We Went to See Mic-key M-o-u-s-e ... Again! - Sept '12 TR [COMPLETE]

[BearcatsFan]

Here it is lit up:

Oooh thank you! Maybe I can have my own magically-morphing photos now! Though you said yours have fixed themselves now ... bummer! It was such fun to mosey over there just to see what size they would be!

I flat *love* that trick or treat bag. I may have to just get one for myself ... maybe once DH sees it, he'll want one too! There's a thought!

Hah!! I guess I do have to post pictures of my shoes now. I'm going to update my PTR in a few minutes and will post them then. LOL!! I do think it is some sort of unwritten rule. LOL!

I really like your new shoes!!

There is no Disney Store in Buffalo. It makes me so sad! The nearest one is in Syracuse....2 hours away. I have to order my stuff from their website.

We brought our own trick or treat bags to MNSSHP 2 years ago. I got Disney themed ones at Party City and they are much larger than the ones they hand out at the park. They give our a TON of candy, so you might want to bring your own!

Awww so sad for you! Our closest one is probably 25 minutes away, and we have a Disney Store Outlet about 25 minutes the other direction. I'm thinking about hitting there this weekend to see what I can find.

Good thought on Party City! Bet they have some pretty cool stuff, too. I'll have to drag my DH out shopping this weekend for sure! Oh well, we were going to work on the porch, but Isaac is heading our way now as rainfall, so that isn't gonna happen. Might as well shop!

 

[BearcatsFan]

I can't believe how close this trip is getting! It's crazy! To think we started with 220+ days to go, and now we're under 20 ...

Sat down last night and checked a few things off the to do / to buy lists. Felt like I actually accomplished something:

• Bought spiral notebook for taking TR notes
• DH forgot to drop off hold-mail notification, so I did it online
• Notified the police department we would be on vacation
• Bought the moisture-wick socks
• Printed out packing list (from here!)

It isn't much, but it's a start. There's plenty more to do and to buy, unfortunately. DH has now started talking about asking someone to take us and pick us up from the airport again. *sigh* From what I gather, he's supposed to ask his brother today. I really hate the thought of asking someone to be up at 5 a.m., but he doesn't want to pay long-term parking rates. Well, after we flip someone $20 each way for hauling our butts around, what's the difference really? It's about an hour drive to the airport from here, and we always give whoever takes us $20 each way for their gas and inconvenience. It went a whole lot further a couple of years ago though, that's for sure.

As I mentioned above, I'm hoping to hit the Disney Store Outlet this coming weekend. We have an outlet mall about 25 minutes away, and since it's going to rain all weekend long (thanks, Isaac), we won't be doing anything outside. Sad, too, since we planned on working on the porch reno and grilling out. However, no matter what we get in rain, it won't even touch what's happening in the Gulf states, so we have absolutely nothing to complain about.

We're also going to convert some of our spending money into Disney gift cards - some, not all. I still want to have a regular Visa gift card we can spend anywhere outside of the 'World just in case we actually have money left (highly unlikely ).

8 days until I can check in online.

16 days until vacation, 18 days until WDW!

 

[CatNipRules]

I can't believe how close this trip is getting! It's crazy! To think we started with 220+ days to go, and now we're under 20 ...

Sat down last night and checked a few things off the to do / to buy lists. Felt like I actually accomplished something:

• Bought spiral notebook for taking TR notes
• DH forgot to drop off hold-mail notification, so I did it online
• Notified the police department we would be on vacation
• Bought the moisture-wick socks
• Printed out packing list (from here!)

It isn't much, but it's a start. There's plenty more to do and to buy, unfortunately. DH has now started talking about asking someone to take us and pick us up from the airport again. *sigh* From what I gather, he's supposed to ask his brother today. I really hate the thought of asking someone to be up at 5 a.m., but he doesn't want to pay long-term parking rates. Well, after we flip someone $20 each way for hauling our butts around, what's the difference really? It's about an hour drive to the airport from here, and we always give whoever takes us $20 each way for their gas and inconvenience. It went a whole lot further a couple of years ago though, that's for sure.

As I mentioned above, I'm hoping to hit the Disney Store Outlet this coming weekend. We have an outlet mall about 25 minutes away, and since it's going to rain all weekend long (thanks, Isaac), we won't be doing anything outside. Sad, too, since we planned on working on the porch reno and grilling out. However, no matter what we get in rain, it won't even touch what's happening in the Gulf states, so we have absolutely nothing to complain about.

