The "They extended free dining til WHEN?!?" PTR- My first Christmas Visit!!

[JacksLilWench]

Ok, so I know I said I'd have this update like, three days ago...but this has been a really rough week for me and I can't even begin to tell you about all the insanity that's been going on. I'm trying to get myself back together after all the craziness, so hopefully this can be the starting point

But moving on, this is gonna be a big fun post because I have an awesome announcement *clears throat*

We are now OFFICIALLY PAST the 100-day mark!!!!!!!!!!! That's right ladies and gentlemen (if any guys read this!) As of today, I am only 96 days away from checking in to the Happiest Place On Earth

So to celebrate, I have pictures for you guys!!

So this is the bag I'm gonna carry with me:

I carry bags like this because I just can't justify buying a Baggalini. They never look like they're big enough and I can never find cute ones. And I have to have a cute bag, otherwise what would I carry my stuff in??

This is the "wallet" I'm gonna carry with me in the parks too:

I know, it doesn't coordinate...but it's cute, right?! I never end up carrying much with me anyway when I go to the parks, and only having that much stuff will probably help keep my spending in check

And just one more picture--I always feel like I forget a lot of what happens on my trips because I'm so excited to just be in WDW, and I also knew if I was doing a PTR, I was eventually gonna have to own up and do a TR. So logically speaking, I had to get something to help me remember everything possible so I could come back and tell you guys all about it! So while I was at the Disney store a couple days ago, this seemed to be the solution to the problem:

So cute, and just the right size to throw in my bag! Plus, it came in a set with matching pencils and a little pencil case: So. Cute.

I also have an awesome tip that really worked for me today, too. Whenever I break a dollar, I always keep the change and put it in this jar I have with a really pretty ribbon on it. Right before I leave on any trip (mostly the Disney ones) I take it to the bank and they cash it in for free! So I was starting to dip into my jar for change for the drink machine, etc, and decided to cash it at the bank. Turns out, it was $95 worth of change!!!! So I took that to the Disney Store and put it on a gift card so I couldn't keep buying drinks with it So the tip is, save your change and make it worth something!

So after that gigantic post, I have so much to do around my house. Especially laundry-wise Enjoy, guys!!

 

[YukiPhnx]

That's what I do with my change too! Mine is a piggy bank.

I like the bag and notebook you got! Bagallini's look like they can pack a punch. I remember someone taking pictures as they packed their bagallini and it looked like a fair amount. I've also seen it in stores. I think it would be big enough for your needs. But then, it's really up to you.

UNDER 100 DAYS!! Wooooh!

 

[JacksLilWench]

I might have to try a Baggalini...I just can't seem to justify another $20 bagg, when the one I showed was only $6, lol. But it might be worth it, ya never know

And I can still hardly believe about my change! I counted it at one point and got about $70 and I thought I wouldn't get much more than that so I was shocked to get it all cashed up to that amount I feel like I should have just shipped it to Disney with a note that said "Here, just hang on to this til December, I'll be back for it"

Speaking of which, we're that much closer to going Getting excited about it, definitely, haha. AND! When I was at the Disney Store the other day, I saw Prince of Persia water bottles on sale and just HAD to get one...so now Jake Gyllenhal works out with me What? That's a legit claim! ...it just happens to be on my water bottle, hahaha!

 

[YukiPhnx]

I feel like I should have just shipped it to Disney with a note that said "Here, just hang on to this til December, I'll be back for it"

That just cracked me up right there. My sides are hurting, seriously.

When I was at the Disney Store the other day, I saw Prince of Persia water bottles on sale and just HAD to get one...so now Jake Gyllenhal works out with me What? That's a legit claim! ...it just happens to be on my water bottle, hahaha!

Oooh, nice buy. I would love to have Jake work out with me too!

OMG, you're getting so close! A friend of mine just told me she'll be going the week of the Canadian thanksgiving in October, so I'm helping her plan it. I'm getting so excited for her too!

