Will TarzansKat meet Captain Jack? ~A Pirate's Life for 3 Pre-Trippie~ We're back!

[Native NYer]

So will there be resort changes soon?

 

[Charleston Princess]

That's an excellent line up right there. I totally agree with the Grand Flo comment. If I had unlimited funds, it would be my hotel of choice.

I don't remember the exact order in which I've stayed at these and some of them have been more than once, and some of them are now called something else, but I'll list them with the names they had when I was there.

The Contemporary
The Grand Floridian
The Disney Inn
The Disney Institute
Port Orleans French Quarter
All Star Sports
All Star Music
All Star Movies
Pop Century
Wilderness Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Polynesian

Wow! Am I reading right? Gosh! I never realized how lucky I've been until I list them all out like that.

I should add, just so you're not all thinking, how the heck?

I worked for the Disney Store through the majority of my college years and a bit after, and they were still owned by Disney. I got into the parks for free, and was eligibile for up to 50% off on rooms. Ah, the good old days. Of course, Disney World was my vacation of choice. My mother and I would go two to three times a year back then. Those were some days!

Also, I was still working for the Disney Store when I got married, so I was able to stay in the Grand Floridian concierge for half price. Still a pretty penny, but totally worth it. My 10 day disneymoon.

See, I knew I should have worked at the Disney Store -- I worked at Victoria's Secret all through college and all I have to show for that is a bunch of...well, never mind.

Well, judging by your siggie, you've got three years to save up for it!

Her b-day's in July so technically something like two and a half -- totally doable if I could just learn to save .

 

[TarzansKat]

See, I knew I should have worked at the Disney Store -- I worked at Victoria's Secret all through college and all I have to show for that is a bunch of...well, never mind.

Holy carp, Batman! I worked at VS, too! That was my first college job. Actually, it was my first "real" job. I had worked for my parents, and done some internships, but that was my first on my own job. I, too, have a whole bunch of never mind. And sadly, they don't fit anymore! Ah, the joy of pregnancy, nursing, and losing weight afterwards. Why oh why do it drop from my chest down into my thighs and butt? Does that even count as losing weight if it just shifts somewhere else?

Her b-day's in July so technically something like two and a half -- totally doable if I could just learn to save .

Still doable! Check out the budget board, sometimes there's some good ideas over there.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Holy carp, Batman! I worked at VS, too! That was my first college job. Actually, it was my first "real" job. I had worked for my parents, and done some internships, but that was my first on my own job. I, too, have a whole bunch of never mind. And sadly, they don't fit anymore! Ah, the joy of pregnancy, nursing, and losing weight afterwards. Why oh why do it drop from my chest down into my thighs and butt? Does that even count as losing weight if it just shifts somewhere else?

Still doable! Check out the budget board, sometimes there's some good ideas over there.

I know exactly what you mean!!!

Good idea!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

So will there be resort changes soon?

Maybe not...I started looking at Caribbean Beach again, but I really don't want to go until they finish their pirate-themed pool area.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I love the way your foul little mind works.

Therefore today, much like the artist formerly known as Prince, is a perfect day for the park formerly known as MGM Studios. Which is what I'll still be calling it. Because you know what? Much like Prince, you may change the name, but it's still the same funky sound. Much like MGM. You may dress it up and call it something else, but it's still MGM.

You are wildly witty, my friend.

We do, however, have one stop that is totally for me. It is one of my favorite places in the World. I don't even know the official name, because to me, it's the Villian Candy Shop. Home of the best junky apple in the whole World. And no, it's not a snack on the dining plan. And yes, I will happily pay oop for this delicious treat.

Best. Place. In. MGM. EVER.

You know they'll even cut into pieces for you so you can share?

I'm just thinking about having it cut into piece for it be easier for ME to eat. LOL

I was one of those kind of pregnant women who absolutely could not sleep at night, and thought, what the hey, let me try one of those. Therefore, in utero, little peanut was exposed to the nightly renderings of happy chirping crickets.

