)-This trip's primary focus would be to bring Olivia home BUT since her check-out is so close to the Marathon weekend I am pretty sure my first RunDisney experience will be going down (if I can get through with the registration madness). Again logistics of this trip are still forthcoming….

So there it is the year of a million trips! Please join me in preparing and decision making!!!

 

[cajunfan]

Congratulations on everything! DVC owners! DCPer! and PT Cast Member! What store are you at? Have you figured out the ticket situation? Pm me if you have any questions...I am muddling through with the help of some awesome fellow CMs!

 

[SarahDisney]

Yay! A PTR for your upcoming trips! I'm so glad I noticed this link in your signature. You've got a lot of trips planned for the rest of the year!

I love the picture of you doing Story Time!

And YAY for Olivia getting into DCP ... so amazing!!

I love that Olivia facetimed with you for Baymax! Such a great idea!

I really hope you can get in for Marathon weekend ... the registration will be craziness (Wine & Dine sold out in like 30 minutes for regular, not sure how long for AP/DVC but it was also really fast), but I know you'll love the runDisney experience!

 

[stacy~**]

Congratulations on everything! DVC owners! DCPer! and PT Cast Member! What store are you at? Have you figured out the ticket situation? Pm me if you have any questions...I am muddling through with the help of some awesome fellow CMs!

Thank you! It's been quite a great Disney year for us!

Are you at a Disney Store too? I'm in Columbus, Ohio. Still trying to figure things out and my situation is a bit complicated since our store will be closing for a few weeks for some pixie dust.

Yay! A PTR for your upcoming trips! I'm so glad I noticed this link in your signature. You've got a lot of trips planned for the rest of the year!

Glad you found me! Yeah I posted it quickly yesterday before I had to get ready for work so I didn't have any time to link in anywhere else than my signature. Hopefully all the trips work out!

I love the picture of you doing Story Time!

Thanks! I love doing the events and it's always soo fun when my friends bring there kids!

And YAY for Olivia getting into DCP ... so amazing!!

We are just sooo excited for her. It is really going to be the best experience of her life and it really has happened at the perfect time in her college career. I am sure I will do some updates on her along the way and she is thinking of doing a TR here or maybe elsewhere online (Tumblr?). I will definitely post a link if/when she does.

I love that Olivia facetimed with you for Baymax! Such a great idea!

It just kind of fell into place and wasn't really pre-planned but ended up just being the most magical moment of the trip!

I really hope you can get in for Marathon weekend ... the registration will be craziness (Wine & Dine sold out in like 30 minutes for regular, not sure how long for AP/DVC but it was also really fast), but I know you'll love the runDisney experience!

Yes these event registrations have become insane. I am really nervous about it. I am actually planning on going through the motions on Tuesday for the DL Avengers race (I won't complete it) just to get a feel for how it looks, etc. Knowing I have two shots (both early and regular registrations) makes me a bit less nervous. I am leaning towards Dopey but might change my mind before then. I hope you're still thinking of running that weekend too! Pixie dust to us!

 

[SarahDisney]

I tried to "practice" registration for Wine & Dine but kinda missed out because I was late to the game ... I'm going to try practice registering for the Avengers 10K to see what 10K registration is like. I think "practice" registering is definitely a good idea because it helps you know what to expect going into registration ... I wish I had thought of doing it before Princess registration last year! Hopefully the practice will help and you'll be able to get in on AP/DVC registration day!

We're still thinking about it but not 100% sure. I think Beth wants to do Princess Half Marathon (not sure if she actually wants to do the half or just the 5K again - we can't do the 10K on Saturday), but January will work better for her school schedule. I'm really hoping we can do marathon weekend, because I do like the idea of doing a 10K next (even though it was Beth's idea originally), but we're waiting a few weeks to make the final decision.

 

[MiaBella05]

joining in

 

[deedee2177]

Following Along! Congrats on all things Disney. Looking forward to following along on all your adventures!

 

[AJollyHoliday]

December 2015 (January 2016)-This trip's primary focus would be to bring Olivia home BUT since her check-out is so close to the Marathon weekend I am pretty sure my first RunDisney experience will be going down (if I can get through with the registration madness). Again logistics of this trip are still forthcoming….

Congrats on becoming a DVC member! We took the plunge after a couple years of talking about it. Our first purchase was in AKL, then when we went down this Feb for the PHM weekend, we bought into VGF. We are so thrilled.

I am not sure if you are aware, but as a DVC member, you can register for runDisney events 10 days before the public! I registered for the Glass Slipper challenge while waiting for my DH and DD to get off Expedition Everest. By the time they got through the FP line and off the ride I was done. No stress and a super nice perk!

We also just had the year of Disney trips. We went in Dec. 2013 as new DVC members, then we went in July 2014 with friends (also DVC members) to WDW and then Vero. We then went this Dec. 2014 for a family trip, again in Feb 2015 for the PHM weekend, and we are going in June on a trip that we won! I can't wait to read about your trips!

