Hi Gina ,
Really enjoy reading your trip reports and excellent tips!!!! I try to remember them each time we plan our Florida vacation. My dh and I are off to universal - RPR during March break. First time without the kids- both in university - so very excited but sad as well. Not doing Discovery cove this time but hoping to add a day at Sea World. Congrats on your Anniversary!!!!
Jump00
Now there's a huge drain on the finances!! Every so often, when I feel all melancholy about only having one child, I stop to think of how expensive our lonely only is.....then I stop pouting, lol! 
. ).
. Birthday is November, and we don't travel in December until the 19th. We just miss the deferral cut-off.
(if anyone out there has an AP and has successfully used their passholder discount at Honeydukes, Three Broomsticks, etc. please feel free to chime in!). 
). I cant wait for the sunshine and blue skies of Orlando.
Hey Gina!!!
We live just north of Toronto and only 30 min from Pearson. I know you wish you were closer- it is nice. The exchange rate is horrible- I'm like you - would love to hit each month in Florida. We paid full price for this trip since my dh got it for me for Christmas - so sweet - but I didn't get a chance to plan. Oh well!!
Your excellent tips and planning suggestions have been a life saver. I am going to re-read your trip reports before we go. You always find amazing deals
Jump00
I am secretly hoping that Aquatica will release some too-good-to miss deals for spring and we can add a waterpark day without blowing the budget. For now, I am waiting and wishing .
Hi chiamarie!! Glad to have you along!
May I say, its paining me to be planning a trip without even a teeny tiny SeaWorld component?
At least I get to leave the guinea pigs at home...
May I say, its paining me to be planning a trip without even a teeny tiny SeaWorld component?
I was going to point you in the direction of the $8 promotion they are running in celebration of it being their 8th year open (sheesh, I can't believe it's been that long!); but it's not for the dates you'll be here
.I'm in too, GIna. I always learn something from all your prep! Plus you tell a good story.
I think it's neat that you and dh are having your own trip. I aspire to that--apparently I don't even get to travel without the dog.
. . I miss her desperately.
. I will have to chat with DH about this tonight. We had planned on a resort day mid-week, but perhaps he'd rather relax at Aquatica? 
.
A new cat may come along when you are ready, I waited some time before getting another pet.
So sorry to hear of Patches passing. It's always sad to lose a pet.
That sounds like a great price for Aquadica. We even went when we were there last December. Air started at 62 F, but since the water was heated, even warmer in the river, we spent alot of time in the water. We enjoy that park too.
We didn't get as much snow as expected, so that's good. It's still cold though. And, of course, my DD has a soccer tournament right near Scranton, PA. I wanted to head south, not north! Oh well, I will have my blanket to wrap around me when she plays.
. Have I mentioned lately how much I *hate* winter??? 
so I am guessing its going to be a "six more weeks of winter" declaration. . Steve has already suggested I keep away from the local shelter and pet rescue centres....he's probably sent them my picture so they'll know to lock the doors when they see me approaching . . I honestly need something to keep me upbeat and positive about all three of our upcoming vacations, as the gloom and despair on the local news, Facebook, and even the Canadians trip planning board over the value of our dollar is getting to be rather depressing. Time to refocus and get excited again. Perhaps its just the winter taking its toll on everyone's nerves.
She had a good life with you.
. We knew we would be back in October, and HHN has been a huge must-do for Steve for YEARS. I am so excited he's finally going to get to go! The free HHN ticket + the after 4 pm Express sold us on the upgraded tix, otherwise we would have gone with the Preferred for both of us. I think some of the dining discounts are a teeny bit higher for the Premier passes, too, but that savings is really neither here nor there. . So an extra YAY that the discount will apply to all those funky treats and drinks! I plan to toss my 2015 healthy eating campaign out the window and try all the yumminess Universal has to offer. I'm not going home until I try a Flaming Moe and an Otters Fizzy Orange Juice . If I'm feeling particularly brave, I may even give the Fishy Green Ale a whirl....though it sounds less appealing to me now after someone on another thread described it as minted honeydew 
.
Yes! It's been a gloomy week. I think this hits us Northern folks hard this time of year and when even our dreams of getting away start to be nerve racking due to cost it's hard to stay upbeat isn't it? I try very very hard to be upbeat in general.. I think my best efforts are just getting me to "meh" lately
Until today when we saw a job posting that DH hits every single qualification for. This is significant because if you recall he lives up in work city during the week because it's too far to commute. This position would have him move home which we all desperately want. It's been a long year in that regard. I don't want to get too ahead of myself, but it brightened my spirits to have that as a possibility to get through the next month or so. And if it doesn't end up anywhere.. well it would be trip time by the time we'd know that, and then right on into Spring which will surely perk everyone up. So I'm feeling cautiously optimistic today.
Also.. I'm a lucky healthy lady with a great family and a good life and awesome kids. So everything else is small stuff.
There's my unplanned self pep talk right in your trip planning thread
We'll see sunshine and warm weather soon Gina. Just hold on.
). If the value of the dollar is all I have to worry about, life is good . I am crossing my fingers, toes and anything else crossable (legs? eyes?) and saying a little prayer that the position close to home becomes a reality. I know its been a tough year for you guys, and not an ideal situation with him being away all week (frankly, I don't know how you do it....especially with two kids still at home). Please keep me posted whenever you have more news .
Gina I read about Patches. I'm very sorry, I know it's hard to lose a pet, and you had Patches for a long time. I am smiling, though, thinking about how you said she sulked after you came home in your last trip report.
I've been looking for a sitter in Orlando, and a couple of the profiles I reviewed said they had lost their own pets and started sitting so they could have critter time but still be able to travel...maybe you could "borrow" someone else's pet every now and again? Or maybe help with a rescue organization?
. She was so insulted when we left her for another vacation, even though she was spoiled with a week of lovin' from the sweet little lady across the street. That little monkey knew I adored her....truth be told, I cried every time I locked the door en route to the airport. Poor Steve and Jake always understood....God love my boys.
