Twice As Nice & Double the Fun: an offsite October PTR where “2” is the magic number

[vrajewski10513]

Have you checked on Etsy for a Grinch themed shirt??

 

[Monykalyn]

So sad on the gangster costumes! But it will still be an awesome time. And hey-you are on VACATION right?
The tshirts are adorable. I do like the Grinch one! My favorite shorts are white and they are surprisingly easy to keep clean (even after a wipeout on a dirt track at a baseball game while riding a tricycle-but I did get a Springfield Cardinals tshirt out of it)

Barenaked Ladies Christmas

LOVE their Christmas album but we are BNL fans in general. And we have been know to subject passengers in our car to christmas music as early as October...Straight No Chaser's Christmas music is on everyone's iPod as well...

Looking ahead to Spring break-there is currently a 2 bedroom villa at Sheraton Vistana resort available for our week for exchange. Airfare isn't out yet but...I am pressuring DH to make a decision on what to do. Williamsburg Virginia (would have to fly), Gatlinburg (driveable although resort available has iffy reviews) or Orlando (get the sweet spot for airfare and it is pretty cheap). Haven't been to 1st 2 options, Orlando would give us chance to relax and not do parks but other things (although if SW has the BOGO free offer for black friday that would be an option, plus we have friends in area we haven't been able to hook up with past 2 visits). Your travel bug spirit is catching!!

Your October trip is rapidly approaching!!!

 

[Raeven]

Did you find that shirt on Etsy? We bought ones just like that but with 3/4 sleeves

 

[ElenaJane]

I love the Stink-Stank-Stunk shirt!! I also am not a fan of white t-shirts but that is because it blends into my pale skin too much.

It would seem like trading in a Mobster outfit to wear one or two nights for something like Universal APs makes a lot of sense to me!! The Universal AP is a really good deal if you plan on visiting like just 4 days a year!

 

[Lynne G]

Like both shirts. While I am not a fan of a white shirt, I wouldn't mind wearing that one. It's great for the breakfast. Festive shirts I always enjoy, as both kids generally refuse to wear one. Slackers!

 

[Ruthie5671]

The red shirt is adorable. I too have hesitation with white shirts. No matter how much I try, I always drip something on me, bump into something or messiness finds me. Festive shirts are fabulous though. You're lucky that Steve is a willing participant to wear those. I had casually suggested to Tony that matching shirts on vacation for just one day would be so cute. I got a mega eye roll. I need to try a new approach.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Both shirts are very cute. I like that you're bringing some Minions to Mickey's House

 

[afan]

Job update but not one the one I interviewed for. Temp job is finally ready to give me an offer and make me permanent, which I knew was coming but was hoping it wouldn't be before I knew what was going on with the other job. So I had to tell them about the the interview etc. They understood and my supervisor was excited for me. They both know the job I'm in isn't what I want to do and that there's always been and will be a possibility I find something else. It's nice to be wanted thought. I'm just hoping that there's enough of an increase in pay to at least counter the cost of the medical insurance I'll have coming out of my paycheck and the 401k or whatever that I'll want to start.

Fingers still super crossed that I get the other job as a full time remote position with good pay.

Love the Minions shirt. I have a Halloween and Christmas shirts that I got on clearance after the holidays at Target a couple years ago, after DM2 and before Minions.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I think I'm going to start a new business: just the short-and-stocky ones, we'll make awesome options for the tall and broad ones with thick necks, and big heads .

I just stop in to get a sanity break while I'm packing up everything in the entire world. What do I see but the above quote. Your store name will be Thick Necks R Us.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I LOVE the white ones. Really cute!! I know what you mean about white shirts but those are perfect for the breakfast in my opinion.
Also, I'm not sure if you saw this thread, but it looks from the pictures on the second page that The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is looking close to completion! I thought I would mention it in case you planned to work it into one of your trip plans . We will definitely be going in October!

http://www.disboards.com/threads/toothsome-chocolate-emporium.3529235/

Thank you for that link! I don't think we'll be able to work Toothsome into our October plans, but we have a night on our December trip set aside for dinner there for sure. We can't WAIT to give it a try!! Have you seen some of the photos of their desserts?

If they had to take away NBA City from our basketball-loving family, this is a good consolation.

http://orlandoinsidervacations.com/toothsome-chocolate-factory/

Have you checked on Etsy for a Grinch themed shirt??

I hadn't yet, but took your suggestion and WOW!! I found a TON of great options! Steve still likes the Stink, Stank, Stunk one best, but I'm growing kind of fond of this Etsy creation:

So sad on the gangster costumes! But it will still be an awesome time. And hey-you are on VACATION right?
The tshirts are adorable. I do like the Grinch one! My favorite shorts are white and they are surprisingly easy to keep clean (even after a wipeout on a dirt track at a baseball game while riding a tricycle-but I did get a Springfield Cardinals tshirt out of it)


LOVE their Christmas album but we are BNL fans in general. And we have been know to subject passengers in our car to christmas music as early as October...Straight No Chaser's Christmas music is on everyone's iPod as well...

