Seattle Goobers' January '12 Trip! UPDATE 1/30: The TR has begun! :)

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

OH MY WORD! I LOVE THAT TRIP JOURNAL!

I LOOOOOVE UP!

I need to watch that movie again! LOVE IT!




I'm actually very jealous of that trip journal.


And I'm very jealous that your trip is so soon!

 

[danimaroo]

Thanks

I'll be hoping for some energy then. I think it'll just be my little sister and me at EMH that night.

Is lines the one that requires a Touring Plans subscription? I wanted that one, but I don't have a TP membership.

Glad you guys are getting pumped!
You're the best.


LOVE THIS NOTEBOOK!!! Good job finding it, Matt!!


When I saw that story I thought about Philarmagic too.
]
You're so lucky! There are a lot of us who wish our BFs/DF/DHs could love the magic like him.

Awesome! Yes, I was so happy he found it because I just couldn't. I am the worst at finding things sometimes though.

Glad we were thinking the same thing, I felt like such a dork when I said it, hahaha.

I am a very lucky lady. He's quite a catch.

OMG!! You guys are sooo close!!

Love that journal!! I took a small book from the dollar store, so hopefully it will help me with our TR.

Have a nice relaxing weekend....

I know! You guys are already back, but I can't wait to read your TR!

I hoping it helps. I looking forward to using it and also putting photos in it, too!

Weekend ended a little short at the cabin (I'll explain why in today's update), but we are relaxing at home and are using the extra time to pack, too, so it's not too bad!

OH MY WORD! I LOVE THAT TRIP JOURNAL!

I LOOOOOVE UP!

I need to watch that movie again! LOVE IT!

I'm actually very jealous of that trip journal.

And I'm very jealous that your trip is so soon!

Ahhhhh thanks. I love it and it's so perfect! It even has little stickers I can add to it.

I want to watch it again, too, but I know I'll start sobbing at the music.

Can't wait to see another update in your TR! Hopefully before we head out!

 

[danimaroo]

So I just lost an entire update for today, explaining why I'm even posting when I said I wouldn't be.... It was completely done and I was just formatting the oost... and then Safari crashed on my iPad and I lost everything.

Not really happy since that took me a long time, so I'll post in a bit from Matt's MacBook. Ugh, so frustrating though!

 

[danimaroo]

Okay, I'm not even joking. This is take THREE on this post. So I can't promise it's going to be that great because I'm kind of just wanting to get it done and over with. First time, Safari crashed on my iPad, second time, I didn't check "remember me" when I logged myself onto the DIS on Matt's MacBook, so when I went to post the update, it logged me out and I lost everything. Honestly, it's my own fault, but still extremely irritating. At least it wasn't a TR update or something.

We're home early because of snow. Basically, our drive up to the cabin was this:

Our drive home this morning was this:

The drive home was absolutely terrifying. We almost got into a serious accident after we hydroplaned and almost lost control near a bridge. Ugh, I get sick just thinking about it. Needless to say, I'm glad we're home safe and sound right now.

On a lighter note, we were able to do more packing which is great! I also definitely picked out my outfit for our first day in the parks. Am I a huge nerd or what?!

Oh, and I got to do this!

4 days! So insanely awesome. But now I'm starting to panic that we have so much to do with so little time. At least after my laundry tomorrow all of my clothes are packed, so that's definitely good. I'm just glad I have Monday off to get all the last-minute stuff done!

Now, the bad news. They're predicting snow this week. My hope is that by Wednesday it'll be rained out, because I am going to lose my head if our flight is canceled or delayed due to snow. I mean, we could've use this snow back in November when I needed some days to work from home! Not when I'm about to go on vacation! Fingers crossed that it'll be nothing... but I can't say that I'm not nervous.

Anyway, onto something more fun! Photo challenge, and it's almost over! Just a few more days...

Day 28: A picture of your favorite place to hide from the crowds

World Showcase... and I suppose in this instance, I enjoy hiding in the phone booth in England! No but really, we love getting away from the crowds at Epcot by hitting up the World Showcase. Things are a bit leisurely over there and it's a nice break from the craziness of all the big attractions. I'm really excited that we are going to spend tons of time there this trip, since we're literally a 5 minute walk from France and England.

