PTR WDW Christmas Trip

[amazingact21]

A Disney proposal?! You are living my dream!

I know its hard, but stop stressing about all of the family stuff and a possible engagement and try to enjoy the excitement/anticipation before a trip - its half the fun!

Everything will work out and I'm sure if your DBF is so enamored with you you'll be able to hold your own being with his family for 4 days.

Thanks for the advice! I keep telling myself to appreciate the anticipation of a trip, because I'll miss it when January rolls around.

I'm guessing you would love a WDW proposal? Call me a hopeless romantic, but every time I read/hear about a young couple going to WDW, I wonder for a split second if something extra special will happen. So when I saw you and your DBF were going for the holiday decorations, it made me go, "Awwww."

 

[amazingact21]

Happy Black Friday everyone! I did not venture to out to the stores this morning and brave the crowds. It's been raining where I'm at all day, so I have been curled up inside with a book and my homework assignment.

I also did something very courageous for me. I made an ADR!!!

A little back story... DBF and I are on a tight budget. It's not an extremely small one, but being two 20 something year olds, we aren't exactly rolling in the dough. After DBF got back from his deployement in June, he paid off his car. (The one benifit to being sent overseas, they pay you a heck of a lot of money to do it).
Well, the money that was originally going into the car is now being used for our vacation. Meaning, we easily were able to buy the room and tickets, but we have to make sure we don't overdue the food costs.
DBF wanted this vacation to be very relaxed and stress-free, and he knew that if I made us have to be at a certain place at a certain time, I'd stress some. It's just who I am. Therefore, he asked me not to make any ADRs that way we can eat when we feel like it and save some money with counter-service places.

Well, I understood where he was coming from, and I am not that picky of an eater. As long as it's edible and hot, I'll be content. Plus, the majority of the food will be paid for by him, so I can't argue about where he wants to spend it.

However, I begged him to let us have one nice meal while we're there. I wanted one table service meal that I could ooh and ahh about.
Yesterday, when I had him cornered with my mother, I kept asking and asking and eventually I got this response: "If you think there are going to be any open ADRs left, you can try, but I doubt you'll find one."

Hah! He has no idea how persistant I can be. I got on this morning and looked at the restaurants available for the parks on the days we'll be there. Then, I got to thinking about how much DBF dreaded being tied down during our outings, and I decided to search for something the night of the 17th. I mean, that is our "down day." All I had planned was Downtown Disney and seeing other resorts.
So why not plan something nice to eat?

I pulled up the Polynesian, since it's the resort closest to SoG and found an 8pm ADR for Kona Cafe!
Unfamiliar with what they served, I pulled up their menu and saw their special. 29.99 for appetizer, entree, and dessert?!?!
Examining the menu, I saw pot stickers, Coconute-Almond Chicken, and White Chocolate Cheesecake. My mouth started watering on the spot. I ran across my room, grabbed my phone off the nightstand, and called DBF.
I told him to listen to the menu. He was a tad bit apprehensive when I said the first few choices, but when I said Teriyaki-style New York Strip he stopped me and said the best two words in the world. "Book it."

HAPPY DANCE!!!

I am extremely happy that we get to do this on the 17th, because this is our two year anniversary of our first date. I know, that's really cheesy, but I figured if there ever was a time to be romantic, it's at WDW. (The 21st, our last night at Disney, will be our two year anniversary of our first kiss. Awww)

The only problem with making one ADR is that I want to make more! I appreciate the fact that DBF let me make one, so I just need to calm my nerves. Now that I have shared my excitement over my ADR, I am going to watch the Holiday Disney special on HGTV that I taped.

 

[Nemo32]

You are going to love Kona!! It is sooo good! And WDW is the perfect place to be romantic

 

[amazingact21]

Ahhhh.... After Thanksgiving Sales. I don't like shopping on Black Friday, but I have no problem going out the following day.

A few months ago, I promised myself I would not buy any Disney-related clothes (meaning winter clothes, ultimatly) until all my critical assignments were done at school. I put my money on a "shopping freeze," and I stuck to my guns. I didn't buy a single shirt, sock, or shoe in almost three months.

Finally, I turned in my last critical assignment on Monday, and today I hit the stores! With only 20 days left before I leave for NINE days, I was ready to buy some outfits. Thankfully, after 4 hours and not a lot of money at all, I have every single thing I need for my WDW trip. YAY!!! (Well, except for one thing, but who's counting one tiny little item?)

