The Trip that Will Save My Sanity . . . and My Heart - Pretrip

[boucheresq]

Cast of Characters:

Dopey - Me, age 32, receiving some sad news in my life, using Disney to bring up my spirits and hope from a horrible week

Doc - DH, age 33, who also received sad news and also is glad that Disney is in our near future!

Well, this week was supposed to be a great week because Sunday 11/28 was our 6 year anniversary. It was the first year since we were married that we did not go on vacation somewhere warm for it - that's usually our present to each other. This year, however, I just started a new job. Although I love, love, love my job, it decreased my vacation time a week so we couldn't go. I should have known that it was a sign of not so great things to come. We went to my in-law's for Thanksgiving. We decided to spend a night in a hotel to celebrate our anniversary. Well, the next morning we woke up to find out our brand new car was not only broken into through the right front passenger window, but some items were stolen and the perpetrators urinated in our car. And neither the hotel nor the garage were helpful at all and are trying to avoid liability. Then Monday, my dh and I received some devastating news that broke our hearts straight in two. Through that devastation, I'm continually having to deal with the insurance company (which has been great - I recommend GEICO), the hotel and the garage. Then I received additional news yesterday that really made me want to just give up and cry - well, that's not true b/c I have already cried a lot.

So what does my darling dh do? He says we need our disney fix - as you can see from below, we truly love disney. It was our first trip together as a couple, we had our 2 week honeymoon there and have celebrated two subsequent anniversaries there! He initially suggested Christmas or New Year's but the prices were just too crazy. So we decided on MKL weekend instead - 1/13-1/18. Then airline tix went down at Independence Airlines for $310 for 2. I have bought the 4 day hopper plus from Hotwire. I reserved Pop Century. I have made PS's at California Grill (during fireworks) and Le Cellier (which we haven't tried before). I have a surprise for my dh of a dinner at WC and then a cruise during the WISHES fireworks at MK for Saturday, 1/15.

Now, having something to look forward to such as my fave WDW has definitely alleviated some of the strain on my heart. Instead of thinking too much about the awful things that have happened this week, I can focus on the wonderful time we will have at Disney. In the past, I have been one of those persons who has had to plan every second of the trip and then run, run, run to make sure everything gets done. This time,however, I am truly looking forward to enjoying a relaxing time through WDW with no expectations other than the ressies I make. Both DH and I truly need it.

I do have a question for all of you kind readers, however. Other than what I have already set out above - can any of you suggest other "special" things I could do for my dh as a surprise - especially something different? B/c we have been to WDW so much, we have done quite a bit. I have never done the cruise before so I thought that would be special. I would love to hear some other thoughts.

This was my first "report" so thanks to all who have read it - and I truly look forward to writing a fun trip report afterwards - or maybe I don't, b/c that means the trip is over!

 

[llij]

How about an Illuminations cruise? I'm sorry that things have been tough for you lately. Sending some wishes your way that everything gets better soon.

Have a wonderful trip and enjoy the special time with your DH!

 

[mickeyschickie]

it sounds like you really really need this trip...I wish you all the pixie dust in the World to help you relax and recover together...I couldn't think of a better place to do it...at least you don't have too long to wait...

Nicki

 

[Chicago526]

a spa treatment at GF? I think they have treatments you can do as couples!

I truely hope whatever problems you've had recently work out, have a fantastic time!

 

[boucheresq]

thank you to all for your thoughts and wishes. I was also thinking of maybe a surprise basket in the room when we arrive - any recommendations?

 

[Mickey & Minnie Mom]

I've used the Disney Florist before to have a goodie basket delivered as well as champagne/flutes. Both were much appreciated by the recipients.

Although I can't give a first hand experience, I know POR offers the carriage rides. Maybe you could go over there & have a ride around the resort where you celebrated your honeymoon & think about all the good of being married to one another.

If you're looking for something fun, try a round of miniture golf to lift your spirits. My husband & I hadn't done that before, but when we did it was just fun time to connect doing something different at the World.

Wishing you peace in your heart during the holidays!

Mickey & Minnie Mom

 

[lmhall2000]

So sorry for the rough times....Disney has always been our panacea...we go each time we've had a job relocation (4x and counting)....it always does the trick!

Order personalized "Guest of Honor" badges...they're cute and make ya feel kind of nerdy and special. Get his hair cut at Main Street...make them put the glitter in....lots of fun. Maybe do a "Behind the Scenes" or "Magic of Disney" walking tour...you get a certificate and learn alot about Disney. Treat him to a massage at the GF. Order a wedding cake from GF Bakery and pretend that you're eating your original wedding cake...serve each other and have some champagne/strawberries handy.

Have a grand time...the tears will dry up...and never forget that you have each other to go through this time...these tough times should always make us thankful for the gifts we do have. Take the time at Disney to celebrate those gifts and put the sadness away.

Blessings!
Tara

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

We enjoyed the afternoon tea over at the Grand Floridian, we both had a great time.

PIXIE DUST for your TRIP

 

[floridafam]

Sorry to hear things have been rough for you.

I wanted to add that there have been many posts recently that say California Grill no longer pipes in the music for the fireworks. You must go outside on the balcony to see them. I'd rather you know now.

Have a wonderful trip.

 

[Alice28]

There is a poster on these boards named Feralpig who lives in the Orlando area and puts together these DARLING gift baskets that can be delivered to your room. From posts I have read, she does an excellent job.

 

[boucheresq]

Just as an update, I have added a couple more surprises for DH - including a wonderful romantic mickey/minnie basket made by Feralpeg with wineglasses and a romantic ornament and I reserved a town car with Murray Hill.

Another thing I had to deal with was Independence Air changed our flight times so that we had to get up REALLY early on our last day and then spend 3 hours in Dulles. So I kindly called them, explained how that change would not work and convinced them to cancel it and refund our money. Then I went to SW, got better times (we're now leaving the night before so we'll have 5 full days instead of 4 and then when we leave orlando, we leave 2 hours later but get into Albany an hour earlier) and even saved $50 in the process! I'm getting really excited and cannot wait! I'm coming Mickey!