The Disney Grump is taking me on a DREAM vacation! TR Link, pg 30

[stace208]

I'm here Michelle!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Hello, I was along for your last TR, so am glad to see that you are starting a PTR. My DIL lives in Tulsa with my GDs & we are going to the World in Sept.

Get to be on page 2.

 

[Happy Elf]

I'm here and I'm looking forward to hearing about a wonderful cruise!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi Michelle!
I'm here....
Did you say something about you were having a dream?
Guess I need to go back and read.

 

[MEK]

Michelle - that was a great introduction to the clan and the Disney resistor. Sounds like you have a perfect trip planned. There is so much to do at AKL. I love both the pools there. You are going to have a wonderful time. I can't wait to read more!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Ugggg, I just spent like 20 minutes typing up replies and then Justin opened his laptop and it kicked me off the internet - lost it all!

Hi I followed you over from Wigd... I am along for the ride - I am hoping for a "Dream" cruise next year - so this year I we have to settle for a week in Disney - lol! Can't wait to hear your plans and how the cruise is!! Congrats on the pin code and AKL - we were there last year and it was great!!

Hi there & welcome! We will actually be on the same cruise as Wigd, I'm super excited about that!

I guess is you have to "settle" on a vacation, a week in Disney is the way to go

Glad to hear you enjoyed AKL, I can't wait to get there!

jumpin on board. Glad the Grump said yes to another disney vaction.

Glad to have you on board for another one of my adventures!

I'm here; now back to read.

Great start, Michelle. The introduction is great and the boys get more handsome every time I see them.

Maybe you'll still be able to talk Grumpy into one day at a park (if not, you and your youngest son could go).

Hi Kathy!

Thanks for the compliment on the boys, they are growing up so fast!

I'm not even going to attempt to talk Don into a park day, I think I've pushed my luck far enough

on getting your cruise and convincing DH to stay at AKL!! Am looking forward to hearing all about your plans! My first dis post was on your May 2010 TR and I have also managed to convince my partner to a trip in September!!

Hi there and welcome! Congratulations on your upcoming trip! I see you have a PTR started, I'll be sure and come over and check it out.

Michelle! I'm soooo happy for your cruise & stay at AKL!!!!

You will absolutely AKL! It is so beautiful there! Make sure to take some time to sit outside to just relax & watch the animals! There are alot of viewing areas outside as well as covered areas on patios with giant rocking chairs! So comfy even though they don't look it!

Your boys will LOVE the pool & make sure they try out that water slide! I've never been on it but I hear its great!!!

And of course don't forget about the gift shop! I found alot of "different" items in the AKL gift shop, some stuff that you wouldn't typically find in 500 gift shops across WDW! LOL They even have some resort-specific merchandise for the lodge which was a nice souvenir!

I can't wait to hear about your cruise & see pictures of it!!!! I want to cruise so badly...hopefully in a few years after Luke is potty-trained & we recover from our Beach Club extravaganza

I love how you mentioned that you want to stay at the Disney's Aulani Resort if you go to Hawaii...because I just mentioned that to my DH the other day! I said that I am open to visiting an island, Hawaii perhaps, but only if I can stay at the brand new Disney resort!

I seriously think that you & I should start a support group!

My husband has also been mentioning that there are "other places to go" other than Disney!!! He even said that we need to go other places in Florida other than Disney...what?!? I agreed to the beach or Universal as long as I can have at least 1 day at Disney, even if its just a few hours on the way there. He claims that he really likes Disney & he says that he supports "my hobby" as he calls it, but he really wants to explore other options. I know he must have a deep-down love of Disney because he bought me a gold Mickey charm for Valentine's Day! (or maybe that's just part of "supporting my hobby" ?? )

I have also been working on brain-washing Luke which doesn't take much because he LOVES Disney as much as I do!!! *I think* that I have them both convinced that we need to take a Disney cruise in the next 2-4 years, but my DH has also mentioned other cruise lines. I just keep mentioning how fast Luke is growing up & I want him to experience Disney as much as possible while he's still my little baby!

Oh well...at least you & I both know that we have someone else who understands what we're going through & we can support each other!

Hi Hope!

I'm so excited for our stay at AKL! I think there is plenty there to keep us entertained so that maybe we won't miss the parks too much.

I had a chance to walk through the gift shop there when Mom & I went for our dinner at Jiko. You're right, there is so much to look at, lots of 'different' things. There was actually a keychain that I wanted but didn't buy and I've been kicking myself for not getting it ever since. If it's still there, it WILL be coming home with me!