Looking ahead to Spring break-there is currently a 2 bedroom villa at Sheraton Vistana resort available for our week for exchange. Airfare isn't out yet but...I am pressuring DH to make a decision on what to do. Williamsburg Virginia (would have to fly), Gatlinburg (driveable although resort available has iffy reviews) or Orlando (get the sweet spot for airfare and it is pretty cheap). Haven't been to 1st 2 options, Orlando would give us chance to relax and not do parks but other things (although if SW has the BOGO free offer for black friday that would be an option, plus we have friends in area we haven't been able to hook up with past 2 visits). Your travel bug spirit is catching!!

Your October trip is rapidly approaching!!!

Those are all some super fun vacation options. Which one is your preference? And which one do you think hubby will lean toward?

I have high hopes for the SeaWorld Black Friday sale. They have suffered yet another difficult year in many ways, so I'm suspecting that the BF offers will be as good or better than in past seasons. The BOGO annual passes make SeaWorld, Aquatica and even Discovery Cove super affordable.

Which airline do you normally fly? I know Jetblue has their fares out until May 2nd, but I haven't looked to see if/when Southwest extends their schedule through spring break.

Did you find that shirt on Etsy? We bought ones just like that but with 3/4 sleeves

The Stink, Stank, Stunk shirt I was looking at is from Tees And Tank You:

http://teesandtankyou.com/products/grinch-stink-stank-stunk-on-white-t-shirt

The Christmas minions is from shirtsforyou.net:

https://www.shirtsforyou.net/index.php/christmas-t-shirts/christmas-minions-unisex-t-shirt-detail

I love the Stink-Stank-Stunk shirt!! I also am not a fan of white t-shirts but that is because it blends into my pale skin too much.

It would seem like trading in a Mobster outfit to wear one or two nights for something like Universal APs makes a lot of sense to me!! The Universal AP is a really good deal if you plan on visiting like just 4 days a year!

Ideally, we'd like to get our Christmas 2016 vacation, a spring 2017 trip, and an autumn 2017 trip out of the annual passes before they expire. An April/May trip might be a bit of a stretch for our budget after 3 vacations in both 2015 and 2016, but that's what we're aiming for so we'll have to wait and see what happens. I'm crossing my fingers and saying a prayer, and hoping that things like having our park tickets all covered will make it all workable in the end .

Like both shirts. While I am not a fan of a white shirt, I wouldn't mind wearing that one. It's great for the breakfast. Festive shirts I always enjoy, as both kids generally refuse to wear one. Slackers!

I was always grateful when Jake indulged my themed t-shirt addiction, because I know it wasn't exactly his thing. I don't suppose most teens or young adults feel like donning a minions tee for their mom , but he was a good sport nonetheless. Is your DH a willing participant in Christmaswear or does he side with the kiddos? LOL

The red shirt is adorable. I too have hesitation with white shirts. No matter how much I try, I always drip something on me, bump into something or messiness finds me. Festive shirts are fabulous though. You're lucky that Steve is a willing participant to wear those. I had casually suggested to Tony that matching shirts on vacation for just one day would be so cute. I got a mega eye roll. I need to try a new approach.

Yes, that's us too!! If we're wearing white, I can almost guarantee you that we will also be wearing part of our dinner before the meal is over . We have sloppy down to a science!

I am super, super grateful that Steve is so willing to dress for the event . In fact, I can't recall a single thing he's flatly refused to wear or do when its come to our vacations. I suppose that one day I will find his line in the sand (and finally discover the thing that will make him stomp his feet and flatly refuse LOL!) but so far, he's been just awesome. I must remember to mention to him how much I appreciate that. I know he knows, but sometimes I still think its important to say the words .

Both shirts are very cute. I like that you're bringing some Minions to Mickey's House

I hope they don't deem the "inappropriate" and kick us out!

Job update but not one the one I interviewed for. Temp job is finally ready to give me an offer and make me permanent, which I knew was coming but was hoping it wouldn't be before I knew what was going on with the other job. So I had to tell them about the the interview etc. They understood and my supervisor was excited for me. They both know the job I'm in isn't what I want to do and that there's always been and will be a possibility I find something else. It's nice to be wanted thought. I'm just hoping that there's enough of an increase in pay to at least counter the cost of the medical insurance I'll have coming out of my paycheck and the 401k or whatever that I'll want to start.

Fingers still super crossed that I get the other job as a full time remote position with good pay.

Love the Minions shirt. I have a Halloween and Christmas shirts that I got on clearance after the holidays at Target a couple years ago, after DM2 and before Minions.

