We're on a quest to see a mouse! But I want to stay at the kennel! UPDATE 10/24/13

[racefanof88]

OK so we've seen the Mouse before, but we miss him sooooo much. ADRs made, tickets in the works, resort booked and extra plans being made......but, before I get too far ahead of myself I guess introductions are needed for the crew on this quest.

The first crew member would be Dale, my husband of 26 years(come October 3). He loves Disney as much as I, but he is less, shall we say, fanatic about it . He will quietly sit and watch Disney related videos on youtube. His main focus on our trips would be our fur babies, but more on them later. He is also a HUGE Bama football fan.........ROLL TIDE ROLL.



Next crew member would be my oldest son Tyler. Tyler loves Disney, but like his dad, he keeps it low key. He drives me crazy when we are getting ready for our trips because he waits until the LAST second to pack. He also will not listen to my advice about what to pack .





Then there is Dallas. My sweet, big hearted, Disney loving baby. He is as crazy about Disney as I, and he doesn't hide it. We usually break off from Dale and Tyler because they like to ride things that we do not...i.e. EE . Dallas and I are both scared of heights so that ride is NOT an option.




Then there is me, Mom, Mama, Red, Hey, and Dana . I prefer Dana or Mom over all the rest . I have been a Disney fan for as far back as I can remember. I can still remember watching the opening of Disney World on the Wonderful World of Disney. I was 8 years old and I was so excited you would have thought they were building WDW in my back yard.



Our first fur baby is Niko. We have had him since he was a big headed puppy. He is a dachshund and is VERY territorial. He is loving to us, but not so much to anyone else.

Niko


Last, but not least, is Kyleigh. We like to call her our rescue dog. We got her from a lady that works with my cousin. She was going to have to take her to the dog pound if she couldn't find anyone to take her. We are so happy we took her. She is very sweet and one of the smartest dogs I have ever seen.



OK, now that the introductions have been made we can get on with the planning .

 

[mickeystoontown]

Dana's back! Yay! Gotta go back and read.

** Hey Red! Oh wait, you prefer Dana. LOL! I can't believe how growny the boys look! I'm so excited that you are getting to go back and can hardly wait to hear all of the details.

 

[racefanof88]

Dana's back! Yay! Gotta go back and read.

** Hey Red! Oh wait, you prefer Dana. LOL! I can't believe how growny the boys look! I'm so excited that you are getting to go back and can hardly wait to hear all of the details.

Yay, Lisa is here!!! . I don't mind being called Red by some people

 

[racefanof88]

Now the back story about our accommodations for this trip..............

A couple years ago we were going to buy DVC. We had it all in the works, but it just didn't work out. Our daughter was getting married in November of 2011, and it just wasn't the right time. We were going to buy in at WL and I have to say I was pretty disappointed when it fell through, but it all worked out for the better!! We had stayed at SSR in March of 2011 and it truly was a very memorable stay. The grounds at SSR are beautiful and I really liked how the rooms were decorated.

OK, flash forward to June of this year. I had again spoken with a guide about DVC and requested information. His name is Aldamar(I'm sure I didn't spell it right) and he is super sweet. We discussed the resorts, and while he kinda pushed AKV, he was very informative about all the other resorts. I let him know that we REALLY wanted to buy in at SSR. There are a couple reasons, besides us loving the resort, that we chose SSR. One reason was the contract end date isn't until 2054 with another being lower dues.

Here are a few pictures of our March 2011 stay.




Dallas chillaxin on the bed and watching the Disney Channel.



The view from our patio.



I loved having the little patio right outside our room.



OK, so we get put on the wait list for SSR and Aldamar made it sound like we would have our points Lickety-split, well, not so fast there Red.......I just broke my own rule............anyway, after what seemed like FOREVER(It was something like 10 weeks) I received the call saying they had my points for the UY I wanted . We are paying for the points upfront so we didn't have to go through all the financing hoopla.

Now this is how it breaks down....we bought in with 100 points at SSR with a September UY. Since we got our points before September we also got 2012's points, so I started out with 200 points in my account. BUT NELLY BAR THE DOOR, I had to bank my 2012 points or lose them today (Sept. 1), thank you James!! Really no need to fear with that though because we had plans for the points .

Remember the wedding? Well, my daughter's name is Amanda and her husband is Matt. This is the happy couple



They are taking a Disney cruise for their 2 year anniversary. Amanda has a good friend that works at the MK(second from the top, with dark hair) and she wanted to spend a little time with Tracy, so I booked them a room at OKW for two nights which only took 24 points. We also wanted to do a short trip in December so we knew we would use some of the banked points...........WELL, the short trip has turned into a 6 night trip . We will have 51 points left over after both trips are done so that isn't too bad.

Dale, Dallas and I have been twice during the Christmas season, but this will be Tyler's first trip at this time of year. We can't wait .

Next installment...........ADR's, Special events, off site first night and Lawdy, lawdy, can I stay with the dogs?.....

 

[mickeystoontown]

I know that you were super excited when the DVC deal finally came through! The room at SSR looks so nice and roomy. Now, if it only had a beach. I might have a chance of talking John into staying there.