Congrats to your daughter for the DCP, what a great experience!

 

[stacy~**]

I tried to "practice" registration for Wine & Dine but kinda missed out because I was late to the game ... I'm going to try practice registering for the Avengers 10K to see what 10K registration is like. I think "practice" registering is definitely a good idea because it helps you know what to expect going into registration ... I wish I had thought of doing it before Princess registration last year! Hopefully the practice will help and you'll be able to get in on AP/DVC registration day!

Glad I'm not the only one thinking of practicing. Tomorrow is the Avengers DVC/AP day so hopefully I can get a taste of it then.

We're still thinking about it but not 100% sure. I think Beth wants to do Princess Half Marathon (not sure if she actually wants to do the half or just the 5K again - we can't do the 10K on Saturday), but January will work better for her school schedule. I'm really hoping we can do marathon weekend, because I do like the idea of doing a 10K next (even though it was Beth's idea originally), but we're waiting a few weeks to make the final decision.

Well I think you should do Marathon weekend. Can't wait to hear what you decide.

joining in

Thanks for stopping in and saying hi! I am kind of a procrastinating planner so I am hoping having a PTR will start forcing me to make some decisions!

Following Along! Congrats on all things Disney. Looking forward to following along on all your adventures!

Thank you!! If my Disney luck keeps up hopefully I will be living there soon (doubtful but a girl can dream). Glad to have you reading along!

Congrats on becoming a DVC member! We took the plunge after a couple years of talking about it. Our first purchase was in AKL, then when we went down this Feb for the PHM weekend, we bought into VGF. We are so thrilled.

Congrats to you too! We stayed at AKL in February and I completely LOVED it. I am sure we will spend many DVC trips at AKL. VGF looks amazing as well. Hopefully sometime we can sneak at least a few night there.

I am not sure if you are aware, but as a DVC member, you can register for runDisney events 10 days before the public! I registered for the Glass Slipper challenge while waiting for my DH and DD to get off Expedition Everest. By the time they got through the FP line and off the ride I was done. No stress and a super nice perk!

That is a great perk and it makes me feel really good knowing that someone had a easy time at registering. Anymore it mostly seems to be horror stories with RunDisney registration! I love that you registered while at the park too! Maybe that was your extra pixie dust.

We also just had the year of Disney trips. We went in Dec. 2013 as new DVC members, then we went in July 2014 with friends (also DVC members) to WDW and then Vero. We then went this Dec. 2014 for a family trip, again in Feb 2015 for the PHM weekend, and we are going in June on a trip that we won! I can't wait to read about your trips!

Yay! That sounds like a pretty magical year! Are you/did you write any TR's for them? I would love to read along if you did/are.

Congrats to your daughter for the DCP, what a great experience!

Thank you! I am just so excited for her. It will be an experience of a lifetime!

 

[Mrs T 2009]

Congrats on becoming DVC members!! We are, too!!! Since July of 2014, we've been 3 times, and gearing up for a June trip!! LoL

Can't wait to hear all about your planning fun!!

 

[cajunfan]

Thank you! It's been quite a great Disney year for us!

Are you at a Disney Store too? I'm in Columbus, Ohio. Still trying to figure things out and my situation is a bit complicated since our store will be closing for a few weeks for some pixie dust.

I am at a store. Do you have a fellow CM by the name of Tonya? I know she is in OH, but not sure what store, but I believe her store is closing soon for some pixie dust too...she used to work at the one here in Nashville. If so tell her HI! for me!

 

[stacy~**]

Congrats on becoming DVC members!! We are, too!!! Since July of 2014, we've been 3 times, and gearing up for a June trip!! LoL

Can't wait to hear all about your planning fun!!

Congrats to you too! I love hearing about others that are more frequent visitors. Most people call me crazy but it's nice to know I'm not alone. Where are you owners at? What has been your favorite DVC resort so far?

I am at a store. Do you have a fellow CM by the name of Tonya? I know she is in OH, but not sure what store, but I believe her store is closing soon for some pixie dust too...she used to work at the one here in Nashville. If so tell her HI! for me!

Haha! Yes! Tonya is at my store. I love what a small world the Disney community can be. I will absolutely tell her.

 

[Mrs T 2009]

We are owners at AKLV and VGF!
We've stayed at AKKV, VGF, OKW, SSR, and have plans to stay at the New POLY dvc studios this next trip a few days and few days at VERO Beach too!
I LOVE VGF!!! It's close to main building, and pool, and I love Mary poppins, so it's right up my alley. All the dvc resorts are great though!! We are on a mission to try all the dvc resorts, eventually

Where are you owners at? We tried to get into one of the epcot dvc resorts, but no availability those are our next goals of where to stay!