Great news and a big congrats on the job offer: at least you will have options once you know the results of the other interview. I hope the other position soon makes a decision so you can move forward.....isn't waiting the worst?

I just stop in to get a sanity break while I'm packing up everything in the entire world. What do I see but the above quote. Your store name will be Thick Necks R Us.

That's kind of catchy . I'd need a marketing manager for our new company. Are you raising your hand to volunteer?

You're probably on a beach by now in sunny Cuba, so I am sure I speak for us all when I say HAVE A WONDERFUL VACATION! No stress, no worries, just fun and sun and relaxation. We'll all be patiently (or not-so-patiently) waiting for updates and pictures as wifi allows.

 

[Joanna71985]

Those shirts are so cute!! I love the minion one

 

[chiamarie]

Permanently?? For some reason I thought it was temporary

I'm sure they will eventually use the space for something. But I am under the impression that its permanent. I'm guessing this location just wasn't making money (shocking, since there's already a BBQ place in the park, I don't know what the reasoning was to have two of them). But I'm sure something in the future will surface; I have no idea what though.

 

[pigletto]

Ideally, we'd like to get our Christmas 2016 vacation, a spring 2017 trip, and an autumn 2017 trip out of the annual passes before they expire. An April/May trip might be a bit of a stretch for our budget after 3 vacations in both 2015 and 2016, but that's what we're aiming for so we'll have to wait and see what happens. I'm crossing my fingers and saying a prayer, and hoping that things like having our park tickets all covered will make it all workable in the end .

We're looking forward to 2017 as well and trying to plan what will work for everyone. We had said last week of August but with dd having to work next summer (and we are pretty sure where she will be working) there is a very good chance she couldn't get the week off. The kids don't have the same school breaks anymore with one in elementary and one in university.

We're thinking Thanksgiving 2017 might be our best bet. It would give us Food and Wine, MNSSHP again, and our Universal power passes would still have two weeks on them. Hopefully Volcano Bay would be open then too!

The kids both have four day weekends but would need to miss a few days. I just want to get it all sorted out so I know when I am saving for. The other option is Spring 2017 over Easter Break but have you seen those crowds?! No thanks.

ETA) Well scratch all that. We were able to find out that all the student contacts at dd's intended summer place of employment end mid August. So if she works there (and there's a 90% chance) she's fine for an August trip. I guess I will continue to plan for August 2017. My sister laughed that I was thinking about this already, but we all know to get the best prices on rooms and flights etc, the early bird gets the worm.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Those shirts are so cute!! I love the minion one

I ordered the minion ones for us this morning . Green for Steve, red for me. They are shipping from the United Kingdom so I don't assume they will be here any time soon, but its nice to cross another thing off the list.

I'm sure they will eventually use the space for something. But I am under the impression that its permanent. I'm guessing this location just wasn't making money (shocking, since there's already a BBQ place in the park, I don't know what the reasoning was to have two of them). But I'm sure something in the future will surface; I have no idea what though.

Having the pass member lounge immediately beside it couldn't have been good for business, either. It will be interesting to see what moves into that space: I'm sure someone on the SeaWorld team has a good idea blooming. I would love to see it switched over to a pasta bar or a fresh sandwich shop.

We're looking forward to 2017 as well and trying to plan what will work for everyone. We had said last week of August but with dd having to work next summer (and we are pretty sure where she will be working) there is a very good chance she couldn't get the week off. The kids don't have the same school breaks anymore with one in elementary and one in university.

We're thinking Thanksgiving 2017 might be our best bet. It would give us Food and Wine, MNSSHP again, and our Universal power passes would still have two weeks on them. Hopefully Volcano Bay would be open then too!

The kids both have four day weekends but would need to miss a few days. I just want to get it all sorted out so I know when I am saving for. The other option is Spring 2017 over Easter Break but have you seen those crowds?! No thanks.

ETA) Well scratch all that. We were able to find out that all the student contacts at dd's intended summer place of employment end mid August. So if she works there (and there's a 90% chance) she's fine for an August trip. I guess I will continue to plan for August 2017. My sister laughed that I was thinking about this already, but we all know to get the best prices on rooms and flights etc, the early bird gets the worm.

I cannot agree more . Planning early means we generally get some great prices on flights and accommodations, two of the largest expenditures for a trip. It also means we can look for deals on tickets (Black Friday sales or purchasing in advance before annual price hikes take effect) and snag various discounted offers on dining an other activities via Groupon nor Livingsocial. The savings add up, especially when you're talking a family of 4 or more.

I would be very interested to know if admission to Volcano Bay will be initially included on any level of annual pass. We were planning to purchase Preferred Passes for both of us, but if there was a chance that VB would be an inclusion on the Premiers (which would also give us preferred parking versus general, free admission to a non-peak Halloween Horror Night, and after-4 Express) I wouldn't hesitate to spring for those upgrades.

