Twenty Five

[SusanMomOf2]

Twenty Five is how many days I had between the day I planned my trip and the trip itself.​

It started years ago with a love for Disney World. But it was last night at a high school football game when I decided we were definitely planning. I was with my kids and some friends from church - we all happen to be military - and one of my friends was said, "We may not have a lot of savings, but we feel like it's more important to make these memories with the kids."

I completely agreed! I am 26 married with 2 kids. My husband is 25 and is in the wonderful U.S. Army serving in Iraq. My daughters Ali and Kirsten are 7 and 2 respectively. Daddy doesn't come home until around December 5th. That makes this a trip for just my girls and me. Just because daddy is away doesn't mean we can't vacation or do special things. In fact, with him gone, we don't have to be limited by his work schedule. The memories we make will outweigh the financial costs. I just have to try to keep those costs down.

Future topics:
(to be updated)

• Florida Resident Annual Pass
• Where to stay and when?
• Special things to do: KNO & MNSSHP
• SMALL budget
• Parks and rides (a.k.a. itenerary)
• Making sure I bring everything we need

 

[OhMari]

I take it you live in Florida. I would go to if I had Florida Passes. Have a great time.

 

[SusanMomOf2]

Florida Resident Annual Passes

We are Florida residents, yes, but we are military, so we don't live in Florida. We hail from Fort Polk in Louisiana.

On our trip last year (November 06), my 2 daughters and I stayed so long that I figured for a little extra money, I could upgrade our tickets to annual passes. I was planning on going during Spring Break 07 and Summer 07. Well, during Spring Break, I was giving up something for Lent - eating out. And yes, for that very reason, I could not make a trip to Disney World. It was a major sacrifice. I could hardly travel anywhere, actually. An hour's drive was always a constant test of my will power. And during the Summer, we were moving and had to pay for all those expenses. This is honestly the first time since last year that 1) I can afford to go (on a budget) and 2) we have our schedules somewhat free. Also, I would just hate to see 2 perfectly good annual passes go to waste. Oh the horror!!!

 

[SusanMomOf2]

Where to stay and when?

When: October 2-6 2007. That's the week of school that my daughter has 1 1/2 days off from school, so she won't miss much. She's in 2nd grade. I have school online (Baptist College of Florida) and my 2 year old won't mind missing daycare I don't think. I just asked her and she says it's ok.

Where: Thank God Shades of Green had availability for that period of time! I had to play around with the online reservations some, but score! And to think, it was 25 days out. I got so lucky. I would have stayed offsite otherwise. But I don't know of a place that's affordable and near Disney World. If I am going to spend around $100 a night, I want SoG!

 

[popcenturycp07]

i think its great that you are going to take your daughters to disney...i hope you make great memories and i am looking forward to reading more!

 

[lynn71092]

Please thank your husband for protecting our country!!

 

[SusanMomOf2]

Small Budget

Hey, thanks for the kind and encouraging words.

So, this post is about our budget. Last year, I spent way too much. With my husband in Iraq, we're supposed to be saving the extra money. So my budget is $1000.

Room at Shades of Green for 4 nights: $436
Gas getting from Ft. Polk, LA to Orlando in a minivan roundtrip: $250
Food for me and 2 little girls: $300
Spending money: $100
Vacationing with my sweet daughters, alone, showing them that life goes on despite our circumstances, and totally turning into a child once we enter those gates: PRICELESS!
Grand Total: $1086

As seen through my car's windshield...

Keep in mind, we have our annual passes and will stay overnight in Northwest Florida at my parents. Fun times!

 

[SusanMomOf2]

This falls under the Mother-in-law category...

Pray that my mother-in-law comes with us to Disney World. She's been feeling really down after losing custody of her 3 teenagers to their dad and also going through a divorce (different guy). She told my husband that the holidays just aren't the same anymore with no kids and no husband to share them with. She's welcome to come here, but she's in school and has limited funds. So tonight, I invited her to go with us. She was very excited, but she will see if her ex husband will give her the money for it. If not, we will pay for her. She will also talk with her school teacher about missing classes.

On my end, it will help because otherwise, I'm going alone. I would love to have an adult do with me - friend, family - to keep me company and help me with my girls. Last trip was great alone, but it is always nice to share Disney World with others. The more the merrier!

My husband called me after I emailed him, and he was just soooo grateful that I invited her. And he said the extra money we will spend for her food and a 3-day pass will be well worth it! He is in Iraq and wants so bad to help his mom in any way he/we can. Inviting her on this trip shows her that we care and will give her something to do and look forward to. She loves her granddaughters, and it will benefit everyone if she goes.

So, if it's in God's will, may she go on this trip with us. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

[SusanMomOf2]

I just added an extra day. I was thinking of all the cool places to see, and I looked at Shades of Green's website, and there are many availabilities! When I booked 16 days ago, it showed that they were full. I can see this will help make for a more laid back trip.

We'll get there Monday afternoon, so we will probably want to go straight to Magic Kingdom for a little bit. To us, Magic Kingdom IS Disney World. MK has EMH in the evening that day, so SCORE! I'm planning this as I go along. I reckon we will spend Thursday at Magic Kingdom because of 2 reasons: first, they have EMH in the morning and we have MNSSHP in the evening. It will give us an opportunity to get a lot out of the park and still go back to the room to rest. On Wednesday, Animal Kingdom is open later with EMH evenings - but I wonder what time that means they will close? Epcot has EMH in the evening on the Friday. That sounds great. I'll go to MGM on Saturday - our last day when they have EMH mornings and we will leave by 3 in the afternoon so we can drive home. My last day to plan is Tuesday, and I'll split it between Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Monday - MK
Tuesday - Split MK & Epcot
Wednesday - Animal Kingdom (maybe another park earlier? or sleep in!)
Thursday - MK
Friday - Epcot
Saturday - MGM

I need to find out what time Animal Kingdom closes with EMH Evenings. I am glad to have my schedule of days!

 

[SusanMomOf2]

Oh I have great news! My parents are coming with us! Why does this rock: kids make the trip cuz much of the parks are n their level, but adults are great so you can get on an adult level from time to time, also they will babysit one day while my older daughter and I go to MK to ride the 3mountains, and last, they MAY go to the parks with us on one day... I was thinking Epcot. My mom is disabled for different health reasons and they're both 68/67. So, they may just rest the whole time and visit with us when we get back to the resort. Anyway - yay!

I am at my parents house NOW (Freeport FL, 6 hours from Orlando). I did some homework that was due tonight. I have something due tomorrow. Once that is done, I have to study for my midterm and also keep up with my other class that has homework throughout the week. Hopefully, my dad will drive some and give me time to study. We leave Monday. I am so excited.

We have everything packed except food (snacks, breakfast, bottled water). I am going to surprise my girls with princess dresses once we get to Disney World. I am buying them at Wal Mart.

Today is the last full day before we leave. I want us to leave at 7AM to get there around 3 PM. I know Epcot has a 25th anniversary celebration on Monday, so I may divide my time between there and MK.

EXCITED!