we survived our first year teaching! off to Disney World! [DINING PLANS MADE! 3/26]

[girls_trip_2011]

Hi!


I'm Tressa, and my old roommate/sorority sister Jaci and I will be heading to WDW over Memorial Day! This will be a joint TR and both of us will be posting on it! I feel like we have different writing styles so hopefully all you readers will catch on!

We are both teachers, and are taking this mini trip as a reward for surviving our first year! I teach kindergarten and Jaci teaches preschool. We teach at different schools but both have crazy bosses, weird co-workers and adorable kids so we chat a lot!

Some background- we were in the same sorority in college and lived together during junior and senior years. We took a Disney trip last year right before graduation (actually it was exactly a year ago today we were saying goodbye to Magic Kingdom!). I told myself that I couldn't go back to WDW til 2013. (I've gone in 97, 06, 09, and 10). HA! That did not last.

About a month ago I was annoyed at work and happened to say out loud "one day I'm not coming in and when they ask why, I'll be at Disney World". A teacher overheard me and told me to do it. I started a savings jar and looked up airfare every so often. I was originally going to go by myself, just for 2.5 days, and camp. Just to get Disney out of my system for awhile- hug Mickey, watch wishes, done!

This past Sunday (3/13) Jaci texted me with basically the same idea and BAM! our memorial day 2011 trip was born! Of course, with Jaci on board, things got crazier! Suddenly we were talking about pop century and dining plans, what?! I'd only done Disney college style- stay with a friend of a friend on their floor, bring PBJ in my backpack- now I could eat REAL meals and sleep in a hotel?

Jaci is the logistics head of our trips and I am the "play, play, PLAY in the parks" planner (last year we had a semi argument at DHS over dinner- she reminded me we had to stop and eat and I was like "NO! FANTASMIC LINE, NOW!" If it weren't for her, I would have never eaten or slept). I gave her 2 requirements- a meal with a princess, and everything else with good reviews. I'll let her write about what she chose!

So, our trip starts when we bust out of our schools at 1 on May 27, hop on a 5pm flight, get to Orlando by 11 and hopefully our Pop Century room soon after! We will play, play, play in the parks on Sat, Sun, and most of Mon before getting on an 8pm flight back to TX! I think my 2 favorite parts so far are a.) EMH- we will get to stay at MK 11-2am on Sunday and I LOVE MK at night! and b.) its a trip to highlight all our favorites!

Well, its almost time to watch Private Practice. Hopefully we will get some followers! Stay tuned for some funny stories and pictures of last years trip!

 

[Corrine 1973]

You have definatly caught my intrest. I can't wait to read more.

We arrive on the 29th and will also be staying Pop. Liam's last day was May 27th as well, but I decided to wait a little to prepare fully and avoid the high friday and saturday night resort charges. I booked everything only to have two snow days occur and now the last day of school might be May 31st. Oh well I guess he will miss a day and a half, please don't be angry with me being teachers.

We will be at MK also on the 29th. Maybe we'll see there.

 

[girls_trip_2011]

Hello All!

Jaci here. It's time for my version of the introduction

I am Jaci, recent newlywed, living in Texas. Loving married life, dreaming of starting a family, oh, and teaching preschool. The kids are crazy and there are many "teaching moments" I have every day that are blessings. That being said, teaching in a small preschool with an all female staff sometimes is ridiculously well, hard.

About J&T:
Here is my take on our relationship. We are two girls who met 3 years ago in our sophomore year of college. We survived sorority drama, losing a roommate, moving in together on our own (without the other two roommates), being in leadership positions in our sorority (can you say... most DRAMATIC year of my life), preparing for my wedding (she was maid of honor), graduating college, and finally, getting our first teaching jobs.

March 2010 we took an epic disney roadtrip. From Texas to Orlando. Spent 5 days in the parks and sleeping on the floor of my sister's apartment. Eating PBJ and being poor college students in a completely different scenario than we are now!

As for teaching, well... Tressa is more of a traditional teacher than I am. I work in a swanky preschool with two year olds. My day consists of potty training, time-outs (as needed!), and rolling on the floor laughing at some of the things my kids say. As much as I adore them and most of my coworkers, teaching officially isn't my real calling. I'm currently searching for that-- but while I do, I get the amazing privilege to be called someone's teacher.

ABOUT THIS TRIP:

Can you imagine it? Leaving work early on Friday, hopping on a plane to Orlando, checking into Pop at spending 3 days at our favorite place, doing our favorite things.

Amazing, it will be!


--Jaci!

 

[girls_trip_2011]

Tressa's Intro
Jaci's Intro
About Jaci
About Tressa
Details, Officially Booked *Happy Dance*
Jaci's Wish List​

 

[girls_trip_2011]

You have definatly caught my intrest. I can't wait to read more.

We arrive on the 29th and will also be staying Pop. Liam's last day was May 27th as well, but I decided to wait a little to prepare fully and avoid the high friday and saturday night resort charges. I booked everything only to have two snow days occur and now the last day of school might be May 31st. Oh well I guess he will miss a day and a half, please don't be angry with me being teachers.

