Take That Cancer! - Feb/Mar 2011 PTR

[CrabbyYetLovable]

Hi there and to my first pre-trip report! No one else really "understands" what Disney is to me, but you guys understand right??

The Cast: (Will add pics!)
I'm Amy , 28, and going through breast cancer treatment. I was diagnosed in September (no family history), and started chemo in October. I'll be finishing up chemo in February, then will be having surgery, radation, and more medications for several years.

This started out as a solo trip, but my mom mentioned something about maybe my dad tagging along, so we went with it! We used to take small trips to Six Flags when I was younger, and I've been thinking in the last few years that the 2 of us should go to WDW together. I've been to WDW the past 3 years in March, twice as a nanny with a family (we only went to 2 parks on day trips) and once with a friend of mine and spent over a week there. My dad hasn't gone since we took a family trip with my siblings back in '03. So its basically a new place for him!

Dates:
February 25-27 @ Conference in Orlando
February 27-March 4 @ POP!

 

[CrabbyYetLovable]

The Where
The Why
Which Dining Plan Should We Choose?
To Park Hop or not to Park Hop, That is the Question!
The Trip Is Booked!!

 

[CrabbyYetLovable]

You have the who, time for the where!

We're going during Free QS Dining if staying at Value, or Free Dining if staying at a Moderate. I've worked out the numbers, and it even if we were to upgrade to the Dining Plan at POP, its cheaper than staying at a Moderate and getting the Dining Plan for free. Also, I'd prefer to stay at CBR if I'm going Mod, and the only rooms avail are either King bed or Pirate rooms, which would be cool, but they're the furthest away from the food court.

So, we're staying at the POP for the first time! I stayed at the CBR March 09, and any previous trips have been at ASMu. I've heard good things about POP, and I'm excited! I'm trying to show my dad some pictures of the resort, but he's not the Disney nut that I am.

My plan is to book a preferred room. I've looked at the distance round the resort, and I think this might be my best bet. Anyone done both and have a preference?? I'm also going to be fresh off of chemo, and walking at the end of the day might be rough.

 

[CrabbyYetLovable]

Time for the why...

As I said in the intro, I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I'm 28 with no family history. For any ladies reading this, please check yourselves. I did, and I probably saved my life. I started going through chemo in October, and will be done in February. I will then have some klind of surgery, followed by radiation, and a specific medication for 5 years.

I found a great website for women under the age of 40 who were diagnosed with breat cancer, and its been a great resource for me. They have an annual conference that just happens to be in Orlando this year. What a better reason to take a trip to Disney!

Like I said in the intro, this was going to be a solo trip. I was going to go to the conference and then head over to Disney for a few days. When my mom mentioned my dad going, we both thought it was a good idea. And probably a great idea, considering I might get really tired and would need someone else around me.

Let the planning begin!

 

[CrabbyYetLovable]

So here's where my OCDisney planning comes in. We get the QSDDP for free for staying at POP. We can upgrade for $92.56 to the DDP. I haven't done table service very much. I've eaten at Le Cellier many years ago (honeymoon; well, I'll now call it a Disney trip with my ex!), Liberty Tree Tavern, and ESPN Zone.

When I went in 09, I had the QSDDP, and it was plenty of food. This trip, since its kinda special, I was thinking we might go for the regular dining plan.

QSDDP
Pros: 2 snacks per day, refillable mug, can eat when we feel like it

Cons: Food may not be as good, not "special"

DDP
Pros: Better food

Cons: One snack credit per day (And I do love my snacks at WDW!), have to be a certain places at certain times (I've never had to be anywhere for meals before), no refillable mug

I made a few ADRs already, which I will promptly cancel when I determine which plan we're going to go with.
Lunch at Le Cellier
Breakfast at Tusker House
Breakfast at Crystal Palace, which I would probably cancel anyway and change to Kona Cafe

What do you guys think? (I know I have no readers yet, but I might eventually! I just really need a place to get my Disney out!)

 

[A&Bmama]

You have a reader. Me.

I am so sorry to hear about the caner. You sound like a fighter though!

I think you should splurge for the DDP. QSDP is nice, it is actually the only dining plan I would even consider paying for OOP. Luckily, we will have free dining for our trip.

I do agree that having the DDP would allow for some special meals. I also think that it will be nice for you to be able to take a longer break during your meal to recharge as your stamina might not be 100%.

