The Mother/Daughter Polynesian Surprise **NEW 5/1 I'm back!

[glennbo123]

I never noticed this PTR link in your sig before. Looks like I've got a lot of catching up to do. I guess most of it leads-up to the trip to visit Bubba that you're writing a TR on now?

 

[jenbear123]

I never noticed this PTR link in your sig before. Looks like I've got a lot of catching up to do. I guess most of it leads-up to the trip to visit Bubba that you're writing a TR on now?

The first half is actually focused on the Mother/daughter trip planned for April 2010. The November trip comes up eventually as sort of a surprise! Just read away and you'll find out how that comes about. So glad that you came over! It's been kinda lonely All my previous readers seem to have abandoned ship.

 

[jenbear123]

The majority of my work day today was spent figuring out a Disney cruise for February. I was looking at my schedule, which was already done up through to the second week of Feb. My work usually does the schedule two months in advance but with some flexibility here and there. I was worried that Bubba and I wouldn't be able to take this Disney cruise as hoped. Then the wheels started turning

I acted fast and started looking up some prices with my agent discount. No dice. I could try for the "Space Available" offers but that meant calling in, faxing proof that I am, indeed, a TA, etc. It was a load of rubbish. Then I talk to Bubba and find out she doesn't even need to call some phone number. She can check prices and availability of space using her CM discount online! Score!

After many hours trying to find a cruise that matched up with reasonable air fare, we finally came to a decision!


WE'RE GOING ON OUR FIRST DISNEY CRUISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my, I do apologize for that. My finger got stuck

I'm thinking I should start a separate thread for this Disney cruise PTR? I've never been on a Disney cruise, let alone a cruise, so I don't really know what to plan for. Guess I'll have to start painstakingly reading the Cruise forums

Oh! Of course you need to know the details of the cruise!



Who: Myself & Bubba!!!
What: 4-night Bahamian Cruise
When: February 14th-18th, 2010
Where: Disney Wonder - Inside or Oceanview stateroom (there's a $40 difference between the two so we haven't quite decided yet)
Why: Never cruised before and the timing (and price) is right

So what do we think? Should I start a separate PTR or should I just keep the details here?

 

[glennbo123]

That's awesome news! I'm jealous.

I've only been on a cruise once (mentioned on your TR thread), it was Royal Caribbean and we had a fantastic time. I hear the Disney cruises are great too.

I think I'd recommend getting a room with a window. When we went we had to get separate rooms (because the incentive trip was only for two, and so we had to buy another room) and Judy's and the girls' room had a nice window, but James and I had no view. It was okay for sleeping (no view), but when you're pulling in to a port in the morning it's really neat to be able to see what's happening.

 

[jenbear123]

That's awesome news! I'm jealous.

I've only been on a cruise once (mentioned on your TR thread), it was Royal Caribbean and we had a fantastic time. I hear the Disney cruises are great too.

I think I'd recommend getting a room with a window. When we went we had to get separate rooms (because the incentive trip was only for two, and so we had to buy another room) and Judy's and the girls' room had a nice window, but James and I had no view. It was okay for sleeping (no view), but when you're pulling in to a port in the morning it's really neat to be able to see what's happening.

Don't be jealous! Mr. "I-bought-into-DVC" and can go to Kidani Village whenever! Do you have any interest in Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Oasis of the Seas? Some people don't like it because it's too big. I would love to just take a tour of the ship. Forget floating hotel, this thing is a floating city!

Thanks for the recommendation on the cabin with a window. I think I'd prefer a window too. Considering I've always been one to just love looking out the window on long drives. And what's another $40, right?

 

[redlight]

A cruise! I'm jealous of you and Bubba.

 

[glennbo123]

Don't be jealous! Mr. "I-bought-into-DVC" and can go to Kidani Village whenever!

I guess I had that coming!

Do you have any interest in Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Oasis of the Seas? Some people don't like it because it's too big. I would love to just take a tour of the ship. Forget floating hotel, this thing is a floating city!

I wouldn't mind checking it out...we've gotten some flyers from them on it, it definitely is huge.

I think Royal Caribbean has started having some cruises that leave from Baltimore, which would be a lot more convenient for us (no flight involved), so if we ever go again we'd probably go on whatever goes out of there.

Thanks for the recommendation on the cabin with a window. I think I'd prefer a window too. Considering I've always been one to just love looking out the window on long drives. And what's another $40, right?

At $40 it's a no brainer. In our case back in 2008, I was just happy to get on the ship with the rest of the family!

 

[jenbear123]

:

I think Royal Caribbean has started having some cruises that leave from Baltimore, which would be a lot more convenient for us (no flight involved), so if we ever go again we'd probably go on whatever goes out of there.

