Trip Number 9 ~ It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year ~ Christmastime at the GF & Poly

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'm sad this is over. I can't wait for the next report! Someday we may have to take a summer trip so am looking forward to reading about an August trip!

I've very much enjoyed this Shelly! You update often and are just one of my favorite TR writers.

So glad you enjoyed the TR so much Kelli! If you ever want to take a summer trip I will help you out. Go as late as you can in the summer, it's very slow (and cheaper)!! We have to go a week earlier this time than we did in Aug 2011, I'm hoping it will be close to being as slow as it was then.

Great wrap-up Shelly! I always love to hear your thoughts on resorts, food, etc.

I did the Universal TA training and it was pretty easy. In order to "officially" be a Universal Travel Specialist, you have to have an onsite stay. You then have to turn in receipts, proof of visit, etc so I won't be doing that part for awhile! I have booked a Universal trip for a client (planned their WDW trip 2 years ago), and it was actually before I did the training! I have been to Universal before, so I did have info to pass along to them.

Thanks Meghan!

Good to know the Universal training isn't too hard. I don't know too much about it at all, other than the little bit I have researched when thinking about going there myself.

I heard that you have to have an on-site stay to become an official TA for them. Wasn't sure if I could sell it before that or not. Thanks for clearing that up!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Shelly~ thanks for sharing another wonderful trip with us!! I do really enjoy reading.

I remember when my trip was just a couple of months away and now I only have 18 days!!! I can't believe how fast it flew by.

Yours will be here before you know it. . I look forward to reading the PTR.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly~ thanks for sharing another wonderful trip with us!! I do really enjoy reading.

I remember when my trip was just a couple of months away and now I only have 18 days!!! I can't believe how fast it flew by.

Yours will be here before you know it. . I look forward to reading the PTR.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thanks for reading! Glad you enjoyed.

Wow your trip is coming up super fast!! I know mine will too, summer always flies by.

 

[rusafee1183]

Great TR as always Shelly!

I always enjoy reading along and seeing pictures of your family. I still can't believe how big the boys are getting! They are definitely a far cry of the little ones I met at station square

Can't wait to start reading your next PTR/TR and hear your thoughts about the YC after its all said and done!

And I am super excited to hear about your experience in Clearwater. My friend is getting married in Bradenton Beach in April, so we will be doing a beach/WDW trip next time too!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[ronnmel]

I know I haven't posted in forever, but I was still reading. It was great to read about your trip, and I look forward to the next one.

 

[JoBird]

Now it's really over.


I can't believe another one has come and gone. Your wrap up is always so good and thorough!! Nice, concise and hits the highlights.

You were right on about the crowds---- there were people everywhere. In the parks, restaurants, on the buses, at the Grand--- just everywhere except in the lines for the rides! I was really surprised at that this trip.

The weather- holy cow. I packed everything as well and didn't need most of it. I remember getting there the day before you and texting you to bring short sleeves-- I was standing in Tomorrowland in the MK getting ready to change to a tshirt bc I was sweating like there was no tomorrow. I had to go in and buy one bc I was so hot in a long sleeved top. The guys wore shorts and short sleeves with a jacket for night time most days. They were comfortable. Most of the time I wore capris or jeans with short sleeves and jackets. But I'm cold natured until I have a hot flash. I think the warmest day by far was that Saturday. Also-- there was a lot of rain. Soaking wet we were a few times.

Agree on the transportation, only bc of the monorail being down and having to use the bus on the way out of the MK. Too crowded, too miserable to enjoy it.

The GF---- your thoughts are completely in line with how the hotel was this time. I love the Grand- LOVE it, you know. The feeling we had there this time was not how it was before. Too many people, too busy, too much construction, not the special air to it that made me fall in love. I am hoping it redeems itself in our eyes in Sept. Thank goodness you had a great trip to the Poly and enjoyed your time there again. Guess it's for sure that you have found your WDW home resort!

Now your upcoming trips sound so wonderful! I am hoping that you do a TR for each so we can all read again the fun time you have at each of them. We want all the details to everything and you can't leave anything out.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great TR as always Shelly!

I always enjoy reading along and seeing pictures of your family. I still can't believe how big the boys are getting! They are definitely a far cry of the little ones I met at station square

Can't wait to start reading your next PTR/TR and hear your thoughts about the YC after its all said and done!

And I am super excited to hear about your experience in Clearwater. My friend is getting married in Bradenton Beach in April, so we will be doing a beach/WDW trip next time too!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Thanks Heather. Glad you enjoyed it.