 

[JacksLilWench]

That just cracked me up right there. My sides are hurting, seriously.



Oooh, nice buy. I would love to have Jake work out with me too!

OMG, you're getting so close! A friend of mine just told me she'll be going the week of the Canadian thanksgiving in October, so I'm helping her plan it. I'm getting so excited for her too!

Hahaha, I'm glad there are people out there who understand me, lol.

Dude, I freakin' KNOW, RIGHT?! Especially Prince of Persia style Jake...with the long hair and rippling biceps and the messy facial hair....

*Stares off into the misty dreamland where Prince Dastan awaits me with desert fruits and water from a fresh desert mineral spring*
Wait, what? I'm sorry, I don't know what just happened there...

And YAYYY!!! for your friend going in October!!! I just love planning Disney stuff for people...or myself for that matter. I started in the other night telling my mom about all the stuff I wanted to do when we go and she turned to me and said "Are you gonna let me plan anything to do here?" And with a total straight face I replied "I'll think about it..."

Well, nothing new to report on the trip itself, just that it's getting closer and closer (PS, that is my favorite smilie on the whole boards) I did have a LOT of fun reading the thread about overhearing what others have said while in line at WDW. All 43 pages of it, lol. It's been a slow night at work, can you tell? But you should go check it out, fersure:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2404519

Enjoy!! Have a good night, all!!

 

[JacksLilWench]

I truly need a 12-step program right now.

I am fully aware of the fact that I have yet to even leave for the trip for which I'm actually writing this PTR. However, no one ever told me I could only pre-report on JUST that trip, right?! That's a yes, in case you were wondering

So here's the deal: I have wanted to go to WDW during Halloween so bad for so long I can't stand myself much longer. And seeing Corey Martin's photos today on here from last night's MNSSHP didn't help matters. So come Hell or High Water, I'm going next year for Halloween!

Here's where you guys come in: I'll probably be attending with my mom (gotta love momma!) and we're DDP people. I mean for crying out loud, with the prices of the DDP, we could eat the cost of the plan itself in one day AND still be able to get a snack and a counter service meal on top of that. So the question is: Would you stay at POP Century with the Basic DDP (1 CS meal, 1 TS meal, and one snack) for $1742.04, including the cost of the DDP upgrade,

OR???

Would you stay at POFQ with the same dining plan for $2205.90?

.....You know, now that I'm looking at it like that, I think I would go more towards POP. But I'm just not sure. And also, what kind of costumes can you think of to wear?! I can totally convince my mom to coordinate her costume with mine...and it could be Disney-related too. Which means the NEXT TR could be filled with INSANITY.

If you guys have any input, let me know!! Loveyameanit!!

 

[__disneygirl]

First off, I love your Minnie wristlet! I barely carry anything in the parks so this is perfect for me! I have a Mickey and Minnie wristlet I got at the MK years ago but it has started to rip since the last trip so hopefully I can find another cute one like yours

LOL, I thought you were going to say that you decided to go during Halloween this year, like meaning next month! Then you'd REALLY need a 12 step program. I'd totally understand, of course. I was just telling my mom about the headless horseman in front of Sleepy Hollow last night and we were just itching for Disney so bad!!

I would never ever stay at POFQ over Pop. Actually I think Pop is better than all the moderates. Just my opinion. We have such a blast at Pop and love it so much that it would just be like a waste for us to "upgrade" to a "better" resort when... it really isn't, to us. Just my opinion =)

 

[JacksLilWench]

LOL, I thought you were going to say that you decided to go during Halloween this year, like meaning next month! Then you'd REALLY need a 12 step program. I'd totally understand, of course. I was just telling my mom about the headless horseman in front of Sleepy Hollow last night and we were just itching for Disney so bad!!

