Three Alaskans hit the world...watch out for the glare!

laurainsem

DIS Veteran
Joined
Apr 23, 2008
Messages
884
Alright, so i've buckled and have decided to do a pre-trip report. I'm just so excited for the trip, I must do something with my Disney fanatacism, even if no one reads this!

So a little background:

As a child, it was a tradition in our family to drive our little Honda Accord from Seattle (where we lived at the time) on down to California most summers. Over the years, we visited Disneyland about four times. From the second my cute little feet stepped on to Disney property, I was addicted.

In 1994, my mother, two sisters and I packed up our bags and headed for the wild's of Alaska. This ended our Disney trips and we haven't been back since. Total heartbreak...:sad1:

Fast forward to adulthood... In 2003, I entered my Master's program to become a pastor. This was something I never thought I would do and stepping into this future role was a major commitment. In the midst of my anxiety and fear, I made a promise to myself. "Laura, if you finish this program, you can take yourself and your sisters to Disneyworld." I hung on to this promise throughout my four year program.

In August 2006, I called my sisters and asked them if they would want to go with me to WDW. Of course they both said "yes" but didn't take it too seriously. I wouldn't graduate from Seminary until May 2008, and we wouldn't even be going until January 2009. Yet, I stayed committed and the family kind of chuckled as I began making plans. :goodvibes

So, before I go any further, I shall introduce you to the cast:

Me (Laura):
I am a 28 year old newby Lutheran pastor living in Pennsylvania. It has been my dream for many, many years to go to Disneyworld. Life has been a bit chaotic lately with some major transitions and personal struggles. This trip is important to me for so many reasons. Relaxation, connecting with my sisters, being a kid again, seeing the mouse... it doesn't get any better!

Brenda:
Brenda is my 31 year old sister. She is an amazing person that I really do look up to. She lives in Alaska and works as a pediatric home health coordinator. Brenda is overdue for a real vacation and is counting down the days with us. I regularly receive phone calls and emails about things she discovers she wants to do. While Jamie and I aren't totally on board, Brenda is ready for T&T!! :scared1:

Jamie:
Jamie, our baby sister, is 23 years old. She, like Brenda, is my best friend and confidant. She lives in Seattle at the moment and is a dedicated volunteer at the Children's Hospital. During her most recent visit, she helped me build a trip plan which we will of course share with you. Jamie has held on to the excitement of this trip from my first crazy vision and is counting down the days. Her #1 goal is to ride Dumbo, and she doesn't care if people thinks she looks silly doing so! I must admit, i'm right there with her! :cheer2:


Here's some not-so-hot pics of us. But hey, they work for now! :thumbsup2

Below is Jamie (left) and myself at the Liberty Bell:
X2.jpg


This is Brenda (left) and myself at graduation in May:
X1.jpg


More to come so stay tuned....:cool1:
 
Alright, so I might as well start part II!

In the midst of the chaos that comes with senior year, I began some of my planning. I found the DIS about a month into it and became seriously addicted. I mean, really, this site needs a recovery program!!!:rotfl2:

I started sorting through all the reviews, articles, websites, etc on where to stay and what a good size trip would be. There is so much info out there it felt very overwhelming at times.

I decided that if we were going to go all the way to Florida, we might as well give ourselves time to relax a bit. I watched packages fluctuate in price to determine when would be best to go and when would be best to attempt purchasing one. After a great deal of discernment, I decided we should go in January for 8 days. This seemed reasonable and enough time to enjoy ourselves. Almost a year later, I went a little nutty and added another day; I just couldn't help myself!:banana:

In regards to our resort, it wasn't a difficult decision to stay on property. While I recognize it costs a bit more, the perks were just too much to pass up. Plus I couldn't stand the idea of commuting.

At first, we thought about staying in ASMo. We wanted something Disneyish and that wouldn't send my pocketbook through the roof. All three of us were excited over the characters throughout and thought it would be for us.

As I read more and more reviews however (thanks DIS), I began looking seriously at Pop. At first I was turned off to it as it didn't seem Disney enough for me. When we looked further into it, I saw how it integrated Disney with Pop culture. I now love the theming at Pop, as do my sisters. We know it isn't the most exciting building, we love the 80's building and have requested it. For us, it really is our decade and we think that's pretty special. ;)


Next up, "How in the world am I going to afford this?!!!"...
 
Great Start Laura!!! I didn't realize you lived in Alaska...I lived there too.. I loved it!!!

I can't wait to hear all about your planning details!!!
 
Hey Laura! yay! I get to be first! :yay: A great start! :thumbsup2 Can't wait for more! :cool1: You arrive on the same day we do! What time does your flight get in?
 

