foxylady
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2006
- Messages
- 314
Wish I could think of some witty title, but inspiration fails me at the moment. Maybe when we come back, something will inspire me to come up with a title that sums up the holiday.
May I now take this opportunity to introduce my wonderful family.
Firstly there is:
Myself, Catherine, who has been a Disney fanatic for as long as I can remember. I first went to Disney in 1988 with my DH and DSis, and we stayed in a really crumby motel in the seediest area of Orlando imaginable. This however, did not spoil the holiday, and that was it really. Got the WDW bug.
DH - John. He went to WDW before he even met me with one of his aunts, and he loves the place as well. Luckily he is fairly easy going and if I suggest something regarding the plans for the holiday, he usually replies with "Yes - if you like!" or "Do what you want!" Dangerous words.
DS - Stephen aged 14 nearly 15 (just after we come back). The first time we took him to WDW we told him we were going on holiday to the Isle of Wight. Still can remember sitting in our room at CBR in 1995, he was nearly 4 then, and letting him guess that we were at Mickey Mouse land. AWWW bless! He'll love me for telling that tale.
We really enjoyed that holiday in 1995. We had come into some money that year (unfortunately it was John's aunt - the one mentioned above - passing away but leaving us some money). Well, as she had introduced John to WDW we thought what better way of spending some of the money to take our DS on a trip of a lifetime and stay on site at WDW. We knew she would approve.
In 1998 we had made plans to go to Croatia, and everything was booked. However, facilities at the hotel changed, and we were told that we could cancel or transfer over to another holiday (without any charges and they gave us some compensation). Well, Orlando beckoned, and we booked to stay in a resort allocated on arrival. Can't remember the name of the hotel, but we know it was on the 192 somewhere. Had another great holiday, and Stephen remembered this holiday better as obviously he was 3 years older. Still too small for some of the rides though.
2004, and WDW beckoned again. Luckily we were compensated for being mis-sold an endowment policy, so another holiday booked. This time we stayed at the Quality Inn Plaza on I-drive. There is nothing wrong with this hotel, but this was the first and last time we would stay on I-drive. Too busy for us, even tho' we were at the quieter end.
2005 - John changed jobs, which meant an increase in salary and therefore WDW booked again staying at ASMo.
2006 - and this year we suggested to some friends that they came with us. Unfortunately, the husband's job was very iffy and redundancies were being made, so they could not commit to a holiday with us.
In January 2006, discussions started about whether to book a package (as we had always done this!), or whether to "go it alone" and book everything independently. We decided that we should try a DIY holiday, as we knew the area, where things were and how the parks etc operated.
Big question then was - do we book the flight or accommodation first?? Decided on accommodation and found a two bed two bath Villa at Palm Key Villages off US27 for a really good price. We had never considered a villa before as there were only 3 of us, but the price was too good to resist.
Flights were then booked, flying out of Birmingham Airport with Thomsonfly on Thursday 20 July at 11.15 am. (Flew out of Gatwick last year and DH refused to fly from there again
). This would work out really well as my sister could drop us off at the airport on her way to work, and she kindly volunteered to pick us up on our return - so no car parking to worry about. Birmingham is only 45 - 60 minutes from us, so no really early start either.
Now the decision regarding tickets for the parks. 14 day ultimate ticket for WDW definitely, but what about the other parks? Now myself and DH love Seaworld, but DS not that keen. However, as we have missed the evening shows the past 2 years, we have decided we are definitely doing them this year. We all like US, but as we are not big roller coaster fans, not that keen on IOA, so what sort of tickets did we need ?
Last year we purchased the 4-park flex ticket, but felt that we didn't really use them as much as we could have done. Anyway, after browsing the DIBB and another website, an idea occurred. Why not join the LoewsFirst Club, and book one night at a US hotel. So one night booked at RPR resort on 26 July, and that would mean two days of FOTL access. This should be plenty for us, but with the offer of buying a one week ticket for US/IOA and one week free, we duly bought 3 of these tickets. So, if for some reason cannot do any of the rides during those 2 days, we have the option of going back to the park. We have also bought the 1 day Seaworld ticket, with the week free, so all parks covered.
Then, one day, whilst browsing the boards, there was a thread from sueh6, saying that she had booked an Illuminations Cruise and there were some spare places. Was there anyone interested in joining them? Well, jumped at the chance
. This was something we could never have afforded on our own, so now we are joining sueh6 and her family on 28 July for the Illuminations cruise.
Are you still with me? Sorry if this is long winded, but then, another day whilst browing another forum (sorry), there was another thread from someone asking if anyone wanted to share a Wishes Cruise? What could I do? It would have been rude not to say yes wouldn't it? So Wishes Cruise booked for 24 July. You will note that I have not said who we are sharing this Cruise with. This is because the person concerned (if she is reading this she will know who she is) is keeping it secret from the rest of her family, so I won't name names until we come back.