We will be at MK also on the 29th. Maybe we'll see there.

I have absolutely NO problem with your child missing the last day of school to go to Disney. As a parent, I would do the same thing

Happy birthday to your kiddo and maybe we'll see you at the World!

-Jaci

 

[girls_trip_2011]

We decided to each do a survey about our Disney tastes and memories, favs, least favs, etc.

ABOUT JACI
Age: 22
How many trips to Disney? WDW: early 90s, Winter 2000, Spring Break 2010, Honeymoon Aug 2010. DL: Christmas 2010

Favorite Disney Park: Magic Kingdom followed very closely by EPCOT (I grew up traveling the world, so WS is super fun for me)
Least Favorite Disney Park: DHS... I'm not into the whole hollywood/film thing. The park does have redeeming qualities, though (mostly rides and fantasmic).
Favorite Disney Attraction: I had to think long and hard about this one... Expedition Everest (at night) wins. Followed with a close second by Toy Story Midway Mania at Disneyland.
Favorite Disney Resort: I long to one day stay in Bay Lake Tower. DH and I hope to eventually be DVC owners, so one day that may become a reality.
Least Favorite Disney Attraction: Sounds with Drew Carey. I rode this with DH during our honeymoon trip... what a waste of half an hour. It was horrible. I'd rather go on Country Bear Jamboree than Sounds....
Favorite magical moment:Sorry Tressa, but it was on my honeymoon! DH and I almost didn't get this honeymoon, some money issues came up before the trip and we very seriously thought we were going to have to cancel it. But it happened, by the skin of our teeth. The first day we made it there and went to EPCOT but I got sick and we had to go back to the room... not so magical. I finally felt better and we headed over to Magic Kingdom. When we walked in, I was completely distracted because the parade was going through. I completely forgot to look for the castle because the crowd was stressing me out. I looked up from the crowd and DH grabbed my hand and the castle took my breath away... it was a bright blue color. Tears started streaming down my face because it was so real!! and we were married AND at Disney!!! magical moment I cried all the way through wishes with my DH's arms around me. It was perfect!
Least magical moment:Watching some drunk guy at the boardwalk miss the friendship boat to DHS and swear/yell at the cast member who was driving it.
Favorite Character: Of course, my childhood fav... Ariel!!!

Now that you've gotten to know a little about me... its Tressa's turn!

 

[girls_trip_2011]

Hey! Sorry I didn't post for a few days. I babysat 2x and went to a sleepover...yes, sleepovers still happen at age 23!

So here's my take on the survey:

About Tressa!

Age: 23

How many trips to Disney? 4: 1997 (I was 9 and the castle was hot pink) 2006 (band trip my senior year) 2009 (spring break with 2 great friends) 2010 (spring break with Jaci!

Favorite Disney Park: Magic Kingdom, hands down. I don't even need a map anymore.

Favorite Disney Attraction: It's a tie between Roackin Roller Coaster and Peter Pan's Flight.

Favorite Disney Resort: I've never stayed in one, but from the few I've seen, I really like the Poly because you can watch Wishes on the beach.


Least Favorite Disney Attraction: The Stitch ride. my friends in high school made me ride it and it was the last one we rode before watching Wishes and going to the hotel. I did not enjoy it!

Favorite magical moment:: In 2009, my friends Chelsey and Mackenzie wanted to sit on the tomorrowland transit authority to rest. We went around once, and I was ready to get off because the afternoon parade was starting! But we went around again! They were almost asleep and I was more than likely pouting haha. We finally got off and saw that stitch ride had a 5 minute wait. I volunteered to fill up water bottles instead of ride it and as I was leaving tomorrowland, the parade was starting on that side of the park! I wiggled my way to the front and watched the whole thing! THEN, the Peter Pan (my fav) float stopped right in front of me and Peter and Wendy got off to dance for like 5 minutes right in front of me! I was jumping up and down like a little kid. At the end of the parade the girls were done with the ride and had missed the magic.


Least magical moment:: Chelsey got sick (dehydrated) in the carousel of progress (we still make fun of her!) and had to be wheelchaired to the nurse. She slept for 2 hours and drank gatorade and was fine (and we spent another 12 hours in MK!)


Favorite Character:Peter Pan and Wendy! (my whole life). Belle and Minnie are next in line.

A family I babysit for was nice enough to lend me their DW "unofficial guide" from 2010 and its like 2 inches thick and overwhelming with information!

 

[girls_trip_2011]

Details
Where: Disney's Pop Century Resort
When: May 27-30th, 2011
Why: Celebrating the successes of our first year as teachers!!!!







*happy dance* WE ARE OFFICIALLY BOOKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is still a balance, but will be paid with our first-of-the-month paychecks. ​

 

[Corrine 1973]

I am loving your introduction surveys, I just might have to steal the idea.