 

[racefanof88]

I know that you were super excited when the DVC deal finally came through! The room at SSR looks so nice and roomy. Now, if it only had a beach. I might have a chance of talking John into staying there.

I was getting worried about getting the points in time for Amanda and Matt's trip, but it came out OK. I know how much John loves the beach at CBR. At times, if there aren't any rooms at a DVC resorts, you can exchange your points and stay at one of the mods. When I called and made our December ressie the CM thought we were going to have to do that because there weren't any DVC rooms at any resort. She put me on hold for a while and when she came back she said she had worked some magic since it was our first DVC stay .

 

[mickeystoontown]

I was getting worried about getting the points in time for Amanda and Matt's trip, but it came out OK. I know how much John loves the beach at CBR. At times, if there aren't any rooms at a DVC resorts, you can exchange your points and stay at one of the mods. When I called and made our December ressie the CM thought we were going to have to do that because there weren't any DVC rooms at any resort. She put me on hold for a while and when she came back she said she had worked some magic since it was our first DVC stay .

I've thought about renting points but I'm too much of a fraidy cat. I've priced it out several times and it would be so much cheaper.

 

[wiigirl]

Following along!

 

[racefanof88]

Following along!

Welcome and thanks for joining in!!

 

[racefanof88]

I am going to try and get an update posted this weekend. I was sick this week and really fell behind . So please stay tuned boys and girls, it is all running around in my head just waiting to get out....lol.

 

[francis6306]

I didn't know buying in at other resorts was an option! We are highly considering buying in, but it won't be until at least January (more like Feb or March I think). I had decided that I would do the AK package that comes with 4 MYW tickets, if that was still an option. Now you have just opened up a new idea for me! haha!

I LOVE going at Christmas time! We have been twice, and there is just nothing like Christmas in The World!

 

[racefanof88]

I didn't know buying in at other resorts was an option! We are highly considering buying in, but it won't be until at least January (more like Feb or March I think). I had decided that I would do the AK package that comes with 4 MYW tickets, if that was still an option. Now you have just opened up a new idea for me! haha!

I LOVE going at Christmas time! We have been twice, and there is just nothing like Christmas in The World!

Welcome!! You can buy at the older resorts; you just get put on a waiting list. We loved SSR and we actually got a builders credit of $500 that we did not expect. We thought we were gonna pay $135 per point, but with the builders credit it came to $130 per point.

 

[racefanof88]

OK, so I promised an update over the weekend, but work kicked my booty. So yeah, I have made our ADR's and plans for our week with a few possible changes. We are going to drive down on Sunday, December 1st and stay off property at a La Quinta that we have stayed at several times before. They are pet friendly and since we will have our two fur babies with us we need that option. We have reservations at Best Friends Pet Kennel for Niko and Kyleigh starting on Monday, December 2nd.

Now you may ask why I would want to stay at the kennel? Well, last May(2012) Niko was at the kennel(we didn't get Kyleigh till June 2012). He has stayed at the kennel several times before, but this was the first time at the new facility. We always boarded him at the MK location because it was always the easiest to get to. Anyway, Niko fancies himself more of a Doberman so we would always go to the kennel and walk him, feed him, just visit with him. This time it was discouraged . They said it would be better for him if we just let them feed and walk him. I saw the saddest face I had seen in a long time............coming from Dale.... So off we went to leave our fur baby to fend for himself in the jungle......well, not really.

The first day went by and all was well with the Niko. Day 2, still fine!! But, on day 3 we got a call from the kennel saying Niko had been sick so they had to move him to a indoor/outdoor room . When I asked if we needed to come check on him I was assured that he would be fine. The room, yes room, he was moved too has a nice comfortable bed and a doggie door so he can go outside when he needs to go. They also had changed him to bottled water, and he had a note on his door for the concierge. CONCIERGE? I've never had a concierge before. The note told the concierge that "He likes belly rubs". and he does, but really? The dog has a concierge? So, that is why I want to stay at the kennel. I want concierge treatment!!!

OK...so now for this trip's plans. We have him and Kyleigh a room reserved with the same service.

OH, our plans, yeah, so.....we will leave home about 5:00am or so. I have to work Saturday, November 30th so that is why we are not leaving until Sunday. For those that don't know me, I am a neonatal RN, and I love my job. I work 12 hour shifts 7a-7p otherwise we would leave and drive down on Saturday. It takes us about 8-8 1/2 hours to drive down, so not a horrible drive. I don't have plans for us to do anything on Sunday because we are usually pretty tired when we get there.

We have a tradition that we pretty much stick to on every trip.



Flipper's Pizza. We found them by chance on one of our trips and we have been hooked since then. They have AWESOME pizza!!

We will likely make a run to Walmart and stock up on supplies for our trip. We like to have drinks and snacks in our room and at SSR we will have a full size fridge and a stove. I have never tried Garden Grocer before, but that may be something I will check into.