Whilst there, we will also be meeting up with some friends (DS's dance teacher Helen, her husband John & his father Walter, DS's other dance teacher Erika, her husband John & their 4 month old baby). What a lot of John's that is (there's a joke there somewhere)!! Not sure what day yet, but we usually meet up for shopping and a nice meal somewhere, and we always end up having a really good laugh as well!
So, there you have it. Thank goodness are some of you saying?? Our pre-trip report. The countdown is set to our holiday starting at 3.30 pm (Orlando time), for the day we arrive.
Accommodation voucher received, one lot of park tickets have arrived, currency is ordered and just waiting for the other tickets and the flight tickets now, which hopefully should be any day soon.
UPDATE
On Thursday 6 July, the postman kindly knocked on the door and there was an envelope to sign for. Dutifully signed and he handed me over a bundle of post. Inside the first one was our WDW tickets - 3 x 14 day ultimate tickets. In the envelope underneath was our flight tickets. WOOHOO! I was dancing round the kitchen at that point. Unfortunately DH was in bed (he works nights) and DS was at school so there was no one to share my excitement.
That weekend was very busy as it was DS's dancing school show. Myself and DH also help backstage etc, but we were able to arrange with DS's danceteacher and her husband what day we were meeting them over in Orlando. They were flying out on the Tuesday after the show and would be there for 3 week. DS's other dance teacher and her husband are flying out the Tuesday before us, so we agreed to meet up on Saturday 22 July.
On Thursday 13 July, another knock on the door from our kind postie. Another envelope to sign for. This time I knew is was a spending money, arriving on time as promised, from Crown Currency.
Only a few last minute bits and bobs to sort out now. Been in touch with sueh and our other Dibb friend who we are sharing Illuminations and Wishes Cruises with respectively. Made final arrangements with them about where and when we are to meet them. Also made another 2 ADR's - Crystal Palace for breakie on the first morning (Friday), and Concourse Steakhouse for a meal before the Wishes Cruise (never eaten there before!)
Just need to get the cases down from the loft! Keep asking DH or DS to do this, but it's always "yes in a minute!" Don't they know I need them NOW! Pile of ironing to clear and then hopefully we can pack. DS is playing cricket on Wednesday night so most of the packing will have to be done before the match, as we leave home at around 6.30ish on Thursday.
Notebook purchased for trippie notes so a full report will be written up when we get back. (Aren't you all pleased about that!!??)
WAKE UP NOW! I've finished (for now).
BYE BYE EVERYBODY - BYE BYE
__________________
May I now take this opportunity to introduce my wonderful family.
Firstly there is:
Myself, Catherine, who has been a Disney fanatic for as long as I can remember. I first went to Disney in 1988 with my DH and DSis, and we stayed in a really crumby motel in the seediest area of Orlando imaginable. This however, did not spoil the holiday, and that was it really. Got the WDW bug.
DH - John. He went to WDW before he even met me with one of his aunts, and he loves the place as well. Luckily he is fairly easy going and if I suggest something regarding the plans for the holiday, he usually replies with "Yes - if you like!" or "Do what you want!" Dangerous words.
DS - Stephen aged 14 nearly 15 (just after we come back). The first time we took him to WDW we told him we were going on holiday to the Isle of Wight. Still can remember sitting in our room at CBR in 1995, he was nearly 4 then, and letting him guess that we were at Mickey Mouse land. AWWW bless! He'll love me for telling that tale.
We really enjoyed that holiday in 1995. We had come into some money that year (unfortunately it was John's aunt - the one mentioned above - passing away but leaving us some money). Well, as she had introduced John to WDW we thought what better way of spending some of the money to take our DS on a trip of a lifetime and stay on site at WDW. We knew she would approve.
In 1998 we had made plans to go to Croatia, and everything was booked. However, facilities at the hotel changed, and we were told that we could cancel or transfer over to another holiday (without any charges and they gave us some compensation). Well, Orlando beckoned, and we booked to stay in a resort allocated on arrival. Can't remember the name of the hotel, but we know it was on the 192 somewhere. Had another great holiday, and Stephen remembered this holiday better as obviously he was 3 years older. Still too small for some of the rides though.
2004, and WDW beckoned again. Luckily we were compensated for being mis-sold an endowment policy, so another holiday booked. This time we stayed at the Quality Inn Plaza on I-drive. There is nothing wrong with this hotel, but this was the first and last time we would stay on I-drive. Too busy for us, even tho' we were at the quieter end.
2005 - John changed jobs, which meant an increase in salary and therefore WDW booked again staying at ASMo.
2006 - and this year we suggested to some friends that they came with us. Unfortunately, the husband's job was very iffy and redundancies were being made, so they could not commit to a holiday with us.
In January 2006, discussions started about whether to book a package (as we had always done this!), or whether to "go it alone" and book everything independently. We decided that we should try a DIY holiday, as we knew the area, where things were and how the parks etc operated.