Now that I have everything bought, I needed some piece of mind. I am an extreme organization person; I need to know how everything is going to be laid out way ahead of time. The fact that I haven't considered my Disney wardrobe at all until now is mind-boggling.
Anywho, I hopped onto my favorite program in the entire world and created a spreadsheet of everything I need to pack. Since FL weather is unpredictable, I added alternative items, that way I am prepared for warm or chilly weather.

This is a vague image of what it looks like. I know they are extremely small and blurry, but I just wanted everyone to get the jist of how crazy organized I am.

My overall schedule:

Listed Clothing Items:

All the extra stuff:

I emailed it to DBF and he called me up saying, "Really, Alicia, was that necessary? I think you went a little overboard."

And my response to that was: "Just be glad I didn't make one for you."


I love the fact that I know what I will be wearing and to which park I am going to. My madness bled through a little during the planning stage, because some of my outfits match the parks I am attending.
Okay, as if it weren't apparent already, I kinda like clothes. In my defense, though, I am concentrating a little bit harder on my wardrobe this trip because A) I'm meeting DBF's family and want to look presentable and B) I want to look decent in my picks if DBF pops the question!!!
I know, that sounds terribly vain, but I don't want my kids to look at my engagement photos from thirty years ago and go "Ewww, Mom, what were you thinking?!?!" In addition to that, an engagement photo would be circulating to friends and family, and some of them don't exactly hold back punches.

I just realized tonight that I have to get all my Christmas shopping done before I leave! By the time I make it back home it'll be the night of the 24th, so I have to jump ahead and start trying to figure out gift ideas. So, in actuality, I have about 19 Christmas gift shopping days left. EECK!

 

[Nemo32]

I LOVE how organized you are! I am the exact same way.

 

[belleinpink]

Alicia!!!! I found you!! It's Courtney btw. Plans look great so far and really get me itchin to start planning my trip for next year.

 

[magichusky]

Buster is just adorable! I love that you describe him as a nightmare. I've had 4 dogs over the years but only knew one of them as a puppy, and boy was she a terror!!

And omg- my family and I are checking into SoG on 12/17! Maybe we'll see you guys around! This is our first trip to WDW so we're all pretty stoked. Furthermore, I must say that I am in complete awe over your clothing spreadsheets and itemized lists. Your genius is well beyond my feeble capacity for planning ahead!

 

[amazingact21]

Alicia!!!! I found you!! It's Courtney btw. Plans look great so far and really get me itchin to start planning my trip for next year.

Hey, Courtney!!! I can't wait to hear about your trip, it'll be nice to hear about someone else's trip experience with a deployed DBF.

 

[amazingact21]

Buster is just adorable! I love that you describe him as a nightmare. I've had 4 dogs over the years but only knew one of them as a puppy, and boy was she a terror!!

And omg- my family and I are checking into SoG on 12/17! Maybe we'll see you guys around! This is our first trip to WDW so we're all pretty stoked. Furthermore, I must say that I am in complete awe over your clothing spreadsheets and itemized lists. Your genius is well beyond my feeble capacity for planning ahead!

Yay for SoG! I will definitely keep an eye out while I'm there. I don't forsee us spending a lot of time at the hotels, but if you guys are checking in around 3, then I'll probably see you.

Do you guys know what parks you guys are going to on what days? I'm sure we're bound to be going to some parks at the same time, and if so I'll keep a look out.
Do you have a PTR for the upcoming trip?

 

[amazingact21]

First off, 16 days!!!

I told DBF that once December rolled around I'd become even worse as far as anticipation goes. I've been trying to make a music list so I can create Disney playlists for the drive, but unfortunatly I have been so busy with daily life, I haven't put much effort into it.

Right now, school has swept away some of my pixie dust. Originally, I was supposed to be finished with classes on the 9th, but yesterday two of my professors announced they were extending class until the 14th and have decided on making a comprehensive final. Noooooooooo!!!!!

It has stressed me a little, because that only gives me one day to get everything ready before our departure date. Yikes! I would work ahead and get some pre-trip errands and jobs done, but I have 11 projects to do in two weeks! They aren't necessarily difficult, but they are time-consuming. I never would have guessed a year ago that making tests for 2nd graders would be so long.

Because of the time I have to dedict to school, I am starting to worry that I won't have time to get my trip organized. I had to cancel a hair and nail appointment yesterday, because I had it scheduled for the day of my exams. So now I have no idea when I am going to get those done. I also have to make my playlists, pick up my last few items, buy the groceries, and find a park bag. Yeesh!