We're also going to convert some of our spending money into Disney gift cards - some, not all. I still want to have a regular Visa gift card we can spend anywhere outside of the 'World just in case we actually have money left (highly unlikely ).

8 days until I can check in online.

16 days until vacation, 18 days until WDW!

I would much rather have someone take us to the airport. However, there are a few problems with that. Which I will go into on my trip report in a few minutes. LOL!!

Yay for getting all of that done. It's amazing how everything comes together even when you think it won't.

Isn't it nice to be able to put a mail hold online?

I never thought about notifying the police that we are out of town. We have an alarm company and we tell them, but I never thought about the police. I don't even know if we can do that here. LOL!

I have probably way too many Disney gift cards. LOL!!

 

[BearcatsFan]

I would much rather have someone take us to the airport. However, there are a few problems with that. Which I will go into on my trip report in a few minutes. LOL!!

Yay for getting all of that done. It's amazing how everything comes together even when you think it won't.

Isn't it nice to be able to put a mail hold online?

I never thought about notifying the police that we are out of town. We have an alarm company and we tell them, but I never thought about the police. I don't even know if we can do that here. LOL!

I have probably way too many Disney gift cards. LOL!!

Well ... DH asked his brother to take us, and his brother goes, "Have you heard they have cheap long-term parking?" In other words, he doesn't want to! Which is fine, you know, I wish he had just said so.

Putting the mail on hold online was wonderful! Thank you so much for that great tip - I had no idea I could do that. So, so easy and much better than driving to the post office for another form (since DH seems to have lost the other one).

We always notify the police when we'll be out of town. It's easy - they have a form you fill out. They ask if someone will be watching pets, who has key access, if lights will come on automatically, if someone will be picking up mail, etc. Then they just do random drive-bys and stop-ins to make sure nothing looks suspicious (ie: a light is on when it shouldn't be ... or off when it shouldn't be). I'm pretty sure any police department will do this - just go to the front desk and ask.

We've been putting off buying the Disney gift cards. Most of our money is in Visa gift cards at this point - some in cash, too for tips and whatnot. Kroger is running their promotion for 4x fuel points right now though, so we're going to go buy some Disney ones with the Visa ones, if that makes sense.

 

[CatNipRules]

We've been putting off buying the Disney gift cards. Most of our money is in Visa gift cards at this point - some in cash, too for tips and whatnot. Kroger is running their promotion for 4x fuel points right now though, so we're going to go buy some Disney ones with the Visa ones, if that makes sense.

We bought our Disney Gift cards at Target. Since DH gets a employee discount we save some $$ there. Well, he has a red card, so we save another 5%. Prescription rewards brings about 5% for every 5 prescriptions. So we can save quite a bit. We will bring some cash, but for the most part we are going to be using the gift cards.

 

[BearcatsFan]

I have news this morning! Between the time I posted last night and the time we went to bed, we managed to finagle a ride to the airport.

Our nephew called and wanted us to take care of his dogs while they're out of town this weekend ... so DH went ahead and threw it out there that we were going out of town in a few weeks. Could he possibly take us and pick us up?

After we'd already agreed to watch his dogs all holiday weekend, there's pretty much no way he could say no. So no long-term parking for us! YAY!

This means I can check one more thing off the list, too! It's finally starting to look a bit shorter, thank goodness.

For some reason, my DH took The Papers with him to work. Me thinks he wants to make some phone calls out of ear range. So far, he's managed to keep his lips sealed ... maybe this time I really will be surprised.

I noticed last night my countdown is off by one day. I'm not sure how, but I've been counting the day we leave as a day as well, and I don't do that. So as of today, it is officially ...

14 days until vacation, 16 days until WDW!

 

[cfw213]

Just got caught up on your PTR - yay for getting a ride to the airport! We only live 10-15 mins away from the Philly airport so it's not usually a problem getting someone to take us...since my DH isn't coming on this trip he offered to take us...it saves us $80! LT parking is sooo expensive at out airport.

Your DH is being so cute about his surprise! I'm sure it'll be something fantastic, I can't wait to hear all about it!

We're bringing a mix of gift cards too...i bought a Disney one online for $250 for food tips, snacks that we buy off the DDP, and souvenirs, then I got a $25 Amex gift card from work that I'll bring. I'll probably bring another $50 in cash for airport food snacks/mousekeeping/other tips. I like having the gift cards so I can keep track of what I spend without carrying cash. If not, id just charge up my credit card and have a big shock when I got home!

