The Sloneckers’ January Trip to Disney--The Preparations & Introductions Part 1 of 8

[Obsessed w/Disney in OH]

The Sloneckers' January Trip to Disney--The Preparations & Introductions Part 1 of 8


Slonecker Family:

Russ-DH, a converted Disney fan after trip in summer of 2000

Lisa-the compulsive planner–fanatical DIS fan; been dying to go back to Disney since summer of 2000

Holly-13; wants to set a new record for the number of times on Rock n Roller; definite list of “have to’s” and “can skip” attractions

Emily-10; Has enough energy and curiosity for all of us! Ready and raring to go–most excited about missing school to go to Disney

Jana-6; Says she is ready to go and see Mickey and Minnie again. Thinks she’s brave enough to try Rock n Roller!

Trip:

5 nights, 5 days at Port Orleans Riverside. January 16-22

Preparations:

The minute we arrived at Disney in the summer of 2000, we were hooked. The minute we left Disney with tears in our eyes, I knew we were going back!! There is not a week that goes by that the girls don’t comment or remember something from our trip. It was a great time and we’ve been itching to go back. The opportunity arose in the summer of 2001 when we took a trip out west. On the way back, they had over-sold our flight and we took a voluntary bump. We ended up with travel vouchers that would more than pay for a flight to Florida. The first thing the girls said when we got bumped was, “Can we PLEASE go back to Disney!!??” So, here we go...

We debated pulling the girls from school–we have never done that before. They had a 4 day weekend for MLK day–so that was it. A new position at work offered me more flexibility in scheduling and we decided to see how we like Disney when it isn’t 100*!!

We signed on with Dream Unlimited again with no hesitation and we were on our way to make plans. The discontinuation of EE threw a temporary glitch into our past commando style, but we decided not to let the changes interfere. Then, the rumors of POR closing surfaced–I began to worry we were in for a disappointment. In addition, our flight schedule changed so we had to leave super early in the morning and came back 4 hours later on the way home!! I was beginning to be very discouraged. But with reassurances from Michelle at Dreams and just deciding to adopt a “wait and see attitude”–we made it to the day of departure.

The week before we left–“search” was out of service at DIS–I never realized how much I missed that!! And the 2 days before DIS boards were completely down!! I thought I may not make it without the availability of DIS to get me through those last minute jitters! UGH–good thing I planned ahead!!

We made Mickey pizza, Mickey cookies, Mickey pancakes–were we anxious or what!!?? Hours of watching the weather channel, packing and re-packing–what will the weather be like and how can I pack as lightly as possible??–and we’re off.

We made a reservation at a hotel at the airport since we had a 7am flight–their park and fly deal couldn’t be beat. We endured the evening of last minute packing, the girls going to dance, and waiting, waiting. Sleep is going to be at a minimum tonight–IF we sleep at all! WE’RE OFF TO DISNEY!! WAA-HOO!!

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Sounds like you are ready to have a blast - can't wait to read more. Thanks for posting!

 

[pumba]

I lay there exhuasted and not one second of sleep....or so it seems........can hardly wait for the rest of your trip

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

I can feel the anticipatation just reading this report!

 

[Obsessed w/Disney in OH]

I appreciate you taking the time to read the trip reports. They are so much fun to write and keep for the memories, but they're a lot of work. Thanks for taking the time to read!!

 

[KayleeUK]

Sounds great, Mickey Pizza, cookies and pancakes yum, yum

Kaylee

 

[Misti]

I know exactly how you feel! I leave next week and I can't wait! Thanks for posting!

 

[yepod]

Thanks for taking the time to write this great report. They are as helpful as any of the other boards for tips! Looking forward to the rest of your reports.

 

[zoe dog]

Thanks for posting ! Can't wait to read the rest. My DH and I enjoyed your 2000 reports so much that we printed them off and have read them several times since. (Hope there weren't any trips to the hospital this time!)

Our three girls are similar ages to yours and seem to have similar temperments, so reading your reports makes it so very easy to imagine what our first-ever family trip with them will be like this June! (and yes - I e-mailed you last year)

Although we are talking about this June's trip as the one-and-only-family trip, I have a feeling that, like you, we'll get hooked and will soon be scheming on how we can return!

 

[Obsessed w/Disney in OH]

zoe dog--How nice to hear from you! I am so glad you found the reports to be helpful. It's so exciting planning your first trip!! Yes--you will get hooked...enjoy it!! Have fun planning--e-mail me if you have any questions or if I can help you out in any way! Lisa