Shopaholic Goes Disney.... A Pre-Trip Report (Updated 12/26)

[BellaSoleil]

I'm joining in! All of your pictures are so beautiful!

Thanks! And thanks for joining in!

 

[BellaSoleil]

So when I left off with my planning, we were staying 5 nights @ WL. Since then DH and I decided to take a late flight in a day earlier. After making that decision, I got excited (a little too excited) and booked 3 nights AKL (Savana View) and 3 nights WL. When the package rates came out and DH insisted on doing the DP, my plans were foiled. I couldn't justify spending that much on a vacation. This would be cutting into my wardrobe budget and I just can't have that, now can I? My, my!!!

I thought it out/had a tummy ache for a week and then decided to go another route.

So my final decision:

1 night POP
5 Nights WL
5 day park hopper w/ DP

ADR's

Day 2-
WCC (breakfast)
O'Hana

Day 3-
Yak&Yeti
LeCellier

Day 4-
Chef Mickey's
HoopDeeDoo

Day 5-
Akershush (breakfast)

Day 6-
50's Prime Time
Teppan Edo

Speaking of my wardrobe budget, I picked up this precious shirt at Urban Outfitters today. Completely appropriate for a stay at the WL.

I'll post more Honeymoon pictures in the next post.

 

[BellaSoleil]

I love my DH!!!! These pictures bring back such great memories!


Okay, this will be my final HM post. Why, you ask? Because after a DRAMA-FILLED (in all caps) first year of marriage, I really can't remember the darn thing. Except that is was wonderful!

(Recap on our 1st year of marriage- Suprise we're pregnant 3 months in! DH had a ruptured appendix that was misdiagnosed and went 10 days before it was removed. I came very close to losing him @ 8 months pregnant. DD became very sick right after birth and we spent our 1 year anniversary in the hospital. How appropriate! Everyone is healthy, happy and thriving now. Hooray! We're finally done paying medical bills and now you understand why DH and I need this vacation!)

What I actually remember-
-We spend an afternoon at the POFQ pool. While I layed out, DH did handstands in the pool and went down the slide. Did I mention that was a 37 years old, full-grown man at that time?!?!? People were looking at him like he was insane! Ah, the things you learn after you are married! I decided to keep him, though. He's just too cute!

-A castmember at the Beauty and the Beast show remembered me and sat DH and I in VIP.

-My BFF from Orlando, Samantha spoiled us rotten! We were back-doored at RRC and got to ride over and over as many times as we wanted. Then we were escorted up the hill to Fantasmic where we were seated in VIP, again. Twice in one day! We felt like celebs!

-Speaking of celebs, my husband got asked several times if he was Keith Urban. I wish! (But only sometimes!) The people asking must have been from then north and not known alot about country music.

-We laughed ourselves into tears at the HoopDeeDoo. Our kind of place!

-The most romantic meal of my life was at Cali Grill. We got all dolled up for a fantastic meal and Wishes from the rooftop of CR.

Sorry... that's about all I remember! Here are some fun pics!

I just don't get the Oprah obsession. No flames please!!!!

DH and Mr. Cosby

Excuse the dorky socks and shoes! DH refuses to wear sandals. (Something else I learned after marriage. )

How cute is he? (This is why I can excuse the dorky socks.)

My, oh so precious, Ariel tatoo. I think I'll name my next daughter Ariel. Would that be too obsessive? Belle and Ariel?????

Until next time, friends.....

 

[tinkerdusted]

DME is still complimentary to guest of the resort and Star transportation is a very good one.

 

[Jennifer03]

I'm really enjoying your pre-trip report so far. I'm looking forward to reading more!

 

[BellaSoleil]

Now introducing the newest addition to my Disney trip wardrobe collection…….

P.S. It's a t-shirt. It wouldn't let me copy the whole thing.
P.P.S. I actually do 'do' lines. I'm not a PrimaDonna, more like a patient princess.

And in honor of this little beauty….. my list of MUST-DO attractions:

Animal Kingdom

Old Favorites:
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Expedition EVEREST (I kept my eyes closed last time. )
Dinosaur

New to try:
Triceratop Spin
Finding Nemo: The Musical
Rafiki’s Planet Watch


Hollywood Studios

Old Favorites:

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Tower of Terror
Indiana Jones Epic
Star Tours
Playhouse Disney Live! (We might peek in, but only because we will be missing DD so much. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Handy Manny are her very favorite shows in the whole world! It might make me cry, though.)

(Not so) Old Favorites (and only riding because DH loves):
The Great Movie Ride

New to try:
Journey into Narnia
One Man's Dream
Toy Story Midway Mania!

Magic Kingdom

Old Favorites:
Jungle Cruise
Pirates of the Caribbean
Big Thunder Railroad
Splash Mountain (if it’s warm enough)
Haunted Mansion
Cinderella's Golden Carrousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
It's a Small World
Mad Tea Party
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Peter Pan's Flight (my 2nd favorite ride)
Snow White's Scary Adventures
AstroOrbiter
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (Don’t like this. Hopefully DH won’t make us ride.)
Space Mountain
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority (LOVE THIS!)