Just want to say that I am sending some good vibes for your recovery and that I can't wait to hear more.

 

[CrabbyYetLovable]

You have a reader. Me.

I am so sorry to hear about the caner. You sound like a fighter though!

I think you should splurge for the DDP. QSDP is nice, it is actually the only dining plan I would even consider paying for OOP. Luckily, we will have free dining for our trip.

I do agree that having the DDP would allow for some special meals. I also think that it will be nice for you to be able to take a longer break during your meal to recharge as your stamina might not be 100%.

Just want to say that I am sending some good vibes for your recovery and that I can't wait to hear more.

Yay! I have a reader! to my PTR! Thanks for reading!

I'm definitely doing my best to kick cancer's rear-end. The tumor seems to be shrinking, so that's a huge thing!

I agree with you on the DDP. My dad really has no idea whats going on as far as Disney goes. He knows there's 4 parks, a little unsure of what rides are in which parks. Outside of that, he has no idea. I've done all the research for my trips in the last several years, and am pretty well versed about all things WDW. I tried explaining the dining plans to him last night, and I think he got it, but was still unsure. In fact, it took me a while to explain to him that the QSDP was actually FREE and not just included in the cost of the hotel! His worry (about the DDP) is taking 1-1/2 hours out of the day to eat and paying for the gratuity on top of the additional cost of upgrading to the DDP from the free QSDP.

 

[CrabbyYetLovable]

So yesterday was my last round of the worst rounds of chemo! WOO HOO!!! Just kinda laying around today taking it easy.

My dad and I were talking yesterday about park hoppers. I was initally against it, since we were going at a slower time of year, and the park hours are shorter. I went without PH on my last big trip, but we were also there for 8 days with 7 day tickets. This time it will be 5 maybe 6 days, but not full days on the travel days. Another thought is, since we're going at a slower time, we might be able to accomplish everything we want to at one park, then hop to another one.

When I originally was planning my solo trip, I was going to skip DHS all together. I wasn't planning on getting park hoppers for myself, and the only ride I really wanted to go on was TSM. The first words out of my dad's mouth were "Are you going to ride TOT with me this time??" So DHS it is. My thoughts are that we might not neccessarily spend an entire day there. TSM, RNRC, TOT, Indiana Jones, Lights, Motors, Action, maybe One Man's Dream (since they've updated it), and I'd kinda like to do the animation academy, even though I can't draw a stick person to save my life!.

Also, I think my dad would be interested in heading back to a park for fireworks at night. For instance, after DHS or AK, heading over to EP or MK for fireworks. I know DHS has F!, but that is the one show that I am really not interested in seeing. I've heard about all the crowds, and having to plant yourself for a seat hours beforehand, and I just don't think its for me (more seats for the rest of you! ) However, I love Illuminations and Wishes. I could definately see myself sitting with a Grey Goose slushie watching Illuminations!!

I also definately want some time at DTD, either solo or with my dad, doesn't matter to me. But I'd love to give him the option to just head to a park and have a great time while I'm shopping!!! I LOVE the World of Disney store, even if its just to walk around.

Also, if for some reason I get really tired, and want to go back to the room, I want to give my dad the option to go another park in the evening. I don't want him to feel like he has to hang out with me just because I might be tired. I usually go commando in the parks, from rope-drop to closing, so this trip may be a little bit different for me.

Ok, so I think its settled... PH=yes!?

 

[IheartDDuck]

I am subbing.



I just wanted to give you that because I think the attitude you are taking with cancer is so admirable. You sound like a very brave person.

I think you'll have a great time with your dad. I have gone on trips with only my dad too, and we always have an awesome time together.

 

[CrabbyYetLovable]

I heart DDuck! I've tried to take a positive attitude with the whole thing, its too easy to whallow. Thanks for reading and for the positive thoughts!

I'm excited to be going on a trip with just my dad. My mom almost tried to hijack the trip yesterday, but she's a terrible traveler. Basically dreads every step of the trip getting there, and dreads every day until she goes home. Plus, she doesn't ride anything. Thankfully she decided to let me and my dad have "our" trip. It will work out better for everyone!

 

[CrabbyYetLovable]

THE TRIP IS BOOKED!!



We decided to just go with the QSDP (which was free since we were staying at the POP), instead of upgrading to the DDP. My dad was really worried about taking the time out of the parks to actually sit down to eat at a TS restaurant. The places I was most likely to make ADRs was at Epcot. However, my dad is more excited to try out some of the different drinks, so snacking around the world might be better for us. It gives me something to look forward to on my next trip!