 

[danimaroo]

Okay, here's hoping today it only takes me one time to write this update! As you can see, we are a mere 3 days away from our trip. Where the heck has time gone? I just hope that time slows down a bit on our trip. I think it will, since last trip I remember feeling Iike we had all the time in the world because of how much we got done every day in the parks.

Last night (after the Pats destroyed the Broncos ), we watched Tangled (Matt's request!) while we played board games... I love that movie so much, and this scene makes my life complete.

Today has been a cleaning, laundry and packing day. I've got my final load of laundry in the dryer right now, so once that is done we will be doing the final bits of packing! We also did a ton of cleaning, leaving us with not much else to do on that front. Tomorrow I've got a bunch of errands to run, including trips to Ross and Costco, then it'll be a whole lot more of just waiting to leave and snuggling our puppersons... Oh, and work, BOOOOO!

Oh and it's snowing here! It's very pretty but not getting too crazy.

Day 29, here we come!

Day 29: A picture of something you dream about happening to you at a Disney park

Not a big fan of today's challenge because I already used the photo I would've used for today. I think everyone dreams of getting to pull the sword out of the stone! Buuuut since I used that one, I picked out a photo of the Grand Floridian because I think it'd be awesome to be upgraded to a beautiful room at GF or Beach Club.

Don't get me wrong, I'm just happy to be staying at Beach Club as it is, but if we were somehow bumped up to a one-bedroom from our studio, I would be ecstatic. I think I got spoiled during our last trip, since we had a one-bedroom at OKW and being able to soak in that big jacuzzi hot tub every night was a Godsend. But I'm going to be happy to be at BCV, so I'm not going to complain!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

You are so close! I'm extra snuggly with my furry kids as well, this will be the longest I have left them, but at least we have a college girl staying here so they can be at home while we are gone.

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

I just LOVE this photo challenge! SO much fun!

 

[danimaroo]

You are so close! I'm extra snuggly with my furry kids as well, this will be the longest I have left them, but at least we have a college girl staying here so they can be at home while we are gone.

I KNOW! And yes, we have given the pups loooots of extra snuggles, though Milo still knows something is up. He sat on the bed and hid his face in my clothes while we were doing the last bit of packing. Poor little guy though... but I don't feel so bad since our friends are staying at our house with the dogs and they'll be fine after a day or two.

 

[danimaroo]

I just LOVE this photo challenge! SO much fun!

Sorry, somehow totally missed this reply! It is a fun challenge because it encourages an update pretty much daily!

Sometimes my updates are boring so at least a photo helps make it somewhat interesting.

 

[okw19]

Okay, I'm not even joking. This is take THREE on this post. So I can't promise it's going to be that great because I'm kind of just wanting to get it done and over with. First time, Safari crashed on my iPad, second time, I didn't check "remember me" when I logged myself onto the DIS on Matt's MacBook, so when I went to post the update, it logged me out and I lost everything. Honestly, it's my own fault, but still extremely irritating. At least it wasn't a TR update or something.
The drive home was absolutely terrifying. We almost got into a serious accident after we hydroplaned and almost lost control near a bridge. Ugh, I get sick just thinking about it. Needless to say, I'm glad we're home safe and sound right now.

Oh my goodness, third time is a charm! That ride home would scare the bejeebies out of me! Glad you guys are safe.

On a lighter note, we were able to do more packing which is great! I also definitely picked out my outfit for our first day in the parks. Am I a huge nerd or what?!

Oh, and I got to do this!
4 days! So insanely awesome. But now I'm starting to panic that we have so much to do with so little time. At least after my laundry tomorrow all of my clothes are packed, so that's definitely good. I'm just glad I have Monday off to get all the last-minute stuff done!

Now, the bad news. They're predicting snow this week. My hope is that by Wednesday it'll be rained out, because I am going to lose my head if our flight is canceled or delayed due to snow. I mean, we could've use this snow back in November when I needed some days to work from home! Not when I'm about to go on vacation! Fingers crossed that it'll be nothing... but I can't say that I'm not nervous.

I have my first day outfit picked out! How funny would it be if we wear our Mickey & Minnie Old Navy shirt on the same day?
I only work Tuesday and Thursday so I have 2 days to do a ton of laundry and pack. You're way ahead of me!
I hope your flight doesn't get messed up. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Anyway, onto something more fun! Photo challenge, and it's almost over! Just a few more days...