Trips are getting so close now - 15 days until we leave for ours!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

We always tell out neighbors when we'll be going out of town...he's a police officer. Nice perk!

We only live about 20 minutes from the airport which I love. My mom or dad always brings us to and from the airport...it makes me feel bad because we always take such early flights on departure day. This year, our plane takes off at 6:10am! I told my DH we should just drive ourselves this year but he's all about saving money so he said no to that. I think I'm going to have my mom or dad drive us in my car though. I have a Ford Escape with plenty of trunk space and I won't have to move Cole's car seat either. That would be a nightmare!

 

[BearcatsFan]

We bought our Disney Gift cards at Target. Since DH gets a employee discount we save some $$ there. Well, he has a red card, so we save another 5%. Prescription rewards brings about 5% for every 5 prescriptions. So we can save quite a bit. We will bring some cash, but for the most part we are going to be using the gift cards.

That's a nice perk!

Just got caught up on your PTR - yay for getting a ride to the airport! We only live 10-15 mins away from the Philly airport so it's not usually a problem getting someone to take us...since my DH isn't coming on this trip he offered to take us...it saves us $80! LT parking is sooo expensive at out airport.

Your DH is being so cute about his surprise! I'm sure it'll be something fantastic, I can't wait to hear all about it!

We're bringing a mix of gift cards too...i bought a Disney one online for $250 for food tips, snacks that we buy off the DDP, and souvenirs, then I got a $25 Amex gift card from work that I'll bring. I'll probably bring another $50 in cash for airport food snacks/mousekeeping/other tips. I like having the gift cards so I can keep track of what I spend without carrying cash. If not, id just charge up my credit card and have a big shock when I got home!

Trips are getting so close now - 15 days until we leave for ours!!

I'm taking ONE credit card, our Disney Visa, and that's it. We keep it paid off every month, but I'm seriously considering buying a Disney D&B while we're there, and I know I can get a 10% discount by using it. Otherwise, we wouldn't be carrying it at all!

Yay for 15 days! Gosh it's gonna be here before you know it!

We always tell out neighbors when we'll be going out of town...he's a police officer. Nice perk!

We only live about 20 minutes from the airport which I love. My mom or dad always brings us to and from the airport...it makes me feel bad because we always take such early flights on departure day. This year, our plane takes off at 6:10am! I told my DH we should just drive ourselves this year but he's all about saving money so he said no to that. I think I'm going to have my mom or dad drive us in my car though. I have a Ford Escape with plenty of trunk space and I won't have to move Cole's car seat either. That would be a nightmare!

Wait a second! You have an Escape too? What color?

That's definitely nice living next door to a police officer! No worries for you! We have fantastic neighbors and live in a nice semi-rural area, so we don't worry much, either. It's always nice, though, knowing someone is looking out for you!

 

[BearcatsFan]

My husband has lost his mind.

Here I am, sitting here DISing, and I see him walking down the hallway. Instead of coming into the livingroom, he starts to go down the stairs like he's going into the family room in the basement. Only he doesn't go all the way down.

All of a sudden, I see our plush Mickey pop up on top of the TV. Suddenly, he begins to "talk" to me! "Huh-HI there! I hear you'll be coming to see me in just two weeks! I can't wait to see you ... it's going to be MAGICAL! Well, gotta go now! I'm counting down the days! Buh-bye!" Then *poof* Mickey disappears back behind the TV!



I nearly fell off the couch, I was laughing so hard. Apparently, he's looking more forward to this vacation than I first thought!

 

[Fratthouse]

Please, please don't let this be a special commemorative keychain or magnet!!

HAHAHAHAHA!!! I can't wait to hear what this surprise is! The suspense is killing me - I'm not sure how you must be feeling

 

[stackyallred]

Ok, your husband has us all waiting anxiously! I love the little Mickey Mouse puppet show he put on for you! I think it is pretty obvious he has been bitten by the Disney big big time!

My little sister is so into Nightmare Before Christmas and would totally love your shirts! I have a tradition of buying her a Nightmare Before Christmas ornament every year while at WDW. Be sure to post pics if you do decide to paint your faces!