 

[Raeven]

Yes that is where we got our Grinch shirts! It looks like that used to be an Etsy shop and now they have their own website.

 

[Joanna71985]

I ordered the minion ones for us this morning . Green for Steve, red for me. They are shipping from the United Kingdom so I don't assume they will be here any time soon, but its nice to cross another thing off the list.



Having the pass member lounge immediately beside it couldn't have been good for business, either. It will be interesting to see what moves into that space: I'm sure someone on the SeaWorld team has a good idea blooming. I would love to see it switched over to a pasta bar or a fresh sandwich shop.

Do the shirts have an ETA? Regardless, there is time luckily

And I would love if SeaWorld added a pasta location!! That would make me very happy

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Yes that is where we got our Grinch shirts! It looks like that used to be an Etsy shop and now they have their own website.

I've never shopped on Etsy before but its quickly looking like my best option for Grinch T's. teesandtankyou can only go to a 2XL for Steve (he would prefer a 3X for the extra length) so hopefully I can find an Etsy vendor that ships to Canada *and* offers the larger size options.

Do the shirts have an ETA? Regardless, there is time luckily

And I would love if SeaWorld added a pasta location!! That would make me very happy

I would guess at least a month for the minions T's. When we order anything from China it normally takes 4-6 weeks to arrive, so I would suspect that from Europe it will be a similar timeline. Hopefully sometime just before we depart for our October adventures!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Today marks another noteworthy day on the October countdown specifically: we've crossed into

We now sit at 59 days until our October trip , and

123 days until our Christmas vacation .

I purchased our annual travel insurance policy this morning, so that's an item crossed off the to-list for both our October and December excursions (as well as any others that we can squeeze in prior to October 13th, 2017). While I hate paying out $136 for insurance that we will hopefully never have to use, we'll be darn glad we have it should any illness or injury befall us on our travels.

The travel insurance was literally the very last expense we had to cover for our October vacation (dining and spending cash are all fully accounted for and safely passing the time in our US account at the bank), so our resources can now be fully directed to the remaining costs of our December trip. Considering its only August, we are making some spectacular progress on those expenditures as well: flights, villa accommodations, travel insurance, our park-and-fly package, our Christmas Eve hotel, and even some of our tickets and dining are all paid in full. Steve should have a nicer-than-normal paycheque this Thursday (thanks to some OT he put in last week) so I hope to cover another item or two once those funds are received. Depending on how much the extra amounts to after the tax man scoops his share we will probably either purchase our ICE! and snow tubing tickets for our Gaylord Palms day, or cover one (or both) of our Universal APs.

Speaking of Gaylord Palms, we have secured ourselves reservations for Breakfast with Charlie Brown and Friends at Villa de Flora on the day we visit ICE! and the other Gaylord holiday events! If it wasn't cool enough that ICE! was themed to one of our childhood favourite Christmas shows, we also will be dining with the characters from the Charles Schultz cartoon series. The meal here is simply outstanding (quite possibly the best and most extensive breakfast buffet we've ever eaten at) and the restaurant itself, located in their amazing atrium, is absolutely stunning.

So, not many things happening but the wheels are sill slowly turning and small progress continues to be made. I will be very happy when all of our tickets are crossed off the list so we can focus solely on saving for dining and souvenirs.

On the home front, we are inching ever closer to our nest being empty: Jake gets the keys to his apartment on September 1st. We've been busy shopping for all the little things he will need for his new home, and helping him arrange everything from his furniture delivery to his internet service installation. It's definitely a time of strong emotions as Big Day draws closer.

 

[Lynne G]

Gina. You know, we spend taking care of our kids, getting them ready to be independent and upstanding adults 18 years later, and yet, time flies so fast, it's a sad time when they do become 18 and fly away. But, the best thing is, you are always their mom. And a proud one too.

Not much on our winter vacation. Planned another meal in MK for October. The night time parade is leaving MK, so I decided I should see it, as the only time I will be able to see it, is the day after I arrive. I was going to go to another park, but that parade is so iconic, I should see it before it leaves the day after I leave the mouse. Slowly stock piling money, as I just bought a new car, and well, the way the Universal hotels go, you pay when leaving, so while my mouse one will be paid off shortly, October still will be pricey. But same with my winter one, pay at end. So, at least the bill will be the last day of the year! LOL

Hang in there, I'm at 48 today. Tic, Tic, Tic, Toc.

 

[ArwenMarie]

You are really an amazing trip planner Gina! You have two trips going and you just keep chipping away at them. Love it! I like planning but I tend to lose steam and say whatever at a certain point lol.

That's so great that Jake is getting his own place. I know you will miss him but you must be so proud and happy for him. Lots of big feelings as we call them around here