disgirllori
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2008
- Messages
- 8
Hello, well here goes my first attempt at a first pre-trip report.
When: Sept 12th - 20th at the POP. Free dining again
The cast:
Me DW Lori (38)
I work full-time for an insurance company and I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home. It allows me be able to bring kids to school, attend field trips ect ect. I love it!!! I love going to disney and have given the bug to my family who enjoy it as much as me. I love the planning, the packing, the whole experience.
DH Johnny (38)
Works for a local milk distributor. He has caught the disney bug from me and enjoys going. He is totally laid back in the planning whatever I want to do is fine with him.
As long as we can fly out of some where local and he doesn't have to drive for whole week all the better for him. He drives for his job and likes being the passenger for the week.
DS Clayson (5) Loves POC and the AK. He is starting 5K this year. He is a super kid that has a memory that is unbelievable. He calls himself the science guy and a bug collector. He wants a taratula. Not going to happen until he has his own house. Just started karate and is really enjoying it.
DS Kaden (2) Loves the Mouse and Little Einsteins. He is very energetic. Always has a baseball and glove in hand. He is my little sports fanatic. He is a sweetheart, but has a sassy side.
We went last Sept w/free dining at POP with my DS, DIL, DN (4). We had the bounce back option, but didn't book. What were we thinking? My sister and I were slapping ourselves
upon return home. So all we could do is sit and wait.......and hope.......and pray for free dining to return. I just could not justify going to disney for a week and paying for food????? Unheard of. We did free dining in '06 as well and we were sold. I loved being able to do so many dining options and having it all included in the package. I have heard some complaints of the dining changes that have been made, but we will wait and see how it goes. Sad to hear they have done away with crab legs at Coral Reef. DH not so happy as either, but we love going there.
So, back track to April and free dining was offered. DH and I had discussed taking the kids back and decided if it was offered we would book.
I called and booked POP for the 13th- 20th. I talked to my sister and she booked the same exact dates. 
Last year we had rooms right next to each other and it worked out great. We tend to split off and do our own thing and then meet up for a few meals, shows and swimming. It works out great and everyone is happy.
Next on my agenda was airfare. I had been watching fares and I paid around $200 pp last year out of a local airport. I kept checking and rechecking and everything was $360+ pp. I then tried MKE and that was $199. That was a no go with DH
I wanted an early moring flight and then meant staying at a hotel the night before and the return flight was late. He did not want to do a 2 hour ride home at 11pm. after a week of late nights ect.
I figured if we left a day earlier out of a local airport we could save around $400 and swap the night at an airport hotel for another night at disney. I could handle that. We just needed to add an extra night on at POP. Twist my arm. We are in.
So now it is official. Sept 12th -20th POP.
Up next: airlines changes and more changes
ADR's and packing.
I will try and post some pictures....if and when I can figure it out. I totally lack in tech. skills.
When: Sept 12th - 20th at the POP. Free dining again
The cast:
Me DW Lori (38)
I work full-time for an insurance company and I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home. It allows me be able to bring kids to school, attend field trips ect ect. I love it!!! I love going to disney and have given the bug to my family who enjoy it as much as me. I love the planning, the packing, the whole experience.DH Johnny (38)
Works for a local milk distributor. He has caught the disney bug from me and enjoys going. He is totally laid back in the planning whatever I want to do is fine with him. As long as we can fly out of some where local and he doesn't have to drive for whole week all the better for him. He drives for his job and likes being the passenger for the week.DS Clayson (5)
Loves POC and the AK. He is starting 5K this year. He is a super kid that has a memory that is unbelievable. He calls himself the science guy and a bug collector. He wants a taratula. Not going to happen until he has his own house. Just started karate and is really enjoying it.DS Kaden (2)
Loves the Mouse and Little Einsteins. He is very energetic. Always has a baseball and glove in hand. He is my little sports fanatic. He is a sweetheart, but has a sassy side.We went last Sept w/free dining at POP with my DS, DIL, DN (4). We had the bounce back option, but didn't book. What were we thinking? My sister and I were slapping ourselves
upon return home. So all we could do is sit and wait.......and hope.......and pray for free dining to return. I just could not justify going to disney for a week and paying for food????? Unheard of. We did free dining in '06 as well and we were sold. I loved being able to do so many dining options and having it all included in the package. I have heard some complaints of the dining changes that have been made, but we will wait and see how it goes. Sad to hear they have done away with crab legs at Coral Reef. DH not so happy as either, but we love going there. So, back track to April and free dining was offered. DH and I had discussed taking the kids back and decided if it was offered we would book.
I called and booked POP for the 13th- 20th. I talked to my sister and she booked the same exact dates. Last year we had rooms right next to each other and it worked out great. We tend to split off and do our own thing and then meet up for a few meals, shows and swimming. It works out great and everyone is happy. Next on my agenda was airfare. I had been watching fares and I paid around $200 pp last year out of a local airport. I kept checking and rechecking and everything was $360+ pp. I then tried MKE and that was $199. That was a no go with DH
I wanted an early moring flight and then meant staying at a hotel the night before and the return flight was late. He did not want to do a 2 hour ride home at 11pm. after a week of late nights ect. I figured if we left a day earlier out of a local airport we could save around $400 and swap the night at an airport hotel for another night at disney. I could handle that. We just needed to add an extra night on at POP. Twist my arm. We are in.
So now it is official. Sept 12th -20th POP.Up next: airlines changes and more changes
ADR's and packing. I will try and post some pictures....if and when I can figure it out. I totally lack in tech. skills.
So this works out great. We are now leaving on the 20th at 5pm instead of 9 a.m. 