Early Monday morning we will head over to the kennel to drop off our babies and go over their care with the kennel. WE are going to be on the dining plan so we will need to head to SSR and get our KTTW. Dale, Dallas and I are going to buy APs(Tyler did not want to get and AP )so we will head to the MK to take care of the tickets. We usually spend our first day at MK so again, a tradition. We have a 11:45am ADR at the Grand Floridian Café, but I am thinking it may have to be changed to something else as we will be pushed for time after having to go to the kennel, check in then head to the park.

Coming soon..........Day 2 in the parks-----Our first time at this restaurant and who we will spend some time with!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Well, la ti da.....your doggies enjoy concierge service do they? Seriously, plans look good so far. I wondered if you'd be dining on Flippers pizza. We've ordered from Garden Grocer several times and it's always been smooth and seamless. Yes, we have a car at our disposal but, really, who wants to buy groceries on vacation? It's definitely worth the delivery fee in my opinion.

 

[racefanof88]

Well, la ti da.....your doggies enjoy concierge service do they? Seriously, plans look good so far. I wondered if you'd be dining on Flippers pizza. We've ordered from Garden Grocer several times and it's always been smooth and seamless. Yes, we have a car at our disposal but, really, who wants to buy groceries on vacation? It's definitely worth the delivery fee in my opinion.

Sorry so long to reply. It has been a longggggggg week so far. Any who....girl I told Dale Niko wouldn't even want to come home after that treatment. He actually let them do all that stuff to him and normally he will not let a stranger near him. I think they slipped some doggie valium in that bottled water . You know how much my bunch love pizza so yes, Flippers is must do .

I don't know if Dale wants to order groceries or not. He likes going to the Wally World over on Sand Lake Rd. We have found all the back roads so we don't even have to get on the interstate .

 

[racefanof88]

OK, more to come later..........

"How I Met Your Mother".............

Temporarily interrupted by......NOT YOUR CAR TOO!!

 

[racefanof88]

RECAP----first full day MK.

Second day you ask? Well, that will be at Epcot. On our 2010 December trip I went to Epcot by myself to watch the CLP. It was sooooooooo cold, but sooooo worth it. It was my first time seeing the CLP and it was so beautiful. It was also my first turkey leg . Can you believe that? After all these years I finally got a turkey leg. Anyway, I was totally blown away by the CLP!! Jodi Benson was the celebrity narrator and it literally made me cry to watch the program. Oh did I mention I went by myself?

I decided this year I was NOT going by myself(XXX<<<< my fingers). I have us booked for the CLP dinner package. We will be trying Rose and Crown Pub for the first time and I am looking forward to eating there. Now, who will be the narrator you ask? Well, if we were going on December 1st(our arrival day) I would get to see one of my favorite actors, Gary Sinise, BUT we won't be going until December 3rd which leaves me with conflicting emotions . I want to see Gary so bad, BUT we get to see .....



YEP, Neil Patrick Harris............"How I Met Your Mother".

I love Neil Patrick Harris!! I have been a fan since Doogie Howser, M.D.

We are having lunch at Rose and Crown so we will actually be able to go back to the room and take a nap if we want.

So, what did I mean by "Not your car too?" Well, for anyone who follows me on facebook you know I have been having car trouble with my new car . I went out to get in my car Tuesday morning at 6am to go to work and it would not crank, the battery was dead. Dale had to take me to work and on his way to his first account he noticed that the headlight on the passenger side of his car was out . He has a 2012 Ford Fusion, and for anyone who has one you know that you don't just change the bulb..........NOOOOOOOOOOO you have to take it to a mechanic because they have to go through the fender well to replace it.

We still don't know what is up with my car because they want to keep it for the same length of time is sat idle in my driveway. 60 HOURS. I am supposed to hear something tomorrow. We did have the headlight on Dale's car replaced today........$45.00 .

Well, that is the plans for day two, and an update on what is going on in the Whatley household.

 

[KatMark]

Dana, I'm here; I'll be back later to read (just got home from grocery shopping and have to put all the stuff away).

Okay, I'm back. Love your intros (the boys have gotten so big) and love your plans.

If you go peek at my TR (link in my signature), I just did a review of Rose & Crown and it has moved to our top 5.

We will be at the Christmas Party on the 2nd, but we are doing the Candlelight thing on Saturday, the 7th (we have Whoopi).

 

[racefanof88]

Dana, I'm here; I'll be back later to read (just got home from grocery shopping and have to put all the stuff away).

Okay, I'm back. Love your intros (the boys have gotten so big) and love your plans.

If you go peek at my TR (link in my signature), I just did a review of Rose & Crown and it has moved to our top 5.

We will be at the Christmas Party on the 2nd, but we are doing the Candlelight thing on Saturday, the 7th (we have Whoopi).

Kathy is in da houze

Heading over to read about the Rose and Crown now............

 

[KatMark]

Kathy is in da houze

Heading over to read about the Rose and Crown now............

Thanks for the welcome Dana.

I made a boo-boo (I blame it on age); we are at the Christmas Party on the 3rd, not the 2nd (that would be tricky since we don't arrive until the 3rd!).