Yeah, that seems like forever ago that we were at Station Square. The boys must have been so little then.

I'm curious to see what my thoughts are on the YC too. I'm a little scared, but hoping for the best.

I'm excited for Clearwater!! I just hope I don't spend those days wishing I would have went to WDW instead!

I know I haven't posted in forever, but I was still reading. It was great to read about your trip, and I look forward to the next one.

Glad you're still here Mel! Thanks for reading!

Now it's really over.


I can't believe another one has come and gone. Your wrap up is always so good and thorough!! Nice, concise and hits the highlights.

You were right on about the crowds---- there were people everywhere. In the parks, restaurants, on the buses, at the Grand--- just everywhere except in the lines for the rides! I was really surprised at that this trip.

The weather- holy cow. I packed everything as well and didn't need most of it. I remember getting there the day before you and texting you to bring short sleeves-- I was standing in Tomorrowland in the MK getting ready to change to a tshirt bc I was sweating like there was no tomorrow. I had to go in and buy one bc I was so hot in a long sleeved top. The guys wore shorts and short sleeves with a jacket for night time most days. They were comfortable. Most of the time I wore capris or jeans with short sleeves and jackets. But I'm cold natured until I have a hot flash. I think the warmest day by far was that Saturday. Also-- there was a lot of rain. Soaking wet we were a few times.

Agree on the transportation, only bc of the monorail being down and having to use the bus on the way out of the MK. Too crowded, too miserable to enjoy it.

The GF---- your thoughts are completely in line with how the hotel was this time. I love the Grand- LOVE it, you know. The feeling we had there this time was not how it was before. Too many people, too busy, too much construction, not the special air to it that made me fall in love. I am hoping it redeems itself in our eyes in Sept. Thank goodness you had a great trip to the Poly and enjoyed your time there again. Guess it's for sure that you have found your WDW home resort!

Now your upcoming trips sound so wonderful! I am hoping that you do a TR for each so we can all read again the fun time you have at each of them. We want all the details to everything and you can't leave anything out.

I know. It's over.

Glad you enjoyed the wrap up. I hope I didn't leave anything out.

The weather was weird, the crowds were weird, and the transportation was weird!! Weird trip. But good!!

Yep, the Poly is our WDW home. Until they go messing it up that is. I'd really like to stay there on our Aug 2014 trip, but we'll just have to see what is happening there as we get closer... I sure hope things are better at the GF for you guys this time. I just read a great little report on it on the GF thread this morning. I'm sure you've read it by now too!! Sounds like things are improving somewhat.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Well it sounded like a really great trip Shelly! I'm so glad you shared it with us, and I'm thrilled that you're going to do a PTR for the next one. I can't believe it's almost time for you to go back! I'm really curious to see what you think of the YC after your stay at the BC. It's certainly a beautiful place! I sure hope you like it. I would love to stay in the Epcot area and be able to walk into WS whenever I wanted!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Well it sounded like a really great trip Shelly! I'm so glad you shared it with us, and I'm thrilled that you're going to do a PTR for the next one. I can't believe it's almost time for you to go back! I'm really curious to see what you think of the YC after your stay at the BC. It's certainly a beautiful place! I sure hope you like it. I would love to stay in the Epcot area and be able to walk into WS whenever I wanted!!

Thanks for reading!

I sure hope we like the YC too! Being able to walk to WS is a definite plus!

 

[T*Bird]

Great recap, Shelly! You always give a great summary and honest opinions on your trip - the good and the bad. I'm really glad that most of it was "the good".

It sounds like you had the best possible temps for a December trip. I've been in May/June before, and it was super hot. But I would rather be hot than cold in Disney. I'm not saying it's fun to sweat buckets in the heat and humidity, but being cold just hurts.

I'm glad you enjoyed the Poly just as much this trip. But now, don't go all nutty with Poly-love, you hear?

About those air fares....what do you consider a good RT fare for you? As in currrently? Do you mind me asking what you got for your August trip? As you know, I have been looking at and planning several trips with DD and the air fare thing has me I find it so hard to decide when to pull the trigger and when to hold off. At least with Southwest you can make changes with no penalty.

My DSis wants the two of us to go on a girls' trip, and, through today, Southwest has one-way to Tampa for $49! Of course we would have to rent a car and drive (not sure how far) to Disney. But I am seriously considering it. I may need the services of a good Disney TA if you know of one!