Happy planning- sooooo close!!!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Your DH is soooo funny! Sounds like he is definitely looking forward to the trip - and whatever he has up his sleeve! (And no, I wouldn't bet on a magnet or key chain!)

Your on-line check in is so close. Enjoy the final days of your countdown!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Wait a second! You have an Escape too? What color?

That's definitely nice living next door to a police officer! No worries for you! We have fantastic neighbors and live in a nice semi-rural area, so we don't worry much, either. It's always nice, though, knowing someone is looking out for you!

It's red....I just got it last year in April. I LOVE it!

It is very nice living next door to a police officer. They are super nice too.

My husband has lost his mind.

Here I am, sitting here DISing, and I see him walking down the hallway. Instead of coming into the livingroom, he starts to go down the stairs like he's going into the family room in the basement. Only he doesn't go all the way down.

All of a sudden, I see our plush Mickey pop up on top of the TV. Suddenly, he begins to "talk" to me! "Huh-HI there! I hear you'll be coming to see me in just two weeks! I can't wait to see you ... it's going to be MAGICAL! Well, gotta go now! I'm counting down the days! Buh-bye!" Then *poof* Mickey disappears back behind the TV!



I nearly fell off the couch, I was laughing so hard. Apparently, he's looking more forward to this vacation than I first thought!

That is hilarious!!!! I would have fallen off the couch too.

 

[CatNipRules]

My husband has lost his mind.

Here I am, sitting here DISing, and I see him walking down the hallway. Instead of coming into the livingroom, he starts to go down the stairs like he's going into the family room in the basement. Only he doesn't go all the way down.

All of a sudden, I see our plush Mickey pop up on top of the TV. Suddenly, he begins to "talk" to me! "Huh-HI there! I hear you'll be coming to see me in just two weeks! I can't wait to see you ... it's going to be MAGICAL! Well, gotta go now! I'm counting down the days! Buh-bye!" Then *poof* Mickey disappears back behind the TV!



I nearly fell off the couch, I was laughing so hard. Apparently, he's looking more forward to this vacation than I first thought!

LOL!! Your husband is crazy!! I mean that in a good way!! Isn't it amazing what our husbands do to make us laugh? I'm laughing just reading this!!

 

[BearcatsFan]

HAHAHAHAHA!!! I can't wait to hear what this surprise is! The suspense is killing me - I'm not sure how you must be feeling

It's killing me too, believe me!

Ok, your husband has us all waiting anxiously! I love the little Mickey Mouse puppet show he put on for you! I think it is pretty obvious he has been bitten by the Disney big big time!

My little sister is so into Nightmare Before Christmas and would totally love your shirts! I have a tradition of buying her a Nightmare Before Christmas ornament every year while at WDW. Be sure to post pics if you do decide to paint your faces!

Happy planning- sooooo close!!!!

Oh yeah - he claims he goes to WDW because I enjoy it so much ... ummm okay!

We are taking face paint with us just in case it isn't a million degrees or raining, and if we decide to go all out I'll definitely post pics.

Your DH is soooo funny! Sounds like he is definitely looking forward to the trip - and whatever he has up his sleeve! (And no, I wouldn't bet on a magnet or key chain!)

Your on-line check in is so close. Enjoy the final days of your countdown!

I'm still sooo on the fence about checking in online. I just can't make up my mind. We have less than two weeks to go now!

He's put much thought and advance planning into this, whatever it is!

It's red....I just got it last year in April. I LOVE it! It is very nice living next door to a police officer. They are super nice too.

That is hilarious!!!! I would have fallen off the couch too.

Our Escape is blue - my DH put a silver pinstripe down either side and across the back. We love ours too! So much space and it rides great!

DH said he wishes he could have seen the look on my face when Mickey popped up onto the TV.

LOL!! Your husband is crazy!! I mean that in a good way!! Isn't it amazing what our husbands do to make us laugh? I'm laughing just reading this!!

He really is funny and this is totally his nature. I've asked him if Mickey & Minnie will be appearing jointly any time soon, and he said I'll just have to wait and see. I wish everyone could find someone that makes them as happy as he makes me.

 

[BearcatsFan]

I think we've *finally* taken care of the last of the shopping before our trip. I'm so glad - we've spent sooo much this time around and we aren't even at WDW yet.

Picked up some cool things for MNSSHP. Got some glow-in-the-dark dangly skeleton earrings and a ponytail band that has skulls on it. I'll post pics later when/if I get a chance.