Trust me Lia, if I could afford to go next month, I would go without a second thought! This has been a banner week for me. I'm wondering how much it would cost to upgrade my ticket in December to an Annual Pass...then I could actually plan a spur-of-the-moment trip when I have weeks like this past one!! I'm just counting down the days til I check in down there. And I'm also wondering how hard it would be to "become" a Florida resident. Then I can get FL resident hotel room discounts, and then I'll really be in like Flint. (I don't know who Flint is, but I wanna be in like him.)

Actually, I'm currently listening to the podcast about MNNSHP...and it's not helping my need of a 12-step. But come on, it's the only time of year I'll be able to dress up in costume IN Disney World!

*Sigh* I think I'm gonna finish listening to the podcast and do some costume shopping. It's probably not gonna fit next year because I'll be a skinny mini (hopefully!) but it would be cool to figure out what to be

 

[__disneygirl]

Trust me Lia, if I could afford to go next month, I would go without a second thought! This has been a banner week for me. I'm wondering how much it would cost to upgrade my ticket in December to an Annual Pass...then I could actually plan a spur-of-the-moment trip when I have weeks like this past one!! I'm just counting down the days til I check in down there. And I'm also wondering how hard it would be to "become" a Florida resident. Then I can get FL resident hotel room discounts, and then I'll really be in like Flint. (I don't know who Flint is, but I wanna be in like him.)

Actually, I'm currently listening to the podcast about MNNSHP...and it's not helping my need of a 12-step. But come on, it's the only time of year I'll be able to dress up in costume IN Disney World!

*Sigh* I think I'm gonna finish listening to the podcast and do some costume shopping. It's probably not gonna fit next year because I'll be a skinny mini (hopefully!) but it would be cool to figure out what to be

LOL I know. I constantly wonder how rich Dissers resist the urge to be at Disney like every week.

I have been costume shopping for this years MNSSHP even though I have no idea if I can actually even go yet. It's an odd kind of torture I don't know why I'm subjecting myself to especially when I have other important things to do. Sigh. I need the help of a medical professional. Obviously.

Keep working at it and believe in yourself and you will be thin by next year!!! And if you need any help/tips/advice feel free to ask me because apparently I am good at losing weight now! LOL

 

[YukiPhnx]

I agree with Lia. Pop sounds like the better choice. Just think of all the souvenirs you can get with that extra money????

I've only EVER stayed at the Pop, and I already love it to bits. I would vote for that.

And just like her, I thought you were talking about Halloween of this year too! Haha.

Hm....costumes......well, I dress up as characters as a hobby. . . . . so it's easier for me to suggest costumes, but I always have to remember that not everyone can make their own costumes....

Well, the best advice is for you to choose a character that is easy to move in, comfortable, and something you feel GREAT in. A costume that makes you feel really good is the best thing.

 

[JacksLilWench]

LOL I know. I constantly wonder how rich Dissers resist the urge to be at Disney like every week.

I have been costume shopping for this years MNSSHP even though I have no idea if I can actually even go yet. It's an odd kind of torture I don't know why I'm subjecting myself to especially when I have other important things to do. Sigh. I need the help of a medical professional. Obviously.

Keep working at it and believe in yourself and you will be thin by next year!!! And if you need any help/tips/advice feel free to ask me because apparently I am good at losing weight now! LOL

I know exactly what you mean, Lia! I don't even know what I'm gonna be DOING a year from now, but I just know I have to do this. I just keep thinking "Just keep swimming!"

Awh, you're so sweet! I will probably be taking you up on your advice offer. I AM however, taking the first few steps by taking a Zumba class twice a week. I wish I could do it more, but that's the only time I have in my schedule, and that's because I told one of my jobs I was no longer available those nights! I'm trying to eat better too: more fruits and veggies, healthier options for eating out, all that stuff. My ultimate goal is to be a size 8. That might not seem like a lot, but at one point I was a size 18. BIG difference (no pun intended )

I agree with Lia. Pop sounds like the better choice. Just think of all the souvenirs you can get with that extra money????

I've only EVER stayed at the Pop, and I already love it to bits. I would vote for that.

And just like her, I thought you were talking about Halloween of this year too! Haha.

