PTR: Because We're Insane: Driving & Triple Split Stay!

[Snow_Princess]

I am so late joining in. But i loved you last trip report and couldnt miss this one All those dresses are super cute! I hope you have a super fun time! and Congratulations on your 10th year anniversary, what a great way to celebrate!

 

[Kathymford]

And today, I got this cute dress at Old Navy. I couldn't help it - it's adorable.

By the way, thanks to all your posts of cute Old Navy dresses, when I saw a Groupon for Old Navy I nabbed it specifically for Disney outfits!

 

[JenSop]

I am so late joining in. But i loved you last trip report and couldnt miss this one All those dresses are super cute! I hope you have a super fun time! and Congratulations on your 10th year anniversary, what a great way to celebrate!

Thanks so much for joining in! Glad to have you aboard. And I'm so glad you liked my last TR! I really like writing them and it makes me feel good to have readers!

 

[JenSop]

- I haven't been coloring my own hair as long as ShesAPirate, but I have been doing it for about 12 years. I started in college, then after a few years, I handed the reins over to my hairdresser and just had highlights for awhile (instead of all over color). But that cost SO much money, so I decided to do it on my own again, which led to both all over color AND highlights. Although I'm really bummed out. The highlighting kit that I've used for five years got discontinued. (Garnier.) I bought a ton of boxes on drugstore.com, but when those run out, I have to figure out a new plan.

However, if one of my relatives was a hairdresser, I would so take advantage of that! (You are super lucky!) And I'm so glad I was able to inspire with the Old Navy dresses!




Well dear readers, I'm beginning to realize that we're just over a week way from the trip and I'm getting that stressed, freaked out feeling just a bit.

I know that Brian is going to super-procrastinate when it comes to his packing. I just know it. And he's fighting a bit of a cold. (Making him beyond cranky.) Now he's complaining about pressure in his ear. He had ear problems from a virus about a year and a half ago and it gave him residual issues for months. So I'm really worried about that and how it will effect our trip.

I also really have to get myself organized with the video shot outlines. I need to know what to shoot in each park and be super organized so that I'm not using too much of our park time to work. I also know that I'm going to have to actually try to look nicer in the parks (make-up and stuff) since I'll be taping myself and representing my agency for all the world to see. I'm used to performing, but even stages under the intense lighting don't get as hot as Disney in the summer!

I also need to do some housecleaning and get all the instructions and stuff ready for my mom to take care of Grey Kitty. We need to print out the detailed directions for his meds and which days he'll need his subcutaneous fluids.

So I've kind of hit that overwhelmed place. How am I going to get everything done? (Seriously, any one out there have good organizational skills willing to give some tips?)

Guess my next step is to get some sleep. Good night all! And thanks for reading!

 

[Kathymford]

Excel. Excel. Excel. I swear by excel and I don't even use it the way I'm supposed to (not super techy in other words). I just use it to make lists and calendars and schedules. And I color in cells to show what I've done. Extra tabs to try out different things (like different kinds of schedules, one per tab).

My DBF loves to make fun of me for it. As soon as we agreed to do our first WDW trip, he immediately asked me "you got the Excel chart started yet??" I can't tell you how many I have already and I"m 4 months away!

That's my organizing tip. I just write everything down in one spot.

 

[mousegear]

Besides from all the work/organization before the trip, you must be super excited! Well, at least you won't be weather shocked when you get to Disney since it's as hot/hotter here right now. You should be well used to it. I can't believe it's reaching 100 today. I just wanted to wish you "Have fun and safe trip!"

 

[JenSop]

Excel. Excel. Excel. I swear by excel and I don't even use it the way I'm supposed to (not super techy in other words). I just use it to make lists and calendars and schedules. And I color in cells to show what I've done. Extra tabs to try out different things (like different kinds of schedules, one per tab).

My DBF loves to make fun of me for it. As soon as we agreed to do our first WDW trip, he immediately asked me "you got the Excel chart started yet??" I can't tell you how many I have already and I"m 4 months away!

That's my organizing tip. I just write everything down in one spot.