Baltimore would be a good choice for us coming from Canada as well. It's a slightly longer drive but not nearly as long as driving to WDW. It'd be a good option for a late winter getaway. Who knows, maybe one day we'll bump into each other on one of the Royal Caribbean Baltimore cruises

:
At $40 it's a no brainer. In our case back in 2008, I was just happy to get on the ship with the rest of the family!

I can definitely see where you're coming from. Although, my situation seems to have progressed a little.... for the worse....

A cruise! I'm jealous of you and Bubba.

You may have no reason to be jealous after all....

 

[jenbear123]

Okay, so mayyyyyybe I was getting a little ahead of myself. Mayyyyybe I was a little too sure of the fact that Bubba and I would be going on a Disney cruise.

Let me explain.

Bubba might be getting her contract extended past March 2010. If that happens, she cannot leave the country due to her work visa regulations (something to that extent) All I know is that she wouldn't be able to do the Disney cruise if she got her contract extended. This leaves the whole Disney cruise plans up in the air. We can't really jump on the boat (no pun intended) and book the cruise when we don't even know if Bubba will be able to leave the country or not!

So for now, everything has been put on hold for February. No biggie. If it ends up that Bubba does get extended and can't go on the cruise, I'll still be going. We'll just stay in WDW and take a day to see Universal Studios I've never been there. Or, if I did, I was too young to remember and it's probably changed so much now anyway. Anyone know how much a one-day admission ticket is there? Crap. Another thing to research

The good news, is that I got the time granted off work from February 14th to February 18th. I'm not working the 13th either so perhaps I'll leave on that day. Bubba has offered to pay half of what my airfare costs, which always helps. I'm considering booking my airfare now when it's under C$400 roundtrip. This is considered a good price when flying out of YYZ. I'm worried, if anything, the price will go up with it being reading week for the majority of universities/colleges in the region. I hate playing the airfare game

Sigh, the trials and tribulations of planning....

 

[redlight]

That's a complication. But at worse you will get a chance to see Universal Studios. It's been so long since I've been there that I can't be of much help, but it was really fun!

 

[glennbo123]

This leaves the whole Disney cruise plans up in the air. We can't really jump on the boat (no pun intended) and book the cruise when we don't even know if Bubba will be able to leave the country or not!

Oh bummer. At least you're still going to warmer climates. Good luck with the airfare game.

 

[jenbear123]

That's a complication. But at worse you will get a chance to see Universal Studios. It's been so long since I've been there that I can't be of much help, but it was really fun!

Thanks! I'm sure, no matter what happens, I'll have fun!

Oh bummer. At least you're still going to warmer climates. Good luck with the airfare game.

Thanks... I'll need it

 

[jenbear123]

A little but I figured it was fitting with the season (plus I must give credit where it is due to glennbo123 who also posted about this in his PTR)

My mom, stepdad and I went out on Saturday to get our tree. It was a surprisingly warmer than usual day compared to other years. We still bundled up to ensure we were prepared for the worst that Mother Nature could throw at us.

First, I must point out what my mom made me wear. It was an old "hand-me-down" snowmobile suit, which made me look pregnant on the front and a balloon butt on the back. Oh yes, I looked hot. I tried not to let it bother me as at the very least I knew I'd be warm. So I was all bundled up ready to go

and we hastily departed for the x-mas tree farm we have been going to for a few years now

Just the day before, my mom had a root canal (bad teeth seem to run in the family.....) so one side of her face had swelled up. She tried her best to protect her face from the cold. It was pretty cute

After a long search, up and down, zigging and zagging through the vast field, we finally found it. The ONE

So stepdad started to cut 'er down

and we tied it atop our car

Our family has this running joke that one day the tree is going to go flying off the car, causing havoc behind us. This instance has not happened ..... yet...

While my mom and I waited for my stepdad to put up the tree inside the house, I went a little camera happy with the pets. Heck, its not very often these guys sit still long enough for me to get good pictures! I was just taking advantage of the situation

My cat, Taz

My budgie, Teddy (aka Bloomers)

Then it was time to decorate! Of course putting the most important ornament front row and center

Didn't have a chance to get any night shots as I had to be on my way home (or back to DBF's house). Just look at all those presents!!! Can't wait until x-mas!!!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE! ​

 

[glennbo123]

Very nice! The tree and decorations look great, and looks like you had a fun time on your "hunt".

A little but I figured it was fitting with the season (plus I must give credit where it is due to glennbo123 who also posted about this in his PTR)

I'm shocked to get a mention...thanks! (but it's quite uncessary)

First, I must point out what my mom made me wear. It was an old "hand-me-down" snowmobile suit, which made me look pregnant on the front and a balloon butt on the back. Oh yes, I looked hot. I tried not to let it bother me as at the very least I knew I'd be warm. So I was all bundled up ready to go

I remember snowsuits! Warm, but hard to look cool in them.

