Sorry, that is too expensive. Maybe next time. Aug 2016- birthday surprise PTR

[Kbendig]

Hello!

I started a trip report after our last trip, but that was so long ago and I never finished. But this time, this time I will! Plus, my husband is sick of hearing me talk about it so I need ears.
Or eyes.
You, I need you!

We haven't been to Disney since October 2012, so this is much needed.

So first some basics.
August 23rd- Flying to Tampa for a birthday surprise for my son. Driving that night to the airport and taking DME to Port Orleans
August 24-26- Staying at AKL for my sons birthday which is the 25th. He has no idea of this either! We told him it was too expensive.
August 26-30- Staying at Boardwalk

Next up: Introductions!

 

[Kbendig]

45 days!! I can't wait! Sadly because of time constraints with work I am very much behind with the planning stuff. Every time I try to sit down I feel like something comes up. It doesn't help that I don't want my son to see the plans, and he is kinda nosy.

ME:
I'm Karen, a 39 year old social worker. Currently I am doing in home family therapy part time, and also working at Target part time. Discounts on diapers and formula make it worthwhile. I only work 1-2 days a week, but it's worth it for now. I started going to Disney when I was 13 and my parents bought a timeshare (not a Disney one) when we were there. So, we went back often. I honeymooned there. I love Disney and get lost in just how amazing of a vacation it is. My favorite is Daisy, love her! Though I am very excited to meet Joy and Sadness, are they still there??


Husband:
My husband is Dan, a 37 year old programmer for an engineering company. He is not as enamored with Disney, but since having kids he would be the first to say it is the best family vacation ever. He went to Disney a few times as a kid, and then our honeymoon. But it was really our first trip to Disney when our son was 3 that did him in. He is 100% grumpy!

Son:
Kevin is an 8 year old who will be turning 9 our third day of the trip! He has been to Disney twice, when he was 3 and 5. He has asked to go back and when we looked at our calendars for the year we realized that the best week for us to get away also happened to be the week of his birthday. He asked to stay at AKL, but we told him it was too expensive. He also asked to go to Clearwater and visit Winter and Hope (thank you Dolphin Tale) and we told him there was no time. Originally we planned on going Aug 24-30, but after some consideration we decided to go the 23rd and go to Clearwater. It's going to be a great birthday when a few wonderful surprises! His favorite was always Lightening McQueen, but it's been a while and he really prefers Epcot to any of the characters anymore. Oh how they grow.

Daughter:
Ashley will be 11 months on our trip. When we wanted to take a vacation this year I was concerned because of her age, but Disney was really the only option. Ashley is a HUGE Doc McStuffins fan, and I can't wait for her to meet the real McStuffins. Really Stuffy is her favorite, but Doc is close enough. I am a little nervous because she is very active and likes to be out and about, but we will make it all work.

Next up: We have the dates, where do we stay?