Thanks for the tip! I've never used Excel really. I've done spreadsheet type documents in Appleworks (the older Mac program that was around before Pages), which I'm guessing is similar, but I only use that for my singing resumes and for tracking travel bookings. Maybe I'll have to give it a shot - otherwise, I'm a list person. TONS of lists all over my desk and the rest of the house.

Besides from all the work/organization before the trip, you must be super excited! Well, at least you won't be weather shocked when you get to Disney since it's as hot/hotter here right now. You should be well used to it. I can't believe it's reaching 100 today. I just wanted to wish you "Have fun and safe trip!"

Haha - you're so right! I just keep thinking that the super hot weather is my physical conditioning prep for the Disney trip!

Yes - besides the stress part, I AM super excited. In a week and two days, I leave for Disney! And what could be better than that?!

 

[ajf1007]

Love the Old Navy dress....think I'll have to make a stop on the way home
It is overwhelming trying to get everything accomplished before you leave, I travel alot for work and find that I have to be super organized. I usually come home, dump a suitcase and pack a suitcase and am gone again, within days. So I usually just write all down, look at my schedule and alott so many things for so many days. I try to make sure that I don't overschedule and end up staying up all hours of the night getting it done and if I'm done and have an hour or so to lay on the couch and watch tv, BONUS! I have to say though, it's always alot to do and we always worry how to get it done, but in the end, we get it done and wonder how we did it. Staying calm is also key. You'll get it all done and the next thing you know, you'll be hitting the highway on the road to your happy place!

Wow your trip with your mom and sister sounds AMAZING! Hope we get to hear about that trip too!

 

[JenSop]

Love the Old Navy dress....think I'll have to make a stop on the way home
It is overwhelming trying to get everything accomplished before you leave, I travel alot for work and find that I have to be super organized. I usually come home, dump a suitcase and pack a suitcase and am gone again, within days. So I usually just write all down, look at my schedule and alott so many things for so many days. I try to make sure that I don't overschedule and end up staying up all hours of the night getting it done and if I'm done and have an hour or so to lay on the couch and watch tv, BONUS! I have to say though, it's always alot to do and we always worry how to get it done, but in the end, we get it done and wonder how we did it. Staying calm is also key. You'll get it all done and the next thing you know, you'll be hitting the highway on the road to your happy place!

Wow your trip with your mom and sister sounds AMAZING! Hope we get to hear about that trip too!

Thanks for the tips. I know that in the end, we'll get it done. I'm just worried about getting it done late and missing our Le Cellier ADR on Saturday.

Now I'm kind of stressed with Disney releasing their 2012 packages already. I've already got lots of clients waiting to book 2012 trips and now that they're released, I have a feeling I'm going to have a busy next few days before I leave!

 

[Shannon84]

Now I'm kind of stressed with Disney releasing their 2012 packages already. I've already got lots of clients waiting to book 2012 trips and now that they're released, I have a feeling I'm going to have a busy next few days before I leave!

Don't stress too much!! I was surprised they released that info so early, I thought it was usually towards the end of summer

 

[KSL]

Hi Jen,

I'm joining late but at least while this is still a PRE-TR! I've read some of your other TRs and they're so fun, so I had to read here too. A bunch of random thoughts on previous posts:

LOVE the outfits, especially the newest pink one. Wish I were in shape to wear any of them. Passed on that Old Navy Groupon - DARN! I like the blue & white striped one for Yachtsman - seems in keeping with the theme! Also love the shoes for your anniversary dress.

Your Disney drawer looks like my DVC bag (the freebie we got when we joined) it's full of lots of the same things - including those Mickey BandAids!

On your videos, how about the top 5 cueing areas? I think I read that they re-did the one for the Pooh ride, and of course the HM, and lots of them are really fun and might reassure people that even waiting in line can be entertaining!

Also wanted to say I do the same thing with a chart for our itinerary. You really should experiment with Excel - I think you would like it -- I'm a major list-maker too and Excel is great for ranking/sorting/reordering, etc.

Someday we may drive. Going down I think would be fine, but it's the coming back home that makes me cringe. Have you thought about finding some good books on CD from your library to keep you awake/alert? That might be good to help pass the time, too.