New to try:
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Liberty Square Riverboat (always seemed like a waste of time before)
Mickey’s PhilarMagic
Goofy’s Barnstormer

Epcot

Old Favorites:
Club Cool (Always fun.)
Innoventions
Spaceship Earth (Always been a favorite! Can’t wait to see the updated version)
Soarin' (Favorite ride ever! In history! In the whole world! Yahoo!)
Maelstrom

New to try:
Universe of Energy
The Seas w/ Nemo & Friends
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros (But I loved El Rio and will miss it terribly. Yes, I am one of those people.)

 

[crgfsu1]

Subbing...

Sounds like a great time to come!

Cathy

 

[trixiequilts]

Lovin' it so far! Found your PTR from the January thread...going back there to check your exact dates. Looking forward to more!

 

[BellaSoleil]

Subbing...

Sounds like a great time to come!

Cathy

Thanks for reading!

Just wondering... what does "subbing" mean? I'm a silly newbie.

 

[BellaSoleil]

Lovin' it so far! Found your PTR from the January thread...going back there to check your exact dates. Looking forward to more!

Thanks for reading! Are you going in January?

 

[BellaSoleil]

Yesterday we recieved our Planning Package/DVD in the mail. It was advertising YOAMD and I got so excited, thinking the Dream Team might be there on our trip in January. Wishing and hoping that DH and I will win a night in the Cinderella Suite. Then I noticed it said 2008 on the top of the package. Hello, Disney People! We are going in 09! Grrr!!!

Later that night, I put the DVD in to watch. Belle was going through her "purse" (an old purse I fill with little things for her to explore) and not paying attention to the TV. As soon as she heard the opening music, she dropped everything and ran to the TV pointing and shouting (and doing a little feet-stomping dance). She was saying, "Go! Go!" My child has expressed her first desire to go to Disney World. That's a MAJOR milestone in my book!!!! Hooray for Belle!!!!

And now, since she's officially asked to go. Who am I to deny her? I am (finger's crossed) planning to take her in Sept 09 for a 4-day trip. She will be 2 1/2 then and I think it will be more enjoyable for us at that time.

I tried to introduce her to "characters" last month and she was very scared. Here's Belle with George at a Barnes and Noble Event. (George is her Aunt BeBe.)

Looking back, she was probably just mad it wasn't Mickey Mouse....

 

[trixiequilts]

Thanks for reading! Are you going in January?

Yep, our first trip! Jan 21-28 at Animal Kingdom Villas. DD8 and I are really excited, DH and DD6 not so much yet...

 

[BellaSoleil]

Yep, our first trip! Jan 21-28 at Animal Kingdom Villas. DD8 and I are really excited, DH and DD6 not so much yet...

Neither is my DH! What is wrong with these men?

 

[princess&her4princes]

Great PTR so far! Can't wait to hear more!! Your family is beautiful and I love your honeymoon pics....they are fantastic!!!

 

[BellaSoleil]

Great PTR so far! Can't wait to hear more!! Your family is beautiful and I love your honeymoon pics....they are fantastic!!!

Thanks so much! We had a great time and can't wait for #2 in January.

 

[AGPrincess]

Loving your pre-trippie so far! I love all the photos -- especially the wardrobe ones! The Western Mickey shirt would be PERFECT for the Wilderness Lodge! Can't wait for more!

SO adorable!

Later that night, I put the DVD in to watch. Belle was going through her "purse" (an old purse I fill with little things for her to explore) and not paying attention to the TV. As soon as she heard the opening music, she dropped everything and ran to the TV pointing and shouting (and doing a little feet-stomping dance). She was saying, "Go! Go!" My child has expressed her first desire to go to Disney World. That's a MAJOR milestone in my book!!!! Hooray for Belle!!!!

Love it!

 

[BellaSoleil]

Greetings Everyone! I'm feeling ultra-sassy with my new thread title and I thought I would make a little update.

I booked our flight two weeks ago. I had been watching prices for two months, debating on whether or not to purchase. We fly Delta because they are usually the least expensive. (I also like the ginger cookies they have from time to time. Yummy! ) Tickets were running at a little over $700 for 2 people, round trip, of course. I feared prices rising, so I bit the bullet and booked out flights one Saturday morning.

So glad that I listened to my gut instinct.....

I checked ticket prices today and they've gone up to a whopping $1812.00!!!!



Now on to more important things.......like my most recent purchases.

My carry-on bag. VB Micro-Fiber Collection.

My park-hopping bag. VB Hipster in Puccini.

This little number is for my night at the Hoop-Dee-Doo. Very Western.

Yee-Haw, Ya'll!!!! Until next time.....

 

[trixiequilts]

Oooohhh...I am coveting the VB microfiber bag!!! Hadn't thought about carry-ons yet, but that would be very nice, indeed! I recently ordered and returned a hipster...the pattern was just too much for me, but I may have to take another look at puccini. I think the hipster strap will be so comfortable on the shoulder/neck. You are a good shopper!

 

[crgfsu1]

Thanks for reading!

Just wondering... what does "subbing" mean? I'm a silly newbie.

Sorry - it means that I am subscribing to your report.

 

[Brave teacher]

Hello! ANother one from LA signing in...

I was considering doing a PTR for our first DVC over Mardi Gras, so I decided to look around and see what everyone else was doing. I found yours as I was looking.

Your family is beautiful, and I am enjoying your walk down memory lane so far.

Keep up the good work!