To add to matters, DBF got called into work this weekend. We have not actually gone out on a date since Halloween! He went with my family and I to see Harry Potter on the 20th, and he spent Thanksgiving with us, but other than that we've had to make do with texts and phone calls.

Him having to work this weekend means we won't even have the chance to see each other until the 12th. Well, at first I was all right with that. Then my profs sprung my exams on me, meaning no dates for me the weekend before finals. I am the type of person who has to study, study, study!!!

Well, if we can't see each other this weekend, and we can't see each other next weekend, that means the next time we will meet will be ON VACATION!!!

The control freak that I am is sooooo nervous about DBF getting ready in time. He tends to procrastinate and do things half-butt. I can already forsee him forgetting a million things, like dog food and his toiletry bag. I won't be able to make sure he packed enough clothes and at least has things semi-matching. (There's a reason my DBF is in the Air Force, in his words, "They dress me, I don't have to worry about looking nice. I just get up and throw on a uniform.) To say DBF is a little clothing challenged is an understatement.

The biggest disappointment, though, is that we won't be able to get excited together. Sure, we can discuss it over the phone, but we won't be able to go grocery shopping together and imagine eating at WDW. We won't be able decorate his apartment with Disney Christmas decorations like we'd planned. And I won't be able to show him our trip plans until we're actually on the vacation.

This brings back memories of the deployment. Anyone who has tried to tell a story or discuss their day knows that it's not as exciting or in-depth as it would be if you were telling it face to face. Hearing someone over the phone during deployments is nice, but it's not enough, if that makes sense. Just like talking about our WDW plans is fun, but it's not as wonderful as it could be.

 

[Nemo32]

Sorry to hear you won't be able to get excited together in person! My DBF is a procrastinator too, so I know how you feel. Hang in there...WDW in 2 weeks!

 

[amazingact21]

Sorry to hear you won't be able to get excited together in person! My DBF is a procrastinator too, so I know how you feel. Hang in there...WDW in 2 weeks!

Exactly two weeks from today!!!

Glad to see my DBF isn't the only one who puts things off, does yours wait until the afternoon before the trip to pack as well? Drives me a little crazy, but in the end, if he has all his stuff, I don't worry.

 

[amazingact21]

10 days!!!!!


I'm about to hit single digits! Technically, if I count the day of traveling, I have 9 days. Whooo


A quick update, I have 3 classes left before WDW, and I am just about done with all my projects. Hooray. I had some free time last Sunday, so I decided to make some mix playlists for the 7 hour drive. I don't think I could go that long without any good songs to listen to. Plus, it's in my master plan to get DBF ridiculously excited before he even enters the world. Therefore, I made 6 six CDs, three of them being entirely Disney music.

While I was trying to take a picture, I got some help from my cat, Oreo.

I've known her since before she was born. I knew the mother cat, and when she became pregnant I immediately decided to take one of her kittens. Unfortunatly, I found out a few months ago she has an incurable disease. Therefore, I spoil her rotten and she returns the favor by jumping into every photo I try to take. She loves the camera.

My WDW trip will be the first time I've been away from her for longer than a few days. I am going to miss her.


There are still so many things I still have left to do! I need to search my house and find where my suticase is stashed, buy the groceries, pick up one more item from the store, and I STILL NEED TO GO CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! Yikes. I can't believe I have been such a slacker; if I don't get in gear my entire family is getting Disney souveneirs! (I'd have no problem with that, but some relatives might be annoyed. Sheesh...my un-magical family.)
So much to do, so little time!

 

[Nemo32]

Great idea to make mix CDs! Love your cat...reminds me of mine that passed away in March. It was tough leaving her, but think, when you are depressed leaving Disney you have her to go home to

 

[DisneyAsh32]

Subbing in!

Although I think I'm a little late!

I love your spreadsheet with your outfits for each day. I'm definitely going to have to borrow that idea.

And I'm currently taking finals right now too. Don't you hate when school gets in the way of your Disney Planning!

 

[amazingact21]

Great idea to make mix CDs! Love your cat...reminds me of mine that passed away in March. It was tough leaving her, but think, when you are depressed leaving Disney you have her to go home to

That's a good way to look at it! My cat is very vengeful, so she'll probably keep me so distracted with misbehaving that I won't have too much time to think about WDW.

Subbing in!

Although I think I'm a little late!

I love your spreadsheet with your outfits for each day. I'm definitely going to have to borrow that idea.

And I'm currently taking finals right now too. Don't you hate when school gets in the way of your Disney Planning!