Day 28: A picture of your favorite place to hide from the crowds
World Showcase... and I suppose in this instance, I enjoy hiding in the phone booth in England! No but really, we love getting away from the crowds at Epcot by hitting up the World Showcase. Things are a bit leisurely over there and it's a nice break from the craziness of all the big attractions. I'm really excited that we are going to spend tons of time there this trip, since we're literally a 5 minute walk from France and England.

Love the WS for this reason! There is SO much to see and do that the average tourist would walk right past.

Okay, here's hoping today it only takes me one time to write this update! As you can see, we are a mere 3 days away from our trip. Where the heck has time gone? I just hope that time slows down a bit on our trip. I think it will, since last trip I remember feeling Iike we had all the time in the world because of how much we got done every day in the parks.

Time has flown by, and I'm glad to go on the trip, but I'm scared too about the trip going by too fast.

Last night (after the Pats destroyed the Broncos ), we watched Tangled (Matt's request!) while we played board games... I love that movie so much, and this scene makes my life complete.

Today has been a cleaning, laundry and packing day. I've got my final load of laundry in the dryer right now, so once that is done we will be doing the final bits of packing! We also did a ton of cleaning, leaving us with not much else to do on that front. Tomorrow I've got a bunch of errands to run, including trips to Ross and Costco, then it'll be a whole lot more of just waiting to leave and snuggling our puppersons... Oh, and work, BOOOOO!

That is such a beautiful scene. I'm jealous you're done with laundry. Come do mine! Also I want snow!! not until after the trip though.

Day 29, here we come!

Day 29: A picture of something you dream about happening to you at a Disney park
Not a big fan of today's challenge because I already used the photo I would've used for today. I think everyone dreams of getting to pull the sword out of the stone! Buuuut since I used that one, I picked out a photo of the Grand Floridian because I think it'd be awesome to be upgraded to a beautiful room at GF or Beach Club.

Don't get me wrong, I'm just happy to be staying at Beach Club as it is, but if we were somehow bumped up to a one-bedroom from our studio, I would be ecstatic. I think I got spoiled during our last trip, since we had a one-bedroom at OKW and being able to soak in that big jacuzzi hot tub every night was a Godsend. But I'm going to be happy to be at BCV, so I'm not going to complain!

I've given up on the sword thing because I'm too old, but maybe Ri will get it one day. I think it'd be awesome to get an upgrade sometime! That jacuzzi is awesome isn't it? We have pics of me as a kid in my bathing suit using it as a hot tub.

 

[danimaroo]

Oh my goodness, third time is a charm! That ride home would scare the bejeebies out of me! Glad you guys are safe.

Yes, it was not a fun drive at all!

I have my first day outfit picked out! How funny would it be if we wear our Mickey & Minnie Old Navy shirt on the same day?
I only work Tuesday and Thursday so I have 2 days to do a ton of laundry and pack. You're way ahead of me!
I hope your flight doesn't get messed up. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Haha that would be funny! I am planning on wearing my Wall-E hood and TS Aliens shirt though! You'll be fine with laundry, I'm sure.

And ugh, it's scary because they are now saying we are going to get some huge snow storm Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. I hope it just turns to rain so our flight isn't an issue. Our friends said if we need to they can borrow their parents' all-wheel drive studded tire SUV to make sure we arrive on time! I just hope everything goes smoothly.

Love the WS for this reason! There is SO much to see and do that the average tourist would walk right past.

Time has flown by, and I'm glad to go on the trip, but I'm scared too about the trip going by too fast.

Totally! And yes, I hope time does not fly. I have a good feeling it'll be slower though since we can get so much done with lower crowds!

That is such a beautiful scene. I'm jealous you're done with laundry. Come do mine! Also I want snow!! not until after the trip though.

I've given up on the sword thing because I'm too old, but maybe Ri will get it one day. I think it'd be awesome to get an upgrade sometime! That jacuzzi is awesome isn't it? We have pics of me as a kid in my bathing suit using it as a hot tub.

Haha I am soo over doing laundry! And this snow should just go away until we are on our trip, ugh.

 

[danimaroo]

2 days 2 daaaays!

Except remember how I mentioned the snow in my last post? Well now it has me in a full-blown panic. They're now reporting we are going to get 6+ inches of snow the day we leave.