I would love to stay at the Disney resort on O'ahu! I've actually been fortunate enough to go to Hawaii many times. Don has won two trip through work and he used to have it as part of his territory so I would go with him sometimes when he traveled there for work. The boys have never been though and I know they would love it so I really do want to take them. Not to mention, DL is on the way.....

I love that your DH calls Disney your hobby, Don calls it my addiction, he thinks I need a 12 step program

Since I read Jackie & Anita's reports I thought I would hop on board.

Great news on AKL & a cruise.

I know how it is with boys in sports. Mine are 22 & 18 & my 18 year old is in High School & plays soccer (year round). If it is not for school it is spring & summer travel, & then in the winter it is indoor soccer. He has us on the go year round but we will miss it when he is done.

The boosters tried to get me to run the whole thing this year but I have a stressful full time job so I really cannot run the whole thing but I do go to meetings & am really involved with the year end banquet & fund raising. You are right though they always looks for the mom that does not have a full time job.

I am lucky that our boys & my DH like going to Disney still. We love the theme parks & ride everything together. I think DH really goes for the food!! We are going the last week of May as my oldest DS graduates from college on 5/21 & we leave 5/22. We are staying 1 night at Universal & then heading over to POFQ.

I am looking forward to reading more of your PTR.

Hi, thanks for coming over! Both Anita and Jackie will be making an appearance in this report

I know that once my boys are done playing sports I am going to miss it, and I try to remind myself of that when I'm exhausted from running back and forth! The treasurer for the basketball booster club actually told me the other day that she has nominated me to take over for her (her daughter is graduating), I'm not sure I want that, but I think it's coming regardless!

We stayed at POFQ during our Christmas trip, I loved it there, I think the newly refurbished rooms will make it even better!

Marking my spot. I'm really looking forward to this one!

Yay, Mary Ellen is here!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hi SoonerGirl! We are going on a 2012 cruise. As soon as dates are released for October. Can't wait to read your TR. I'm trying to focus on this year's trip but my mind keeps wandering to next year.

Hi! Thanks for joining in!

Have you cruised before or will you be a first timer like me? I'm trying to keep my excitement contained so that I don't drive my friends and family nuts with it, which is exactly why I decided to start a PTR, I can be as excited as I want over here and nobody cares!

Can't wait to hear all about it

Hi Katie! I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Following you over from Jackie's PTR. I have never been on a cruise so I am curious to see all the planning and ,of course, the trip.

Thanks for coming over!

I'm In.

Hi Pat, I'm so glad you're here!

YAY for a new PTR!!! I'm very excited to hear about your cruise. I want to eventually go on a cruise with Howard. Of course, the obvious would be to do a Disney cruise, but we're also very interested in an Alaskan cruise. I'm excited to hear about your trip because I love your TR style, and I know you'll be detailed! What are your dates?

And oh man, I can't believe that within just a short amount of time, Justin and Jared look even older!!!

Hey there Rae! Maybe you and Howard could consider a cruise for your Honeymoon, a 3 or 4 night cruise, followed by 3 or 4 nights at WDW. An Alaskan cruise would be awesome too though, you know Disney has one now right?

Not sure what day we are actally leaving home yet, either May 29th or 30th. We'll be at AKL June 1-3 and on the Dream from the 3rd thru the 7th.

The boys are growing so fast, especially Justin, he seems like he changes almost monthly, he's even started shaving!

Woo hoo, joining in! Thanks for the heads up.

So exciting about the cruise!

Hi Sarah, thanks for joining in! I was worried about not having a place to link the PTR, I was afraid no one would find me and I'd be all by my lonesome

I'm in too! I'll try to keep up!

Glad to have you!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I'm here and looking forward to hearing your plans! I think it would take major self control to spend two days on property and not enter a park! Maybe you and Jared could sneak off for a few hours......

Hi Kayce!

Right now I'm okay with not going a park, of course when I get there that might change! The one thing that will help keep me away is the cost of a one day ticket

Joining the fun. I look forward to the cruise pictures and reading about your adventures at sea.

Thanks for joining in!! I'm sure I will take TONS of pictures, I always do!

Oooooooh, girl, you are guuuuud!

I'm sneaky!

That was my thought, too - a mother/son day for you guys and a hang out or ESPN World of Sports or something for the 'menfolk'.

Like I told Kathy, I'm not even going to try it. There is a method to my madness of course, I'm hoping to show Don the more relaxed side of Disney, so that just maybe he won't be so opposed to a return visit. (See, sneaky.... )

Thanks for the heads-up, Michelle! I'm in!!!

Your vacation sounds so exciting...I LOVE the fact that you were able to "fit in" AKL at the beginning of your adventure...so cool!

Your boys look more grown-up each time I see new pics...wow!

Hi Lynne, I'm so excited that you are here!