I would also love to stay at Bay Lake Towers (one day when I win the lottery) and get a Magic Kindom view so we could watch the fire works from the balcony.

I also plan to pay off our trip at the beginning of next month, so I will be doing the happy dance with you. Than I just have to preorder the Photopass.

Can't wait to read more.

 

[girls_trip_2011]

I would also love to stay at Bay Lake Towers (one day when I win the lottery) and get a Magic Kindom view so we could watch the fire works from the balcony.

No kidding!

My husband and I did the DVC tour and we were absolutely SOLD on it... except for the fact that our savings account has no room for DVC ownership.

We got a chance to look in a 1brm BLT room. um, there is a huge tub that has a window that opens up to where you can see the fireworks while soaking in it.

I'm thinking me, a hot bubble bath, champagne, and Wishes one day. YES!!!! I told my husband that and he said "it sounds like there is absolutely no room for me in this equation"

 

[girls_trip_2011]

So I do this thing called swagbucks... Its awesome If you want to join PM me for a referral link! (since I don't think I can post my sb ref link). Basically you do polls & searches and get "swag bucks" for it... you can turn 450 of them in for a $5 amazon gift card. Right now I have $10 in credits on amazon from it I plan on spending it on disney stuff!!! Working on another $5 gift card right now, but I've got a ways to go

I have 3 things that I intend to buy from amazon with these gift cards

Cuteeeee mickey lounge pants to sleep in :] $18

Junk Food Tee.... $22

I want a blue pair and a pink pair! $4


All for the parks!!!!


Also, I called reservations today to try and book our Magical Express ride... and the entire system was down. I laughed it off with the extremely apologetic cast member. She seemed grateful that I didn't mind calling back tomorrow. I hope people weren't being rude about it! Hello, people... it just means that you get to call the magical disney hotline again tomorrow and listen to Disney music on hold!!!!

 

[girls_trip_2011]

Dining Plans!

This is both of our first time on the dining plan. We opted for the MYW package with dining. 1 CS, 1 TS, and 1 SN per night.

As the foodie, I jumped on the computer and started looking at what ADRs were available for our trip. Tressa wanted 1 character dining (Princess) and I knew I wanted to sit down and have a good steak, but the meals on the menu had to suit Tressa also

Here are the three TS ADRs we have!!!

Saturday, May 28, 1:10pm: Coral Reef, Epcot
This is where I will finally get to eat my steak! I am excited that we get to order apps AND dessert. We probably won't be hungry until 10pm that night due to eating so much .

Sunday, May 28, 4:50pm 1900 Park Fare, Cinderella Cast dinner
This early dinner with Cindy and friends will be our precursor to MK's EMH until 2am. We plan on staying all the way until goodnight kiss . Tressa has never done a character meal, but I was lucky enough to dine at Chef Mickey's on my honeymoon. I am so excited, it will be a blast! Plus, strawberry soup for dinner? Heck to the yes!

Monday, May 28, 9:20am Kona Cafe, farewell breakfast
bittersweet. We will be getting on our plane at 7 that night, so a delicious Polynesian-style IHOP breakfast is in store. While we will be so sad to leave, I have a feeling this won't be our last girls trip to the World

There you have it, ladies and gents! Dining is planned. It feels like there isn't much else to do but wait, pay off our package, and pack!

62 days to go!!!!!!
-Jaci

 

[girls_trip_2011]

yesterday was the 45 day mark.... and we're all paid and ready to gooooooooooo!!!!!

 

[girls_trip_2011]

Tressa here!

well today is the day! I'm in my last 20 minutes of school, sitting in a room with napping preschoolers! Sorry we didn't post much, there wasn't much to say except I'M SO EXCITED! which would get annoying and no one would read it!

I had planned on posting pictures of the cute shirts I was going to make...obv that did not happen! I planned on 4, but got 2 done and went to the disney store for the rest. I like to change my clothes throughout the day I am venturing into the embroidery world with cute disney designs. The one I am wearing now is white with a mickey head/minnie bow popping out. It was supposed to say "it was all started by a mouse" but my machine tried to eat my shirt BOTH times I tried to do it so I gave up. Then I made a dark blue shirt with the filled in sillouettes of peter, wendy, michael, and john flying to neverland. It tried to eat the shirt in the last few stiches but I saved the shirt in time!

I also had a pale blue shirt with the cinderella castle in white- that turned out fine but then when I tried to put "dream" underneath...you guessed it...machine at a big hole in the shirt. I will be taking my machine to a Brother store to be looked at

well,my bags are packed and my autograph book is ready- off we go!

 

[blancah76]

I'm excited for you guys, a girls trip sounds like fun, especially now that you can experiance it in a more grown up way with your ADRs and all. Congratulations to both of you on completing your first year as teachers. This sounds like a very well deserved trip. Have Fun Oh and by the way i completely agree with you about calling disney, I love when I have to call. I even offer to call for my friends when they are planning a trip