After a long search, up and down, zigging and zagging through the vast field, we finally found it. The ONE

Good for you...don't settle for anything less.

Our family has this running joke that one day the tree is going to go flying off the car, causing havoc behind us. This instance has not happened ..... yet...

Let me think about all the things I've had fly out of the back of my truck:

1) a plastic kiddie pool (coming home from the store -- no kids in it!)
2) 2 sheets of drywall (taped together so they were too bulky/heavy to lift by myself) in a busy intersection
3) 1 sheet of pegboard

But it's been over 10 years since the last occurrence, so maybe I've learned my lesson?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE! ​

You too.

 

[jenbear123]

Very nice! The tree and decorations look great, and looks like you had a fun time on your "hunt".

Glad you like it

I'm shocked to get a mention...thanks! (but it's quite uncessary)

It's absolutely necessary! Can't take credit for someone else's ideas

Let me think about all the things I've had fly out of the back of my truck:

1) a plastic kiddie pool (coming home from the store -- no kids in it!)
2) 2 sheets of drywall (taped together so they were too bulky/heavy to lift by myself) in a busy intersection
3) 1 sheet of pegboard

But it's been over 10 years since the last occurrence, so maybe I've learned my lesson?

You poor man! I'm sorry but it's just so funny when I picture those things flying out of the back of your truck!! I hope someone helped you with the drywall!

 

[glennbo123]

You poor man! I'm sorry but it's just so funny when I picture those things flying out of the back of your truck!! I hope someone helped you with the drywall!

Oh no, I agree...it is funny! Yes, the guy driving behind me helped me. I was stopped at the light, and when it turned green I started out, but per Newton's Laws of motion the drywall wanted to stay put so it just slid out of the back. There was no way I would have been able to pick that up myself.

 

[jenbear123]

Oh no, I agree...it is funny! Yes, the guy driving behind me helped me. I was stopped at the light, and when it turned green I started out, but per Newton's Laws of motion the drywall wanted to stay put so it just slid out of the back. There was no way I would have been able to pick that up myself.

Aww bless the public for being so helpful! I guess he didn't have much choice though, seeing how the drywall was probably blocking the road in front of him

 

[glennbo123]

Aww bless the public for being so helpful! I guess he didn't have much choice though, seeing how the drywall was probably blocking the road in front of him

I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he felt sorry for me, but yeah, he probably would have had a hard time getting around me. I should have said, "hey while you're helping, would you mind just holding it up for me in the room I'm finishing while I nail it in place?"

 

[jenbear123]

I finally bit the bullet and booked my flight for February. I figured if I don't get it now, then the times I want will be sold out. I'm not going to do a separate PTR for this trip but I will update minor details on the trip here and there. I can't go back on the plans this time since I've got my non-refundable flight and Bubba has booked our resort! For now, I bring you the first details of the trip:

When: February 20th-24th, 2010
Who: Me and Bubba!
Where: Pop Century


Bubba had tried getting time off the week of the 15th but she was denied. I guess it was due to President's week and Valentine's Day. Probably gets pretty busy in the parks. Airfares were atrocious too so I'm glad we pushed it back a week. She was easily approved the time off for those dates, which is great! Once she got the okay for the days off, I booked the flight right then and there.

As mentioned before, our original plan was to go on a cruise. I checked for the Feb 21st 4-night Bahamian sailing but there are no "space available" offers. I'm a teency bit disappointed that a Disney cruise won't be in the cards because it would've been something new and different. But, at the end of the day, I'm still going to see Bubba. She strictly said "As long as I see you, that's all that matters!" That's why we decided on Pop Century. It was the most economical choice for this quick visit. I'm just happy to be going.... again!

I haven't started the itinerary as of yet. Shocking, I know. What I have done, though, is secured us a dinner ADR at Le Cellier!!! I was surprised to see so much available. I was able to pull up two lunch ADRs and two dinner ADRs. Usually this place books up solid months in advance C'est la vie! That might be the only sit-down we do on this trip but we shall see....

More details to follow....stay tuned

 

[bellebookworm9]

So I just sat down and read this whole thing. (Yay for a month of from college with nothing to do!) No wonder you're stressed out-I was stressed just from reading it! So you're staying 2 nights at Poly and the rest at Pop? I think that's what I left off with... Sounds like lots of fun so far! And I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who has Excel spreadsheets of itineraries for each day! That's really too bad about the cruise; I've always wanted to do one-maybe someday!