I can't wait for AKL, whenever we have visited for dinner in the past I have sworn to stay there one day, and now that day is here, yay!!

Wow is right, they are getting so big! I nearly cried last summer when Justin finally passed me in height, of course he was pumped. All I could think about was the fact that my baby definitely wasn't a baby any more!

Oh YAY! Here I am!! I got my own PTR and TR going as well so it is fun to read another Cruise PTR from someone I know!!! I really enjoyed AKL and as you know I can affirm there is plenty to do there without going to the parks! You guys will have great fun and won't miss them too much, besides you will have great company!!!!

Your PTR reminds me that I have to update my own!!

Hi Jennifer!

I am having so much fun reading your cruise TR and seeing all that I have to look forward to, the Dream looks amazing!

Your last two TRs have totally sold me on being able to be in WDW without having park time. I know we are going to have a fabulous time!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I'm here Michelle!

Yay! Glad your here Stacy! Are you ever going to start that December TR?? Or did you and I missed it....

Hello, I was along for your last TR, so am glad to see that you are starting a PTR. My DIL lives in Tulsa with my GDs & we are going to the World in Sept.

Get to be on page 2.

Glad to see you on another of my reports!

You're going to have so much fun with your GDs in September! I'm not anxious to be a Grandmother anytime soon, but I know one day I will LOVE taking my grandchildren to Disney!

I'm here and I'm looking forward to hearing about a wonderful cruise!

Thanks for jumping on board!!

Hi Michelle!
I'm here....
Did you say something about you were having a dream?
Guess I need to go back and read.

Hi Anita!!

Yeah, you need to go back and read, nothing there about having a dream, just going on the Dream

Michelle - that was a great introduction to the clan and the Disney resistor. Sounds like you have a perfect trip planned. There is so much to do at AKL. I love both the pools there. You are going to have a wonderful time. I can't wait to read more!

Thanks ME! I'm very excited about an afternoon by the pool at AKL, sipping cocktails and soaking in the sun

 

[ladybugmom]

Hi Michelle!! I'm here!! Thanks for the PM!! I'm sooo excited for you and can't wait to hear all about your plans! We actually just booked a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Fantasy for next May 19, 2012!! I'm soooo excited!!!!

I cannot believe how your boys have grown!! WOW! Where has the time gone?! LOVE your family picture!!

 

[Tab2Disney]

Hi!
I am so excited for you! Starting with your cruise! Then to hear about AKL, WOW!!
We upgraded to AKL for my daughters 16th birthday trip as a surprise (almost 4 yrs ago!), it was fantastic! And hopefully we will be spending my son's 16th on the Dream. (Gee, they grow up to fast!)
We have been to Ft. Wilderness Campground several times and not gone to the parks. I even spent a lot of time at AKL. I love Boma's, check and see if they still have the night vision goggles for you to see the animals that are roaming in the dark, the kids will love it. And of course there's hidden mickey's!
I can't wait to hear about your cruise!
Congratulations

 

[Charleston Princess]

I'm here, Michelle!!! I can't believe I ended up on page three, though!

So excited that you get to stay at AKL! You are going to love, love, love it! Not to mention, I can't wait to hear about the cruise! That will be so much fun!

You're right! Justin has grown up a lot in the last year! The pictures at U of O turned out great of all of you!

 

[kschafer]

I'm back to read the intro this morning (hopped on board at work yesterday ) I just have to thank you for the excellent advice on how you wore down your Disney resistor

I started planning a trip for me and the boys assuming my own resistor wouldn't want to go (gotta love those PIN codes ) and now...surprise...Greg wants to go...YAY...but not when I have planned...BOOOO so now I have to work on him some more to see what I can negotiate

 

[Poolrat]

I'm back and all caught up.

Good work on the resistor. My luck is not so good.

But that is a whole other situation.

You will have fun at AKL without a park visit. There is so much to do.

 

[LilAnn]

HI Michelle! I'm so excited to see a PTR from you and that you are going on a cruise. I can't wait to hear all about it. We have been throwing around that idea for a while because after our Feb trip, DH is a bit Disney'ed out. But he is the one that mentioned a Disney cruise. We just have to figure out if the whole motion sickness thing would be a problem for us.

I wonder if I got a PIN if that could sway him into another trip sooner than later since our little girl is already asking us every day if we have enough money saved to go back to Disney World.

At least you can hang out at DTD and go resort hopping to eat at the yummy restaurants if you can't be in the actual parks.