Also picked up the gifts for our little nieces as well, so that's finished. I can't wait to get there so we can give the stuff to them!

We can check in online in just 4 days. 4 DAYS! I'm still undecided. I know, I know - you'd think I would have made a decision by now, but I haven't. I'll probably wait until the last second. It doesn't give me any better chance of getting my requests by checking in early, so in some ways I don't see the point (other than making things easier on the front desk CMs).

DH says he's feeling the pressure from you guys big time to make this surprise great. He said he might have to go hog wild and spring for the t-shirt AND the keychain!

11 days until vacation, 13 days until WDW!

 

[reyasmommy]

Hello Darling..... Sorry I haven't been around. I can't believe how close your vacation is. Where has the time gone? I'm so excited for you and I REALLY hope you start a TR as soon as you get back. I can't wait to see pictures.

So glad everything is coming together nicely. I feel like my trip is forever away, yet not far enough because I have so much to do. ((Such as lose a TON more weight))

How's the walking coming along. I think I might have some catching up to do on your PTR.

 

[CatNipRules]

I think we've *finally* taken care of the last of the shopping before our trip. I'm so glad - we've spent sooo much this time around and we aren't even at WDW yet.

Picked up some cool things for MNSSHP. Got some glow-in-the-dark dangly skeleton earrings and a ponytail band that has skulls on it. I'll post pics later when/if I get a chance.

Also picked up the gifts for our little nieces as well, so that's finished. I can't wait to get there so we can give the stuff to them!

We can check in online in just 4 days. 4 DAYS! I'm still undecided. I know, I know - you'd think I would have made a decision by now, but I haven't. I'll probably wait until the last second. It doesn't give me any better chance of getting my requests by checking in early, so in some ways I don't see the point (other than making things easier on the front desk CMs).

DH says he's feeling the pressure from you guys big time to make this surprise great. He said he might have to go hog wild and spring for the t-shirt AND the keychain!

11 days until vacation, 13 days until WDW!

I hear you on the spending money before the trip. DH is ready to take away my debit and credit cards. LOL!!

I got some glow in the dark bracelets for the trip. I know that DH & DS won't wear them, but it will be fun to wear them. LOL!!

I'm still undecided on online checkin. I'm still leaning towards not doing it. I don't really see the whole advantage to doing it. If we were going to the parks the first day we might do it, but since we aren't going until the next day, well, I'm thinking that online check in isn't for us. LOL!!

That's too funny on the t-shirt and key chain. LOL!! Your DH sounds like mine. He's doing a good job keeping it a secret. LOL!

I can't believe that your trip is soooo close. I'm jealous and can't wait to hear all about your trip.

 

[shalom]

I think I'm jealous of the snazzy straw hat the folds into small space. I have a straw "cowboy" kinda hat and, while I'm not as careful with it as some guys are with their stetsons, I still have to keep an eye on it and keep it on top of the pile of stuff between my seat and hubby's, or else he or one of the kids will sit or step on it.

And yes, before you ask, I took the photo with my foot still in the shoe!

Glad you said so, because for a minute I thought they were one of those that're cut like clogs. I have some like that, and all I have to say is that I'm glad yours aren't.

We always notify the police when we'll be out of town. It's easy - they have a form you fill out.

I should look into this -- we always just call the front desk on the phone, usually as we're literally driving away. But until I read your comment here, I didn't realize we forgot to call the police entirely while we were in South Carolina last week. Don't think we've ever done that before. We must be getting absent minded in our old age.

We get the same questions and comments you do, so I think it's pretty common across the US.

All of a sudden, I see our plush Mickey pop up on top of the TV. Suddenly, he begins to "talk" to me! "Huh-HI there! I hear you'll be coming to see me in just two weeks! I can't wait to see you ... it's going to be MAGICAL! Well, gotta go now! I'm counting down the days! Buh-bye!" Then *poof* Mickey disappears back behind the TV!:

My husband used to make up stories for the kids using their stuffed animals most nights -- always regretted that I didn't film one sometime when the kids were little -- never done one for me though. Even if the surprise ends up being a key chain and a t-shirt saying "My husband took me to WDW and all he got me was this stupid T-shirt... and a key chain", I'm giving him points for creativity just for the Mickey plush stunt.

I'm going to have to get a whole new collection of Pre-Trip Reports to follow soon -- half the people I'm following right now are going right quick! I'm looking forward to everyone having a good time.