Congrats on your plans to be a Universal TA, too! I didn't realize that was in the works!

Looking forward to your PTR!

 

[rusafee1183]

Yeah, that seems like forever ago that we were at Station Square. The boys must have been so little then.

I remember trying so hard not to spill the beans about your upcoming trip. Weren't you surprising them that year?? I was walking on eggshells with everything I was saying around them

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great recap, Shelly! You always give a great summary and honest opinions on your trip - the good and the bad. I'm really glad that most of it was "the good".

It sounds like you had the best possible temps for a December trip. I've been in May/June before, and it was super hot. But I would rather be hot than cold in Disney. I'm not saying it's fun to sweat buckets in the heat and humidity, but being cold just hurts.

I'm glad you enjoyed the Poly just as much this trip. But now, don't go all nutty with Poly-love, you hear?

About those air fares....what do you consider a good RT fare for you? As in currrently? Do you mind me asking what you got for your August trip? As you know, I have been looking at and planning several trips with DD and the air fare thing has me I find it so hard to decide when to pull the trigger and when to hold off. At least with Southwest you can make changes with no penalty.

My DSis wants the two of us to go on a girls' trip, and, through today, Southwest has one-way to Tampa for $49! Of course we would have to rent a car and drive (not sure how far) to Disney. But I am seriously considering it. I may need the services of a good Disney TA if you know of one!

Congrats on your plans to be a Universal TA, too! I didn't realize that was in the works!

Looking forward to your PTR!

Thanks Teri!

Yep, the weather was pretty good for the most part. Luckily the night it poured we were at the GF. Poor Jodi was at Epcot.

Good airfare?? Well anymore anything $100 or less (each way) is about all we can hope for. It used to be $69, then $79, then $89. Now if I can get $99 I am thrilled!

Oh you should definitely jump on those $49 flights to Tampa!! That is a steal!! It's about an hour and a half drive to WDW from there. Not bad! I'll definitely hook you up with a great package!

Yes Universal is in the works, as well as lots of other locations. The agency will always specialize in Disney, but is branching out to other vacation destinations for the clients.

I remember trying so hard not to spill the beans about your upcoming trip. Weren't you surprising them that year?? I was walking on eggshells with everything I was saying around them

I don't even remember that being before the big surprise trip. Must have been the summer of 2008, because the surprise trip was January 2009!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

2 MONTHS!!!







Well, 2 months until the beach. 2 Months, 2 Days until Disney!!

 

[T*Bird]

2 MONTHS!!! That's crazy! You just got back!!!!


Seriously, I can't believe how time flies. Which is good when it comes to vacations, but not so good when it comes to birthdays.

I hope y'all love the beach as much as my family does! DD was in Destin a couple of weeks ago and sent me pictures of the most beautiful water and sand. Made me so jealous!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Yay for 2 months!

Don't you just love it when you can go twice in a 12 month period?

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

WOW!! 2 months!! That puts me right at 4...I love watching your ticker! I didn't even notice mine!

 

[sjs314]

2 MONTHS!!!







Well, 2 months until the beach. 2 Months, 2 Days until Disney!!

Geez time is really flying by

 

[JoBird]

Happy 2 Months!!!!!!




The beach is so awesome-- I'm so excited for you to take the boys!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

2 MONTHS!!! That's crazy! You just got back!!!!


Seriously, I can't believe how time flies. Which is good when it comes to vacations, but not so good when it comes to birthdays.

I hope y'all love the beach as much as my family does! DD was in Destin a couple of weeks ago and sent me pictures of the most beautiful water and sand. Made me so jealous!

I just got back -- IN DECEMBER!!!

I know, time will fly by now that it's nice outside. Getting to this point took forever. But you are right, time flying is good for vacations, but not for birthdays. Not at all!!

I hope we love the beach too!

Yay for 2 months!

Don't you just love it when you can go twice in a 12 month period?

Thanks Sheree!

I do love it!! So much better when you always have a trip to look forward to. I'd like to try and take 2 trips a year for the next few years at least, because it won't be long (4 years) until DS14 will be off to college.

WOW!! 2 months!! That puts me right at 4...I love watching your ticker! I didn't even notice mine!

Yay for 4 Months - it will be here before you know it!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Geez time is really flying by

It won't be long for you either -- 4 1/2 Months!!

Happy 2 Months!!!!!!




The beach is so awesome-- I'm so excited for you to take the boys!!!

Thanks Jodi!!

I'm excited too!!