I'm trying to stay calm in hopes that it won't be that much, or will start raining earlier than they're predicting... I mean, I guess the good thing is that there won't be much ice, vs. just a lot of snow/slush.

We are a little concerned about getting to the airport. However, our friends have graciously offered that if the snow is bad, they will borrow their parents'' SUV that has studded tires and all-wheel drive to bring us. While that is definitely a great thing, I can't say that I'm not really nervous about the whole situation.

It's funny how you can want snow for so long, but then you get it at literally the worst possible time imaginable! I'm just hoping it isn't as bad as it can be...

On a better note, I got my French pedicure and a haircut today! That helped me de-stress a bit.*

She cut my hair shorter than I expected but I actually really like it, so that's definitely good!

Anyway, bought some more socks for the trip, aaaand now we are just hanging out at home. I'm interested to see what tomorrow brings in terms of weather, because if it's bad then I'll be working from home. I actually don't want to do this because I'll then be out for 10 days, so I'd rather be in the office for at least tomorrow, but we will see. This weather is stressing me out!

Onto today's photo... WHICH IS THE END OF THE CHALLENGE! Wow, this was fun and I'm glad I did it!

Day 30: A picture that always makes you think of Disney

There is something about seeing SE lit up at night that just speaks Disney World to me. I know the castle is obviously something that makes me think of it, but I've always loved SE, especially at night. I love Epcot in the evening, and it's so unique to just Disney World, so I've chosen this as my final photo.

 

[danimaroo]

Not doing so well with the whole keeping myself together thing. Snow is looking worse for Wednesday... As in, worst snow we've gotten since 1996. I just sat and cried for a solid 10 minutes over this, because I'm devastated.

I'm holding onto hope that it won't be as bad as they're saying but hope is starting to fade away. I'm not sure what is going to happen, between actually getting to the airport and also if our flight will even happen... This trip has been what's getting me through some really tough times recently, so for this to happen is pretty crappy.

All I can do is sit and wait and see what happens with this snow...

 

[Colleen27]

This winter is too weird for words! I hope the snow doesn't get in the way of flying off to sunny Florida safely and on time.

 

[jecskc]

I know I am coming into this super late, but I really enjoyed your PTR. I just started my own and decided to read some others and yours caught my attention. I hope you can get out of town OK and that you have a great trip. I can't wait to read your TR when you get back !!

Oh, and I love your Up Adventure Journal !! You need to get this pin to match it !!

Take tons of photos and don't forget the food porn !!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I'm wishing the snow away for you! I hope it doesn't dump as much as predicted and you can get to the airport and out in time! You will get there, I just know it!

 

[okw19]

Yes, it was not a fun drive at all!

Makes me nervous just thinking about it!

Haha that would be funny! I am planning on wearing my Wall-E hood and TS Aliens shirt though! You'll be fine with laundry, I'm sure.

I finished our laundry!!!

And ugh, it's scary because they are now saying we are going to get some huge snow storm Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. I hope it just turns to rain so our flight isn't an issue. Our friends said if we need to they can borrow their parents' all-wheel drive studded tire SUV to make sure we arrive on time! I just hope everything goes smoothly.

I keep hoping it'll all be okay.

Totally! And yes, I hope time does not fly. I have a good feeling it'll be slower though since we can get so much done with lower crowds!

I'm still worried about the crowds with all the wonky park hours. MK being open until 12 in January?! What gives?

2 days 2 daaaays!

Except remember how I mentioned the snow in my last post? Well now it has me in a full-blown panic. They're now reporting we are going to get 6+ inches of snow the day we leave.

I'm trying to stay calm in hopes that it won't be that much, or will start raining earlier than they're predicting... I mean, I guess the good thing is that there won't be much ice, vs. just a lot of snow/slush.

We are a little concerned about getting to the airport. However, our friends have graciously offered that if the snow is bad, they will borrow their parents'' SUV that has studded tires and all-wheel drive to bring us. While that is definitely a great thing, I can't say that I'm not really nervous about the whole situation.

Just remember that weathermen are infamous for getting things wrong! Hopefully it won't start until you guys are out of there! Keep calm and pray/hope for good weather.

On a better note, I got my French pedicure and a haircut today! That helped me de-stress a bit.*
She cut my hair shorter than I expected but I actually really like it, so that's definitely good!

Love the pedi and your haircut! It looks so cute.