Don't stress about packing - you already have all those outfits and the drawer stuff set aside, so you're in great shape! Getting a DH packed is another story. I always ask mine to get his own stuff together and he's good about it - I have myself and the 3 girls to get together, so that's plenty! I really don't have any advice on this point, but wish you good luck & hope he's feeling better (at least you aren't flying with the potential ear issues - that could be bad news).

I can't remember whatever else I was going to chime in with. We're doing a 2-way split stay for our first ever as DVC owners in August and are really excited. I hope you enjoy the 3-way split! Would it be a total pain to pack for that first night in its own bag? Might make things easier when you're down there - just bring that one bag in with you for the night? Just a thought.

Have a great time - almost there!!!

 

[Kathymford]

Would it be a total pain to pack for that first night in its own bag? Might make things easier when you're down there - just bring that one bag in with you for the night? Just a thought.

I just read on another thread that people do this. I feel so dumb not thinking of that, but I think for my first trip, I want to just stay in one place and RELAX. It will be my first full week's vacation since 2001! Very excited.

And reading your PTR has made me excited for you!! *living vicariously*

 

[KSL]

Kathymford, ITA about staying in one place for a week, especially for a first visit. I think DVC members end up splitting more often due to points considerations and a desire to try new places. That was the case with us, anyway = we couldn't decide between AKL and BLT and couldn't get the entire length at either place anyway, so decided to split. This is our first split, so hopefully it will go smoothly! PS - Jealous that you nabbed the Old Navy Groupon!!

JenSop, seeing all your outfits has made me seriously consider the pathetic state of my current wardrobe. I need to upgrade!!!!

 

[JenSop]

Don't stress too much!! I was surprised they released that info so early, I thought it was usually towards the end of summer

Yeah, it's usually in August. I think almost everyone is shocked at how early they released the packages! Kind of wish they waited until the first week of July or something....

Hi Jen,

I'm joining late but at least while this is still a PRE-TR! I've read some of your other TRs and they're so fun, so I had to read here too. A bunch of random thoughts on previous posts:

LOVE the outfits, especially the newest pink one. Wish I were in shape to wear any of them. Passed on that Old Navy Groupon - DARN! I like the blue & white striped one for Yachtsman - seems in keeping with the theme! Also love the shoes for your anniversary dress.

Your Disney drawer looks like my DVC bag (the freebie we got when we joined) it's full of lots of the same things - including those Mickey BandAids!

On your videos, how about the top 5 cueing areas? I think I read that they re-did the one for the Pooh ride, and of course the HM, and lots of them are really fun and might reassure people that even waiting in line can be entertaining!

Also wanted to say I do the same thing with a chart for our itinerary. You really should experiment with Excel - I think you would like it -- I'm a major list-maker too and Excel is great for ranking/sorting/reordering, etc.

Someday we may drive. Going down I think would be fine, but it's the coming back home that makes me cringe. Have you thought about finding some good books on CD from your library to keep you awake/alert? That might be good to help pass the time, too.

Don't stress about packing - you already have all those outfits and the drawer stuff set aside, so you're in great shape! Getting a DH packed is another story. I always ask mine to get his own stuff together and he's good about it - I have myself and the 3 girls to get together, so that's plenty! I really don't have any advice on this point, but wish you good luck & hope he's feeling better (at least you aren't flying with the potential ear issues - that could be bad news).

I can't remember whatever else I was going to chime in with. We're doing a 2-way split stay for our first ever as DVC owners in August and are really excited. I hope you enjoy the 3-way split! Would it be a total pain to pack for that first night in its own bag? Might make things easier when you're down there - just bring that one bag in with you for the night? Just a thought.

Have a great time - almost there!!!

Thanks so much for coming along for the ride! And thanks for reading my other TR's!

Yes - that drive back home is SO horrible! But Brian works part time at Barnes and Noble and got us some audio books. The one I'm MOST excited about is Tina Fey's book, "Bossypants." I love Tina Fey and have heard nothing but wonderful things about her book, so that should actually make the drive slightly less grueling.

Congrats on your first DVC trip coming up! Man, we love being DVC - it's awesome. With the rate that Disney hotel prices are going up, it makes me glad that we have those prepaid rooms until 2057!

