PTR: Our last big extended family vacation (we think!) Aug. 2025! (edit 4/19/25)

[Becky2005]

It's been a while and I thought I would pop on here to do a mini update even though it is still quite a bit of hurry up and wait!!

We are under 150 days though before we go so it seems so close yet so far away.

My youngest DS just recently got a job and we aren't 100% sure he will be able to get the time off to go with us, which is a bummer! We won't know until mid April when he can request the time off, even though he did tell everyone he could about the trip beforehand. I'm 90% sure it will be fine but we won't know officially until then.

I am anxiously awaiting to see if the free dining offer that was offered to Disney Visa card holders will be opened to all those who staying on-site on March 26. It would make my life so much easier as we are on the fence about the regular dining plan. We know it would cost us more than not having it but knowing my DH like I do, it would my make life so less stressful having it taken care of ahead of time. Free would be perfect.

Also waiting to see when they are going to announce the Halloween party dates. Right now we are basing everything on last year's dates and what we assume will be the dates but until it's official, it's a complete guess on our parts.

I have found out that it seems everyone (but my DS) now has managed to get the time off needed for transportation and basically we are all driving.

We pretty much have everything figured out except a few things with my niece & her boyfriend which we plan to hash out more of the details Sunday since my sister is in town visiting.

 

[summerlvr]

Hi there, I'm enjoying reading your PTR, hope you continue to give updates! I just booked the free dining package for my September trip, so I hope it works out for you too!

 

[Becky2005]

This waiting is the hardest part!!! We are *so* close, yet so far away still!! LOL! Always seem to be waiting on one or two pieces to fall into place.

We did end up getting the free dining offer, so that was nice. It bumped us from the quick service one to the regular one. We had been debating on it - mostly for my DH. Moneywise, we probably would lose money since we don't drink alcohol but my husband is also the kind that would see the prices and freak out even though he wants sit down meals. UGH!

Trying to make everyone happy with so many variables is *not* easy and that is just my own family! LOL! 2 who do not like buffets, 1 that loves buffets, 1 that loves a big breakfast, others who don't eat breakfast at all.

I have no idea what we are going to do when it comes to meals but we will figure something out as it always works out one way or another. Add in all the others going on the vacation which also includes a vegetarian, whew! I do know the meetup for meals will be quick service - so I don't have to worry about making ADRs for a big group.

I know Liberty Tree Tavern needs to be in there & I am wondering if I can wait on that and not do it exactly at 90 days, which we are just less than a month out from.

Yesterday was the first day we were able to send in to request my youngest DS's time off. Fingers crossed it gets approved. It won't be paid since he is new at the job but they could just as easily deny him too (yes, he did tell them upfront when he got hired about the upcoming trip but there was no guarantees he could get it off). We will probably know in about a week or so.

ON the flip side, we did have the meeting with my niece (brother's daughter) and turns out they were able to get the full time off & although they may go exploring more of Florida vs. just a Disney vacation it's all good. My other niece (sister's daughter) also was able to get all the time needed so we are all good there. We are all driving so needed the extra time & since several of us work retail -- getting 2 weekends in a row off was the main issue.