Hey Laura! yay! I get to be first! :yay: A great start! :thumbsup2 Can't wait for more! :cool1: You arrive on the same day we do! What time does your flight get in?

Ummm...I think I beat you LOL :rotfl: You know what they say about great minds thinking alike LOL!

Kim you really are my Disney Twin LOL!!!
 
Okay, just for fun, here are some pics from Alaska. I grew up in Petersburg, which is along the southeast panhandle on the inside passage. It really is gorgeous up there and I miss it!

This is Seward, up by Anchorage. It was VERY cold!
Sewardsm.jpg


This is in Petersburg along the harbor:
Pburgsm.jpg


We are a little town with a lot of norwegians. So of course we must have a Sons of Norway hall!
Pburg2sm.jpg


Some happy little Caribou:
Caribousm.jpg


My sister took this picture. I cannot remember for the life of me the name of the lake:
Alaska1sm.jpg
 
Awww, thanks for all the replies! Glad I could bring out the competitive spirit of my fellow snowbirds! :rotfl: I can't wait to do an actual trip report, though know i'll be sad when it is over. Guess after January i'll have to start a new PTR!



Great Start Laura!!! I didn't realize you lived in Alaska...I lived there too.. I loved it!!!

I can't wait to hear all about your planning details!!!

Oh Jen, I forgot your from AK too! What part?

Hey Laura! yay! I get to be first! :yay: A great start! :thumbsup2 Can't wait for more! :cool1: You arrive on the same day we do! What time does your flight get in?

I get in around 10:30am ish on the 19th (can't remember the exact time at the moment). I'm so glad it's nice and early so we can enjoy the day. What time do you get in? We are definitely going to have to have a snowbird gathering!
 
I get in around 10:30am ish on the 19th (can't remember the exact time at the moment). I'm so glad it's nice and early so we can enjoy the day. What time do you get in? We are definitely going to have to have a snowbird gathering!

Our flight is supposed to land around 11:30am on the 19th! Many snowbird gatherings shall happen, me thinks! At various times and places! YeeHaw!
 
Hi Laura.... I am here also... great start to your PTR..... love the photos....
 
Our flight is supposed to land around 11:30am on the 19th! Many snowbird gatherings shall happen, me thinks! At various times and places! YeeHaw!
So any clue as to how we're all going to organize this get together? We need someone organized to get this thing planned!:thumbsup2


Hi Laura.... I am here also... great start to your PTR..... love the photos....

So glad you made it and that you love the photos! While I don't have any Disney ones, you can be sure more pics will follow. :banana:
 
Stoppin' by...the pics of Alaska are beautiful!
Her #1 goal is to ride Dumbo, and she doesn't care if people thinks she looks silly doing so! I must admit, i'm right there with her! :cheer2:
No one ever looks silly riding Dumbo- it's for all ages!:cloud9:
 
I am joining in for support of a fellow snowbird!
Maybe it will get me going on planning full gear. I have an exam Dec 3rd so that is all I think about...:confused:
 
Laura,
My family will also be at Pop, but we will be there Jan 20-27. Maybe we will meet up in the food court or at the bus stop! Nice start to the trip report!
 
I am joining in for support of a fellow snowbird!
Maybe it will get me going on planning full gear. I have an exam Dec 3rd so that is all I think about...:confused:
Thanks for the support!:cool1:

Ahhh, exams....That was me at this time last year. Hang in there, and may I suggest using a PTR as a brain break. I probably took wayyyyyyy more of those than I should have, but hey, I still graduated!:woohoo:


Laura,
My family will also be at Pop, but we will be there Jan 20-27. Maybe we will meet up in the food court or at the bus stop! Nice start to the trip report!

Super cool! :banana: I would be thrilled to meet up with a fellow Pop family. I so love the DIS boards; such a great way to network and make new friends!:grouphug:
 
Okay, just for fun, here are some pics from Alaska. I grew up in Petersburg, which is along the southeast panhandle on the inside passage. It really is gorgeous up there and I miss it!

This is Seward, up by Anchorage. It was VERY cold!
Sewardsm.jpg


This is in Petersburg along the harbor:
Pburgsm.jpg


We are a little town with a lot of norwegians. So of course we must have a Sons of Norway hall!
Pburg2sm.jpg


Some happy little Caribou:
Caribousm.jpg


My sister took this picture. I cannot remember for the life of me the name of the lake:
Alaska1sm.jpg


Your pictures brought back so many memories!! I lived in Anchorage close to Eagle River!!!

Is that picture of the lake near Portage????

I too will be at POP The 15th-21st I would love to arrange a PoP century meet up if we can!!!
 












Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE






DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest DIS Tiktok DIS Twitter DIS Bluesky

Back
Top Bottom