A friend of mine's step-mom was a cleaning maniac during her last pregnancy. She was especially fanatic about clean floors. One afternoon, (post-childbirth) Hanna (said child) was wearing her extra-large fussy pants. Karen (said step-mom) threw her hands in the air and was fit to do the "let her cry herself out" technique and decided to vacuum. Which brought forth from Hanna...
NOTHING.
She fell asleep. After all of Karen's cleaning while Hannah was still in the womb, the sound of the vaccuum became the most soothing thing in the world.

he's getting a box full of Mr. Tato parts!

I want a box of Tato parts all my own too!

Oh yes, I have one more plan for this night, and it's Goofy's Candy Company my friends.

Also on my Must Do.

I mean, let's look at Scar shall we. He kills his brother, makes his nephew think he did it, and then drives him off into the wilderness to die. Talk about sibling rivalry!

One might think that Shakespeare wrote The Lion King!

See, I knew I should have worked at the Disney Store -- I worked at Victoria's Secret all through college and all I have to show for that is a bunch of...well, never mind.

This was "spit out my yogurt" funny.

 

[TarzansKat]

Hey there! Just checkin' with my loyal peeps!


Currently, I'll be pouring myself a glass of white wine and indulging in a little friendly DIS banter.

Who's with me?

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Hey there! Just checkin' with my loyal peeps!


Currently, I'll be pouring myself a glass of white wine and indulging in a little friendly DIS banter.

Who's with me?

::sigh:: Wish I could. The oxycodone I "borrowed" from the BF for my chest is going to be kicking in shortly. Once that happens, I either need to be passed out in bed, or on the bathroom tile. My belly doesn't take kindly to painkillers.

But I hope you have a stupdendous evening of witty banter.

 

[TarzansKat]

::sigh:: Wish I could. The oxycodone I "borrowed" from the BF for my chest is going to be kicking in shortly. Once that happens, I either need to be passed out in bed, or on the bathroom tile. My belly doesn't take kindly to painkillers.

But I hope you have a stupdendous evening of witty banter.

Thanks!

And if indeed, you do pass out in bed, may you have lovely dreams of a certain ruggedly dreadlocked gorgeous pirate.

And if you're on the bathroom tile, begging for bf to help you, may you hallucinate that very same ruggedly dreadlocked gorgeous pirate.

 

[TarzansKat]

So this is to be a short chapter, but I have to update you all on my little Kohls Online Shopping saga. The majority of my purchases arrived this evening, and I had had a particularly trying time getting DS to leave my parents house. My mom watches him for me while I work, and today DS was so enamored of my father, he did not want to leave. We shall no longer speak of this...shhhh...suffice it to say, I was thoroughly exhausted when I got home.

But what to my wondering eyes did appear as I drove into my parking spot???

What can brown do for you?

No, not a number 4 in Canada, the UPS truck, folks.

Bless them for delivering today.

So I had myself a little mini fashion show whilst sending DS to DH to eat dinner and get out of my hair for about fifteen minutes.

Remember those capris? Those coveted, lovely capris. Well....they don't fit. Which is funny! Because when I weighed myself today, I was actually below my goal weight. I know!

But, apparently, although I've built muscle in lots of areas, I still remain...ahem...flabby in others...ahem...or ample...or buxom as some of us like to call it. So those jeans were not fitting comfortably over the hip/thigh/butt region. Ah well. Returns they become.

I did however, glean one whole work outfit out of the online shopping extravaganza. Which is not really fun, but still exciting. They're a great pair of pin stripe pants, very, very comfy, and fit perfectly, and a nice faux sweater vest ensemble. Not that you all need to know about my work clothes, but hey, that whole outfit cost me under $13...with shipping...I know, I know, I'm an online shopping goddess.

Remember budget board lesson 101? It's great if you want to learn how to save money, but can also be a big invite to spend money?

Enter the LL Bean bag thread. Ah, bane of my existence. See, we have tons of bags. Oodles of bags. Lots, even. But since DS has gotten older, and is on the road to potty training, I'm not really fond of carrying a traditional diaper bag any more. Currently, my diaper bag is a medium tote sized purse from China in the WS. But it only holds so much.