We also decided to go with the park hoppers. We're supposedly going during a slow time, and I think this will give us a bit more flexibility. Plus the option to see a nighttime show at one of the parks every night if we wanted to!

The last thing we have to book is airfare. So I'll be on the lookout!

 

[IheartDDuck]

THE TRIP IS BOOKED!!



We decided to just go with the QSDP (which was free since we were staying at the POP), instead of upgrading to the DDP. My dad was really worried about taking the time out of the parks to actually sit down to eat at a TS restaurant. The places I was most likely to make ADRs was at Epcot. However, my dad is more excited to try out some of the different drinks, so snacking around the world might be better for us. It gives me something to look forward to on my next trip!

We also decided to go with the park hoppers. We're supposedly going during a slow time, and I think this will give us a bit more flexibility. Plus the option to see a nighttime show at one of the parks every night if we wanted to!

The last thing we have to book is airfare. So I'll be on the lookout!

Yay, you're booked! That's seriously like my favorite part, because it solidifies that you are actually going!

I think you might have fun with the QSDP. My mom and I are trying it for the first time on our upcoming trip, because we didn't want to commit to table service restaurants either. This is a first for me, because I always book table service! I will let you know how I like it.

 

[CrabbyYetLovable]

Yay, you're booked! That's seriously like my favorite part, because it solidifies that you are actually going!

I think you might have fun with the QSDP. My mom and I are trying it for the first time on our upcoming trip, because we didn't want to commit to table service restaurants either. This is a first for me, because I always book table service! I will let you know how I like it.

I know right! I was so excited yesterday just to have the trip booked!! I did the QSDP a few years ago and loved it. It was so much easier than worrying about how much everything cost each time we decided to eat. I've never really done TS on a trip by myself (only when I've gone as a nanny), so I don't have the DDP to compare it to.

SOO excited to have the trip booked, and to have booked it without my mother coming! WOO HOO! My mother is a good person, just not to travel with. Its a nightmare.

 

[IheartDDuck]

SOO excited to have the trip booked, and to have booked it without my mother coming! WOO HOO! My mother is a good person, just not to travel with. Its a nightmare.

Oh, I can empathize with that! Not my mother, but there are members of my family that make traveling difficult. They will remain anonymous at this time.

 

[KatMark]

I am joining in too, please. Your "title" grabbed me. I am sorry that you are having to go through this, but you have a great attitude. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for a full and speedy recovery. As a former breast cancer patient, I second what you said...ladies, do a monthly check on yourself!

for the trip being booked. You and your dad will have a great time. Can't wait to read more.

 

[Heluvsme]

Well Amy, this trip sounds positively, absolutely, the BEST ammunition one could possibly have against cancer!! What better place to keep your spirit filled with happy thoughts and your sights set on a magical future?!!

I can't wait to read all about it!!

~Dawn

P.S. My best friend went to Disney when she was diagnosed with breast cancer also, it was by far one of the best decisions she ever made! Oh, and she was a young 37 at the time too! Keep fighting!!!

 

[CrabbyYetLovable]

I am joining in too, please. Your "title" grabbed me. I am sorry that you are having to go through this, but you have a great attitude. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for a full and speedy recovery. As a former breast cancer patient, I second what you said...ladies, do a monthly check on yourself!

for the trip being booked. You and your dad will have a great time. Can't wait to read more.

KatMark! I have to say, I've met some great people since being diagnosed. So even though its not a place where anyone would have chosen to be, I hope to come through it stronger than before.

Well Amy, this trip sounds positively, absolutely, the BEST ammunition one could possibly have against cancer!! What better place to keep your spirit filled with happy thoughts and your sights set on a magical future?!!

I can't wait to read all about it!!

~Dawn

P.S. My best friend went to Disney when she was diagnosed with breast cancer also, it was by far one of the best decisions she ever made! Oh, and she was a young 37 at the time too! Keep fighting!!!

Heluvsme! This trip is timed exactly between chemo and surgery, so its definitely something to look forward to!

 

[Eight]

I'm trying to show my dad some pictures of the resort, but he's not the Disney nut that I am.

I love this quote, because I can totally relate to it. I was also trying to show my dad pictures of where we'll be staying, and of course, he really had no interest.

Looking forward to reading more!