 

[cajunfan]

You have to tell me the dates in May you will be down there...if you want, you can send me a pm. What are your plans for this trip? Any ADRs? FP+s?

Tell Tonya Hi and thanks for being my friend in the darn Tsum Tsum game app! (I am addicted, I will admit)

 

[FantasiaMagic]

So there it is the year of a million trips! Please join me in preparing and decision making!!!

Wow!!!! So much excitement going on for you and you family!!!! I love it!!! I am here and joining in!

 

[stacy~**]

We are owners at AKLV and VGF!
We've stayed at AKKV, VGF, OKW, SSR, and have plans to stay at the New POLY dvc studios this next trip a few days and few days at VERO Beach too!
I LOVE VGF!!! It's close to main building, and pool, and I love Mary poppins, so it's right up my alley. All the dvc resorts are great though!! We are on a mission to try all the dvc resorts, eventually

Where are you owners at? We tried to get into one of the epcot dvc resorts, but no availability those are our next goals of where to stay!

We own at Boardwalk because we really love the Epcot area. Had resale pricing been the same I would have preferred BC but those contracts go for so much more than BW. Plus I do like that BW has a cheaper studio option. I really, really love AKL and if we add more points in the future that is likely where I would want to buy at. Thankfully AKL isn't as hard to get into as some others.

I hate to give too much away but we have a few nights booked at the Poly studios in July! Can't wait.

You have to tell me the dates in May you will be down there...if you want, you can send me a pm. What are your plans for this trip? Any ADRs? FP+s?

Tell Tonya Hi and thanks for being my friend in the darn Tsum Tsum game app! (I am addicted, I will admit)

Our dates will be May 15-19 (well I'm leaving on the 19th....Olivia gets to stay the rest of the year!). The dates may overlap at the end of your trip? I'm working on posting our plans (or lack of plans...). Hopefully tomorrow.

I wish I was addicted to the Tsum Tsum game and not buying them! It's a serious obsession. Oops! I will definitely tell her. I tend to not work the same times as her but our paths cross every once in awhile.

Wow!!!! So much excitement going on for you and you family!!!! I love it!!! I am here and joining in!

Thanks for stopping in and saying hi! I am hoping to have a new post up tomorrow or Saturday.
Does your countdown say you leave tomorrow? Have a magical time!

 

[Mrs T 2009]

Yeah we were kind of surprise we got into VGF!

I am excited to try out the POLY studios!!! It's at the end of ours to, do it'll either be a great end or bad one! ( I'm guessing GREAT!!)

 

[AJollyHoliday]

We are owners at AKLV and VGF!
We've stayed at AKKV, VGF, OKW, SSR, and have plans to stay at the New POLY dvc studios this next trip a few days and few days at VERO Beach too!
I LOVE VGF!!! It's close to main building, and pool, and I love Mary poppins, so it's right up my alley. All the dvc resorts are great though!! We are on a mission to try all the dvc resorts, eventually

Where are you owners at? We tried to get into one of the epcot dvc resorts, but no availability those are our next goals of where to stay!

We are also owners at AK and VGF! I am so excited to stay at VGF which will be next March (we are staying at the GF regular rooms in June for a contest we won). I love Vero beach and Boardwalk is great as well! I really want to stay at BC some time. I too love Mary Poppins (hence my avatar and posting name). I immediately fell in love with the resort when I saw the penguin fountain and then the paper picture of Bert and Mary from Jolly Holiday just put me over the edge! My DD was most excited about the TV in the bathroom.

 

[Mrs T 2009]

We love staying at AK and VGF!
Both so different, but both AWESOME

You can go to the villas building at GF and ask to see the two bedroom villa! The dvc cm will show you. It's so awesome!! We've only stayed in a studio there, but LOVE IT!! Our 6yo LOVED the tv in the mirror idea! LoL, kids!!

First time going to VERO, how's the restaurants there? We have an adr at shutters dinner one night, but don't know if we should leave to go somewhere else to eat our other meals or not?? Any input appreciated!!

We are also owners at AK and VGF! I am so excited to stay at VGF which will be next March (we are staying at the GF regular rooms in June for a contest we won). I love Vero beach and Boardwalk is great as well! I really want to stay at BC some time. I too love Mary Poppins (hence my avatar and posting name). I immediately fell in love with the resort when I saw the penguin fountain and then the paper picture of Bert and Mary from Jolly Holiday just put me over the edge! My DD was most excited about the TV in the bathroom.

 

[AJollyHoliday]

We toured the 2 bedroom villa when we were there in February. I knew the minute we saw the villas we would buy, it's like puppy, you can't just go look . We didn't eat at the restaurants at Vero. We went to the Publix and bought food and ordered pizza from the restaurant next door to Publix, it was very good. Be sure to reserve your umbrella each morning, that was so nice to have. The crafts are fun, my daughter did a few.