Hm....costumes......well, I dress up as characters as a hobby. . . . . so it's easier for me to suggest costumes, but I always have to remember that not everyone can make their own costumes....

Well, the best advice is for you to choose a character that is easy to move in, comfortable, and something you feel GREAT in. A costume that makes you feel really good is the best thing.

Extra souvenir money?! I didn't even THINK of that!!!! You guys are totally right...POP it is!!! Now, to convince my mother to start planning a trip over a year out with no released dates of MNSSHP....any backup you guys can give me there is definitely appreciated as well We were joking around before (me and my mom) and said we should go as Ariel and Ursula and I think it's LEGIT. I fully support it

Only 81 days left, guys!!!!

 

[YukiPhnx]

Hahah, Ariel and Ursula sounds like a GREAT IDEA!!! You should totally do it!

 

[JacksLilWench]

Hahah, Ariel and Ursula sounds like a GREAT IDEA!!! You should totally do it!

That's what I'M sayin'! I just hope I can convince her to do it with me...AND agree dress up as Ursula. This is gonna be interesting!

 

[JacksLilWench]

I can't even believe it's been almost a MONTH since I've posted anything on here! Life has been way too busy and crazy and whacky to even begin. About a month ago, I started dating an amazing guy (he actually works in my AAA office-so wild!) who made me get into super-school mode. So I have been studying like mad lately and been getting really good grades. And I've been working a TON, especially now that Christmas is coming up. Retail is a peach, I'll tell ya

So the excitement is building for the trip: dining reservations are made, the trip is paid off, and my bags are half-way packed! I'm so excited, it's unreal. We're now at 37 days left to go, and I am fah-reaking out!!! Usually at this point I look at all the menus of all the restaurants and drool over all the different things they have. Sometimes I decide what I want....but most of the time, it just makes it that much harder to decide what to get! Do you guys have any suggestions???

Monday, we'll be eating dinner at Crystal Palace...which is a buffet, but any super yummy stuff I'm still open to trying!
Tuesday is a breakfast day at Tusker House-that's right, breakfast with Donald!
Wednesday is dinner at Chefs de France. I'm not sure at ALL what to eat here. Some of the stuff I'm not sure about, and other stuff I think I want double servings of!
Thursday is the best day ever, because it includes breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table (EEEE!!!!) AND dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern!!!! Both meals are pre-plated...but I know LTT is ultra-delicious.
Friday is lunch at Mama Melrose as part of the Fantasmic! Dinner Package. And I just don't know what to order there, either!

Any suggestions? Or even suggestions of what kind of counter service places to eat? The only one I'm REALLY hoping is open is Pirata E Perico across from POTC. I've always wanted to eat there...I just never seem to catch it!

All righty, I'm off to clean up a little and then start picking up dinner! Bye guys!

 

[JacksLilWench]

So I'm a horrible PTR'er...it's been weeks since my last entry!! But in all honesty, it's been really boring my way. I've spent a ton of time lately studying for a final exam (on which I got a 99!!!!) and counting the days til we leave. Which just happens to be TOMORROW MORNING!!!

I am so excited I can hardly stand myself. The car is packed, the provisions are being prepared as we speak, and the Disney Greatest CD's are officially on my iPod! I can't wait to get on the road and start to experience all the amazing stuff that always happens when me and my mom go anywhere, especially WDW. And on Tuesday, her BFF from high school is joining us for our AK Day!! I absolutely cannot wait to see the castle. I will probably cry. I will definitely squeal. And I will probably be compared to a four-year-old. And I'm totally cool with all of that. I plan on eating way too much food, having a few too many Dole Whips, and enjoying myself way more than I probably should. But who wouldn't?! I am absolutely beside myself!

Well, the next time I talk to you guys, it will be to give you the link to my TR!!! Hope you guys all read along!!

 

[__disneygirl]

Hey girl! I can't wait to hear how the trip went.. have you started a TR?