Big question then was - do we book the flight or accommodation first?? Decided on accommodation and found a two bed two bath Villa at Palm Key Villages off US27 for a really good price. We had never considered a villa before as there were only 3 of us, but the price was too good to resist.
Flights were then booked, flying out of Birmingham Airport with Thomsonfly on Thursday 20 July at 11.15 am. (Flew out of Gatwick last year and DH refused to fly from there again
). This would work out really well as my sister could drop us off at the airport on her way to work, and she kindly volunteered to pick us up on our return - so no car parking to worry about. Birmingham is only 45 - 60 minutes from us, so no really early start either.Now the decision regarding tickets for the parks. 14 day ultimate ticket for WDW definitely, but what about the other parks? Now myself and DH love Seaworld, but DS not that keen. However, as we have missed the evening shows the past 2 years, we have decided we are definitely doing them this year. We all like US, but as we are not big roller coaster fans, not that keen on IOA, so what sort of tickets did we need ?
Last year we purchased the 4-park flex ticket, but felt that we didn't really use them as much as we could have done. Anyway, after browsing the DIBB and another website, an idea occurred. Why not join the LoewsFirst Club, and book one night at a US hotel. So one night booked at RPR resort on 26 July, and that would mean two days of FOTL access. This should be plenty for us, but with the offer of buying a one week ticket for US/IOA and one week free, we duly bought 3 of these tickets. So, if for some reason cannot do any of the rides during those 2 days, we have the option of going back to the park. We have also bought the 1 day Seaworld ticket, with the week free, so all parks covered.
Then, one day, whilst browsing the boards, there was a thread from sueh6, saying that she had booked an Illuminations Cruise and there were some spare places. Was there anyone interested in joining them? Well, jumped at the chance
. This was something we could never have afforded on our own, so now we are joining sueh6 and her family on 28 July for the Illuminations cruise.Are you still with me? Sorry if this is long winded, but then, another day whilst browing another forum (sorry), there was another thread from someone asking if anyone wanted to share a Wishes Cruise? What could I do? It would have been rude not to say yes wouldn't it? So Wishes Cruise booked for 24 July. You will note that I have not said who we are sharing this Cruise with. This is because the person concerned (if she is reading this she will know who she is) is keeping it secret from the rest of her family, so I won't name names until we come back.
Whilst there, we will also be meeting up with some friends (DS's dance teacher Helen, her husband John & his father Walter, DS's other dance teacher Erika, her husband John & their 4 month old baby). What a lot of John's that is (there's a joke there somewhere)!! Not sure what day yet, but we usually meet up for shopping and a nice meal somewhere, and we always end up having a really good laugh as well!
So, there you have it. Thank goodness are some of you saying?? Our pre-trip report. The countdown is set to our holiday starting at 3.30 pm (Orlando time), for the day we arrive.
Accommodation voucher received, one lot of park tickets have arrived, currency is ordered and just waiting for the other tickets and the flight tickets now, which hopefully should be any day soon.
UPDATE
On Thursday 6 July, the postman kindly knocked on the door and there was an envelope to sign for. Dutifully signed and he handed me over a bundle of post. Inside the first one was our WDW tickets - 3 x 14 day ultimate tickets. In the envelope underneath was our flight tickets. WOOHOO! I was dancing round the kitchen at that point. Unfortunately DH was in bed (he works nights) and DS was at school so there was no one to share my excitement.
That weekend was very busy as it was DS's dancing school show. Myself and DH also help backstage etc, but we were able to arrange with DS's danceteacher and her husband what day we were meeting them over in Orlando. They were flying out on the Tuesday after the show and would be there for 3 week. DS's other dance teacher and her husband are flying out the Tuesday before us, so we agreed to meet up on Saturday 22 July.
On Thursday 13 July, another knock on the door from our kind postie. Another envelope to sign for. This time I knew is was a spending money, arriving on time as promised, from Crown Currency.
Only a few last minute bits and bobs to sort out now. Been in touch with sueh and our other Dibb friend who we are sharing Illuminations and Wishes Cruises with respectively. Made final arrangements with them about where and when we are to meet them. Also made another 2 ADR's - Crystal Palace for breakie on the first morning (Friday), and Concourse Steakhouse for a meal before the Wishes Cruise (never eaten there before!)
Just need to get the cases down from the loft! Keep asking DH or DS to do this, but it's always "yes in a minute!" Don't they know I need them NOW! Pile of ironing to clear and then hopefully we can pack. DS is playing cricket on Wednesday night so most of the packing will have to be done before the match, as we leave home at around 6.30ish on Thursday.
Notebook purchased for trippie notes so a full report will be written up when we get back. (Aren't you all pleased about that!!??)
WAKE UP NOW! I've finished (for now).
BYE BYE EVERYBODY - BYE BYE
__________________