Anyway, bought some more socks for the trip, aaaand now we are just hanging out at home. I'm interested to see what tomorrow brings in terms of weather, because if it's bad then I'll be working from home. I actually don't want to do this because I'll then be out for 10 days, so I'd rather be in the office for at least tomorrow, but we will see. This weather is stressing me out!

Let us know what happens.

Onto today's photo... WHICH IS THE END OF THE CHALLENGE! Wow, this was fun and I'm glad I did it!

Day 30: A picture that always makes you think of Disney

There is something about seeing SE lit up at night that just speaks Disney World to me. I know the castle is obviously something that makes me think of it, but I've always loved SE, especially at night. I love Epcot in the evening, and it's so unique to just Disney World, so I've chosen this as my final photo.

I agree completely! It's so pretty.

Not doing so well with the whole keeping myself together thing. Snow is looking worse for Wednesday... As in, worst snow we've gotten since 1996. I just sat and cried for a solid 10 minutes over this, because I'm devastated.

I'm holding onto hope that it won't be as bad as they're saying but hope is starting to fade away. I'm not sure what is going to happen, between actually getting to the airport and also if our flight will even happen... This trip has been what's getting me through some really tough times recently, so for this to happen is pretty crappy.

All I can do is sit and wait and see what happens with this snow...

I'm sorry, Danielle. I'll be sending good weather vibes your way. You know how crazy and unpredictable weather can be! Hopefully it won't be as bad as they're saying!!

 

[danimaroo]

I don't have time right now to respond to everyone but I just wanted to say thank you for the nice wishes... There's been a bit of tears and a LOT of stress... but I did want to pop in and update you guys.

After a lot of talking, speaking with our friends who are watching the dogs, obsessing over the news, calling Member Services to see what we could do, talking to both of our bosses at work...











We are going to fly out TONIGHT and get in a day earlier.


We discussed our options and we heard non-stop about all this snow... While I doubt we end up getting 15 inches as it was once predicted, I'm also not really comfortable with risking either not getting to the airport OR having to deal with a canceled flight.

First step was finding out if our friends could watch the dogs starting tonight. They said it'd be fine (seriously we have the best friends ever), so we knew we could move onto step 2.

Step 2 was Matt finding out if we could extend our stay at Beach Club Villas and get in a day earlier. We lucked out because our stay was extended, we didn't have to do separate reservations, etc.

Step 3? Step 3 was calling Alaska Airlines and changing our flight. Here's where there's good news and bad news. Bad news is that we lost the ability to fly in first class (first world problems over here, I know). First class was completely booked, so we decided to downgrade to Preferred seats. Good news? WE ARE ON THE FLIGHT! And our seats aren't even that bad! We are the row right behind first class, which is actually nice because there's only a curtain so we get more leg room.

So, yes, I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it all but um, we're leaving for Disney World. Tonight. I can't even believe it. We have a LOT to do when we get home (last-minute packing, changing bed sheets, etc.), but we'll be able to manage it all.

Just thought I'd let you all know what's happening, and that hopefully this does have a good ending for us. Thank you again to you guys who replied; I appreciate every bit of good luck and good vibes sent to us.

I might update later, but might not. Perhaps at the airport with the free wifi though! Then we're off to Disney World for 11 days!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Ohmygosh!!!!!!! I'm so excited for you that you get to leave a day early and so happy that you will escape before the snow arrives! Have a MAGICAL TRIP!!!!

 

[danimaroo]

Ohmygosh!!!!!!! I'm so excited for you that you get to leave a day early and so happy that you will escape before the snow arrives! Have a MAGICAL TRIP!!!!

I'm getting to the point of excitement but for some reason I'm still very anxious/nervous. Perhaps because the weather is still a bit shaky and our airline is allowing for cancellations from today through Thursday from Seattle? I don't know, this all doesn't feel REAL.

I'm trying to cope with just rolling with the punches, but when you've been counting down to this ONE day and all of a sudden you're thrown off that you're leaving earlier? It just gives you this very odd feeling of excitement but anxiety.

I think once I'm actually physically in Orlando, off the plane and on the Magical Express I'll feel better. I do feel some guilty that we're leaving our dogs a day early, and that our friends are having to come over a day early, etc. We're planning on bringing them home some really nice gifts, that's for sure.