Enter the LL Bean bag. Go ahead...click on the link...all the cool kids are doing it....

Click here...you know you want to...I'm only 10.95 and if you check out the Budget Board thread you can find a free shipping code!!!

Oh yeah. So I mulled, and hemmed and hawed, and bided my time. I waited for the Kohls stuff to come and me to discover I really am returning all but two items. And then, after three days of agonizing over spending $11.61 on a bag I think I'll really like, tonight I did it! I bought it! In stylin' black no less. So it'll go with everything.

It's the perfect bag to keep snacks, a change of clothes, wallet, cell phone, ropes to tie up Captain Jack, wipes, sunblock...you know...everything a gal needs on vacation at the World!

I am hopeless, I know.

Also, this is the type of chapter that happens after you've completed that glass of white wine. Yes, you all heard me...one pitiful glass puts me under. After not drinking while pregnant, I just never got back that youthful tolerance from my college days. Ah well. At least I'm happy whilst intoxicated! It makes me a very fun person to be with after margaritas in Mexico. Or a lapu lapu with Tinkerbellarella. Poor girl. She has no idea what she's in for.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Because when I weighed myself today, I was actually below my goal weight. I know!

That is AWESOME!!! Congrats! Now, we'll move on and pretend today is not weigh-in day for me also. More to come on my thread about that. Unfortunately.

I'm an online shopping goddess.

It's the perfect bag to keep ...ropes to tie up Captain Jack...you know...everything a gal needs on vacation at the World!

I like where your head is at.

It makes me a very fun person to be with after margaritas in Mexico. Or a lapu lapu with Tinkerbellarella. Poor girl. She has no idea what she's in for.

Funny. I was thinking the same thing, but for you. And that maybe I should offer my apologies ahead of time and get you and DH one of those Fairy Godmother babysitters for DS.

 

[JKMJ441724]

My mom watches him for me while I work

GOT to love the Lord for making something like that. My mom watches my children and my DisSis' children while we work. I am so happy that I don't have to do the DayCareThing.

But what to my wondering eyes did appear as I drove into my parking spot???

But a miniature box with a very big bill.

What can brown do for you?
No, not a number 4 in Canada, the UPS truck, folks.

So I had myself a little mini fashion show whilst sending DS to DH to eat dinner and get out of my hair for about fifteen minutes.

As a mother, 15 minutes is usually the limit of the amount of alone time you are entitled to on any given day. I try to run to the grocery store alone and my husband is calling telling me to hurry when I can...

I'm not really fond of carrying a traditional diaper bag any more. Currently, my diaper bag is a medium tote sized purse from China in the WS. But it only holds so much.

I have so much kid crap in my purse - again, not an explosive number 4, just a slang reference to their stuff. I have been know to pull out everything from little green army men to socks.

Also, this is the type of chapter that happens after you've completed that glass of white wine. Yes, you all heard me...one pitiful glass puts me under. After not drinking while pregnant, I just never got back that youthful tolerance from my college days. Ah well. At least I'm happy whilst intoxicated! It makes me a very fun person to be with after margaritas in Mexico.

That's my kind of date. I want to hang out with you guys, too.

 

[TarzansKat]

Funny. I was thinking the same thing, but for you. And that maybe I should offer my apologies ahead of time and get you and DH one of those Fairy Godmother babysitters for DS.

Oddly enough, DH is not a big drinker. Might have something to do with growing up working in his father's restaurant and having to go retrieve the drunk guy from the bathroom at the tender age of five.

I guess, I should be grateful though, he's typically my designated driver. Not that I drink a lot, mind you. Because as previously discussed, one glass of wine, and you get my last chapter. Boy, was I all sorts of loopy fun last night.

I can say this much, though. I am happy after a drink. I am not of the sort who becomes mean. So as long as you're happy, too, I'm thinking we'll be getting along famously.

GOT to love the Lord for making something like that. My mom watches my children and my DisSis' children while we work. I am so happy that I don't have to do the DayCareThing.