I just read on another thread that people do this. I feel so dumb not thinking of that, but I think for my first trip, I want to just stay in one place and RELAX. It will be my first full week's vacation since 2001! Very excited.

And reading your PTR has made me excited for you!! *living vicariously*

I think we just may do this - almost like a little carry-on bag for the first night. Just gotta figure out what those outfits will be!

 

[JenSop]

Hi everyone! Thanks for the words of support! In good news, Brian seems to be feeling MUCH better!

It's definitely going to be a very fast week, that's for sure! I'm obviously busy pricing out trips for people. And now the Disney site went down and I'm on hold for what I'm guessing will be quite some time. (With all the other travel agents trying to price out Disney trips too!) That's okay - gives me a chance to update my PTR!

Add to the stress a possibly sick kitty to the mix. Our little guy already has a lot of health problems. He had kidney failure a little over 3 years ago (one of his kidneys is now pretty much shriveled up and non-existent), so now he has to have special food, medicine, and get sub-cutaneous fluids via IV every other day. He's been throwing up a bit for the last two days, so I had to make him an appointment and they can get him in tomorrow night at the vet. These kinds of things always have the best timing. His last big health thing was having his bladder stone surgically removed this past December - right in the middle of our Christmas caroling season. Worst case scenario, we end up with a REALLY expensive vet visit if he has to stay there while we're away. Otherwise my mom's set up to come to the house every day to take care of him.

For the videos, I decided to consolidate, as I'm afraid of biting off more than I can chew. (Something I have been known to do on occasion!) So I'm still going to have a top gift shops video and a hidden gems video, but I'll consolidate the other top 5's into a master top 10 list that will have different stuff all together - like Dole Whip Floats and Expedition Everest. And I'm still going to do the Fastpass and Photopass videos. Plus the summer tips video. I think that will be plenty! Still trying to have a vacation after all!

I can't believe it's almost here. Like, really, it just doesn't feel like it's just 4 days away! Holy moly!!!!! No matter what happens, I'll be at my happy place really soon! Yay!

Not sure how many more PTR updates there will be, but as soon as I get home, I'll set up a thread for my actual TR and will post the link here so you can all hop over to see our trip adventures!

 

[mousegear]

Are you all packed and ready? You must be supper excited! I can't wait for your TR. I wish you wonderful time and have safe trip!!!

 

[JenSop]

Are you all packed and ready? You must be supper excited! I can't wait for your TR. I wish you wonderful time and have safe trip!!!

I'm SO not packed. yikes - still so much to do. And Brian hasn't even started getting ANYthing together. That's making me even more nervous.

 

[JenSop]

Holy cow everybody! I officially leave for Disney in four days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Granted, we actually won't get there until Saturday, but it all feels like one freakishly super long day when you drive straight through!)

I've decided to wear my Figment Tshirt for the trip down there. That way I can use my *Imagination* when thinking about all the great things we'll be doing on our trip.






(That's the best humor you can expect out of me at 1:15am! )



So I think I have more outfits than I need, but I really need to lay them all out on the bed. I'm going to go to a planning extreme and have a page laid down on the bed that labels each day, then put that day's outfits next to it.

For each day I'll need an outfit to start with in the morning. (The one that will get the most sweat-soaked.) Then I'll need a cute dress for going out to dinner. Then on some nights, I'll need a more casual outfit to change into to go back out to the parks.

I started packing my make-up bag and my bathroom bag. I also got out my small travel purse.

Tomorrow I want to call MS to check that all is good to go for the points portion of our stay. (And that the CM correctly added on our DDP.)

I did two loads of laundry tonight and am getting it all done.

Ooh! I almost forgot, I also have to pre-order our Photopass! Putting that on the To-Do list.

And I started a grocery list of stuff to get for the road trip and food to keep in our villa.

Sunscreen is all put together.

I almost think I'm getting there now!

Next step - get some sleep! Til next time!

 

[Kathymford]

So excited for you! I can't imagine (yet) being so close! Have a safe trip!

 

[Villainess]

I wish I was leaving in 4 days .... so jealous! I plan outfits out for DD and DS like you described. I am usually so tired of packing by the time I get around to my clothes that I usually just plop things in the suitcase.