What Is a FathAnniBirthary?

[scanne]

It's what our trip is called because it's a gift for my DH for Father's Day, our Anniversary and his Birthday!

Cast of Characters:
Me - DW (extraordinaire) age 33 but will be 34 on the trip
DH - age 38
DS - age 6
DD - age 4

So after MUCH debate on my part, I finally got the trip decided upon. First it was going to be on his birthday (October 7th) and we were going to go to MNSSHP. Then I switched to the end of October because airfare was a little less towards the end. But the real deal breaker was when I got a postcare from Disney good through September 27th. When I called and priced out the GF for our stay for 6 nights and found it was less than our 5 nights at the Contemporary in October, I was sold! So I booked the GF then checked the airfare. OMG! SW was running a special during these travel dates and I was able to get airfare for the four of us for a little over $500 TOTAL. That's half of what it was in October. So I was already saving us close to $800!!!

So I bought the airfare and sat back to plan our dining. But then I began to have second thoughts about the hotel. I love the GF - it is my ultimate favorite. But my DH just think it's ok, and after all, this was a trip for HIM. So I called back CRO and priced out several other resorts. After going back and forth between the BWI and the YC, I was ready to just stick with the GF, that is until something made me ask the CM to check on the Polynesian (DH's favorite). Well, the Polynesian was even LESS than the Epcot resorts and $300 less than the GF, so, realizing that I am now saving around $1100 over October, I happily switched to the Polynesian.

So here I am, in the midst of planning a trip that is only 2 months away. I usually plan for a year, so I am definitely in overdrive.

I will post again later with more itinerary details and my neurotic pre-Disney shopping list that I've already began forming in my head.

I cannot wait for this trip - it's going to be magical - yet AGAIN!!!!!!

Thanks for reading!!!


~Anne

 

[scanne]

Ah, no replies? Not interesting enough? OK.

Well, I'm back for another update. I think I should change the title of the thread to the

"EVER CHANGING RESORT DECISION PRE TRIP REPORT."

I think I have called WDW about 5 times a day for the past 3 weeks to change........well........everything.

So we are now staying at the BEACH CLUB for 7 nights and we are renting a car and forgoing Disney's Magical Express. I decided that a rental car would be better for us because my DH was really worried about the transportation from the BC to the MK. So, instead of worrying about bussing it there, we will be able to drive. I don't know, but I have gotten REALLY lucky with both the car rental deal ($119.00 for a small SUV for the week) and airfare ($500 total for the four of us RT) and the pin code for the resort which gave us 40% off the room rate.

The last thing we have to decide on is our park tickets. We are definitely getting 7 day hoppers, but we are not sure if we want to add the water park and more option. Our kids are in camp this summer and are learning to swim, so they want to go to Blizzard Beach or something. And since my son LOVES Stacey (you know - the girl that does WDW's Top 7?) I keep quoting her to him. "Look at all the lazy people in the lazy river..." He watches her on every trip. Even though he's almost 6, I think he may have a crush.

I have already saved up more than half of our spending money, so we are well ahead of the game! I made all my dining ressies (ok, yes I did call back to change things around more than a dozen times) but I think I finally have every detail worked out.

We will be dining at the following:

1. Crystal Palace for breakfast with an early am ressie so that we get to go into the park before it even opens.

2. Chef Mickey's for breakfast as per DS's one and only request. Gotta make the boy happy, you know?

3. 'Ohana for my DH. This was one of his two dinner requests. The other is Cape May Cafe and we will be dining there also.

4. Tusker House for lunch. I have heard this place was dubbed "Boma Light" so it will really suit our tastes.

5. California Grill which I am still up in the air about because of the kids. But the ressie is fairly early and if we are lucky enough to get a table overlooking the MK, then that might appease the kids for a couple of hours.

6. Lastly, we will be having lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern. We have eaten dinner here MANY times, but I have always wanted to try their non-character lunch.

So dining is in place, as is a game plan for each day. Now we just have to start packing. What?! Two months out is too early? Na......not the way I like to get ready.


More to come.....