Thanks for subbing! You're never too late, but I will admit, this close to my trip, my posts will contain a lot of excitement and rambling about last minute details.


Taking finals is so distracting! Thankfully my hardest final has been turned into a take-home test, so I can hopefully finish it before Tuesday and have that day to pack.

 

[amazingact21]

I interrupt this PTR to announce...


I'M DOWN TO SINGLE DIGITS!!!!


This time next week I'll be packing my bags to go to WDW!!

It is FINALLY here. I thought December would just remain in the far off distance. And, of course, the month couldn't arrive without bringing me a lovely present. What did this wonderful, chilly, windy month give me?

....


A cold.





Yesterday, I had a terrible headache all day long. I could tell it was sinus pressure, so I took some airborne and Ibuprofen and went to bed at 8pm. (I'm a real night owl)
And I slept 12 hours! The only time I ever sleep 12 hours is when I'm sick.
Oh no!
I have taken more airborne, done my nettypot (which is amazing for relieving head pressure) and took some more congestion relief medicine.

Let's hope I kick this thing before it kicks me. Whenever I come down with a cold, it sticks around for at least two and half weeks. Which, obviously, I do not have time for. The next nine days will be filled with vitamins and hot tea and lots of rest.

And, of course, school. Can't forget those annoying little tests that are the only thing standing in my way of WDW.

Here's to making it through the final week and a half!

 

[amazingact21]

It's happening THIS WEEK!!!!

Let's just hope my classes will cooperate and I will be celebrating a successful fall semester and not a mad rat maze to get my grades. Apparently, one of my internship teachers has yet to send in my evaluation, and if they don't mail it to my professor by Thursday, I don't pass the class. So you can imagine I have been sitting by my phone and computer like a madwoman, waiting for some kind of sign that my papers are in.
I really don't want to stress about school while I'm on my trip, but it looks like I might be changing my class registration on the Epcot monorail. Hmmpf


DBF made a gigantic mistake of letting me on his laptop yesterday morning. I happened to go to the WDW dining reservation site, and I just happened to see an opening for the Sci-fi Dine-In Theatre for the day we are at HS.

Hmmm......

So who now has a SECOND ADR?

I DO!!!

I knew if there was going to be any other ADRs, it was going to be here. DBF is a huge fantasy nerd and loves milkshakes. What better arguement than a two-in-one deal? Hee hee hee. I can be so sneaky.

Thinking that I had everything perfectly planned out, I went to the WDW site this morning just to keep my excitement at its outrageous level and saw a change. Extra Magic Hours extended!!!

Now, my park days look like this:

December 18th: Epcot 9:00am-9:30pm
December 19th: Hollywood Studios 9:00am-1:00am (!!!)
December 20th: Magic Kingdom 8:00am-3:00am (WHAT THE?@!?)
December 21st: Animal Kingdom/MK 8:00am-8:00pm.......10:00pm(MK)


3 o'clock in the morning. What in the WORLD?! I suppose if I stay until 1am at HS, I can arrive at MK a little bit later. But what about poor AK? I wanted to be there for rope drop? Not to mention, I have to check out on the 21st!
I'm good, but I'm not stay up til 3, wake up at 6, pack, check out, and drive to AK at 8 good.


I suppose I'll just play it by ear and leave it up to fate to decide if I sleep at all this trip.

Another good fact I found out this morning is that Fantasmic will be performing on the 19th. I love this show, and I really want DBF to witness it.

A quick side note before I end this post...I saw Tangled last night. It was such a sweet, classic Disney movie. And in the most proud Disney planning moment I have had, my DBF turned to me on the carride home and announced, "I am finding a Pascal pin."
Mission get DBF completely Disney hooked: ACCOMPLISHED.

My mouth hit the floor and I just kind of stared at him in shock. First off, DBF never showed any interest in starting a pin set. Second, he has never admitted thoroughly enjoying a Disney animal character.

His excitement at that moment is going to carry me through the remaining 4 days.

 

[magichusky]

And in the most proud Disney planning moment I have had, my DBF turned to me on the carride home and announced, "I am finding a Pascal pin."

OMG that's such a breakthrough! I've been asking my family which rides they're excited for and they can't think of a one. What a triumph on your part!! And my sister and I are totally doing MK until 3am (well, maybe not quite, but hopefully close!). I don't think I've ever been out in public at 3am! I wonder how many people will be there?

 

[DisneyAsh32]

Wow! you've had so much good luck this week

and i'm sure your school situation will work out, i know how difficult that can be.