 

[Native NYer]

I came over from Jackie's ptr.
Your trip sounds fabulous!
Can't wait to read more.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Before I start replies I just wanted to take a minute to request some prayers for my stepbrother. He lives just outside of Tokyo with his wife and little girl. I spoke with my stepmom early this morning and although she hadn't actally talked to him, she had found out through her DILs father that they were all together and alive. We don't know what kind of damage they had to their home or if they have any injuries. Also I'm hearing new reports that a dam has broken and a nuclear power plant is on fire, so they are far from out of danger. Any positive thoughts you can send his way would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Michelle!! I'm here!! Thanks for the PM!! I'm sooo excited for you and can't wait to hear all about your plans! We actually just booked a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Fantasy for next May 19, 2012!! I'm soooo excited!!!!

I cannot believe how your boys have grown!! WOW! Where has the time gone?! LOVE your family picture!!

Hi Becky, I'm so excited that you are here, I've missed you!

I bet you are going to love the cruise! I'll do my best to have a very detailed report for you when I get back

The boys are getting big aren't they? I bet you're beautiful little girls are growing up too, time passes way too quickly!!

Hi!
I am so excited for you! Starting with your cruise! Then to hear about AKL, WOW!!
We upgraded to AKL for my daughters 16th birthday trip as a surprise (almost 4 yrs ago!), it was fantastic! And hopefully we will be spending my son's 16th on the Dream. (Gee, they grow up to fast!)
We have been to Ft. Wilderness Campground several times and not gone to the parks. I even spent a lot of time at AKL. I love Boma's, check and see if they still have the night vision goggles for you to see the animals that are roaming in the dark, the kids will love it. And of course there's hidden mickey's!
I can't wait to hear about your cruise!
Congratulations

Hi there! Thanks for joining in!

Ooooo, I hope they still have the night vision goggles at AKL, the boys would get such a kick out of that!

Do you remember if they had a list of hidden Mickey's that you could pick up? That might be a fun way to spend a little time.

I'm here, Michelle!!! I can't believe I ended up on page three, though!

So excited that you get to stay at AKL! You are going to love, love, love it! Not to mention, I can't wait to hear about the cruise! That will be so much fun!

You're right! Justin has grown up a lot in the last year! The pictures at U of O turned out great of all of you!

Yay, Jackie's here!!!

I can't wait for AKL! I am afraid though that I'll never want to stay anywhere else afterwards, and I definitely travel on more of a moderate budget

I need to take new pictures of Justin, he has his hair short again (no long hair allowed by his baseball coach, so he had to chop it off as soon as basketball season was over). Anyway, I think the short hair makes him look even older

I'm back to read the intro this morning (hopped on board at work yesterday ) I just have to thank you for the excellent advice on how you wore down your Disney resistor

I started planning a trip for me and the boys assuming my own resistor wouldn't want to go (gotta love those PIN codes ) and now...surprise...Greg wants to go...YAY...but not when I have planned...BOOOO so now I have to work on him some more to see what I can negotiate

Yes Katie, cry, scream, pout, just in general act like a spoiled brat, that's the way to work it

I'm back and all caught up.

Good work onthe resistor. My luck is not so good.

But that a whole other situation.

You will have fun at AKL without a park visit. There is so much to do.

I know you understand my pain since you live with a resistor yourself! At least you have girlfriends that will go with you

HI Michelle! I'm so excited to see a PTR from you and that you are going on a cruise. I can't wait to hear all about it. We have been throwing around that idea for a while because after our Feb trip, DH is a bit Disney'ed out. But he is the one that mentioned a Disney cruise. We just have to figure out if the whole motion sickness thing would be a problem for us.

I wonder if I got a PIN if that could sway him into another trip sooner than later since our little girl is already asking us every day if we have enough money saved to go back to Disney World.

At least you can hang out at DTD and go resort hopping to eat at the yummy restaurants if you can't be in the actual parks.

Hi Ann!

To tell you the truth, I'm a bit worried about the motion sickness issue too. I get sick in the backseat of cars, on airplanes and theme park rides, but I can almost totally control that with Bonine. I'm not sure that will be enough on the cruise though, so I'm going to ask my doctor for those patches that you wear behind your ear. I'll be sure and let you know how well they work!

Are you going to do a TR from your February trip? I bet your cute little muchkin is really growing up!

I came over from Jackie's ptr.
Your trip sounds fabulous!
Can't wait to read more.

Hi there and Thanks for coming over!!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Will definitely be saying some prayers for your stepbrother and his family - hope they remain safe and out of harms way

 

[disneyfan61]

Prayers for your family. That news was just awful this morning. The footage is unreal. Hope everyone in your family is ok.

 

[ariel1025]

Jumping in on this one (and going back to read your previous reports) Can't wait to hear about your cruise on the Dream! I will make sure to include your Stepbrother and his family in my prayers .... it's all just so sad (and scary)