Even though we don't always agree, I am very blessed to have my mom watching my son. He also gets an opportunity to spend time with my Nana, and my dad, which I'm hoping he'll remember as he gets older. Especially my Nana. DS is a redhead, and inherited that color from my Granddad (Nana's DH) who is no longer with us. So every time we look at DS, we have a happy reminder of my Granddad.

As a mother, 15 minutes is usually the limit of the amount of alone time you are entitled to on any given day. I try to run to the grocery store alone and my husband is calling telling me to hurry when I can...

It is so true! Fifteen minutes seems to be that magical time frame.

I have so much kid crap in my purse - again, not an explosive number 4, just a slang reference to their stuff. I have been know to pull out everything from little green army men to socks.

Ugh, speaking of...no...never mind. You don't want to hear about the explosiveness I had to deal with today when DS woke up from his nap. Suffice it to say he thought it would be a good idea to stick his hand in it.

That's my kind of date. I want to hang out with you guys, too.

Well, we are the cool kids.

 

[TarzansKat]

I write this chapter in the morning haze that accompanies a woman who has been woken by her cheerful offspring at an ungoldy hour for the past two mornings. What is DS thinking? I'm exhausted!

First, I hear my door open. Then the little bare feet scamper across the floor. Then he proceeds to climb in my bed. To sleep?

How could we assume such a thing? No, no, no. DS performs a series of gymnastics so as to ensure that I will have to wake up, regardless of how tired I am, thereby ensuring that I will get up, make his breakfast, and turn on whatever the movie of choice is. That's how we start our Saturday in the TK family. With a Disney film. Is there really any better way? In case you all were wondering, today, it's Lilo and Stitch.

No we have two fool's errands to discuss this morning as I attempt to write this through the hazy fog in my brain. And both have to do with DS. When I'm not mumbly and grumbly because he's woken me up, I am so proud of my little peanut. Although he's 3, and has his moments...really, really bad moments...he is also learning good manners, and behaving better overall. When he wants us to do something, if we don't respond to his liking, he can be heard to say "But I said please!" Well, at least some things I'm trying to teach him are sinking in.

So as my little peanut was rolling around on my bed, all the while being very lovey and smothering me with hugs, and stroking my hair to induce me to "get up, Mama!" at the tender hour of 530am, would you like to know what my first thought was folks?

What travels through the tender subconcious into the waking world to reveal itself at such activity?

Why, oh why, have I not booked a deluxe resort?

Oh, yes. You heard me right, folks. A deluxe. Not a moderate, no, no, a deluxe. Like the Beach Club...or the Polynesian...or heck, the AKL or WL. Because those rooms are bigger. Those beds are bigger. Some of them even have a day bed! A means of escape from the small child trying to wake me at ungodly hours. Also, DS is very tall for his age. Last height measurement was about 43". He absolutely cannot fit in a pack and play. So we booked Pop because it's a value, and remember refillable mug + slushy coke machine = happy DH, but I also know that when it comes down to it, this little peanut is going to end up sleeping with one of us. And right now, my money is on me. See even though Papa (what he calls DH) is totally cool and fun to play with, lately DS is Mama's boy. He is my lovey, my shadow, and my buddy. Even at 500am.

Now when he's tired, I know he'll be passing out from all the fun that a Disney vacation entails. But, when, oh when, is he going to wake me up folks? And how am I going to share a bed with the child who has inherited my fish out of water sleeping technique?

::::sigh:::::

I have seen on Amazon.com that they make Aerobeds for kids. Easy to use, blow up, normal size sheet. I have debated this. A lot. Because it's about 60-70. Which is a lot less than the $1000-$1500 price difference of going from value to deluxe. But, I have also debated a deluxe. Because, really, deep down, who doesn't want to stay in one? Couple that with the fact that we could have a walk to Epcot, a monorail to MK, or a boat to MK at our disposal, and that really sweetens the pot. Never mind the fridge in the room that means I wouldn't have to scurry my tushy out in the morning to procure whatever drinks we want. We could keep them in the fridge!

Thus we end fool's errand number one, about which, I am totally on the fence. There are a lot better things that should be done with our tax stimulus check, like putting a chunk of it toward DH's student loan. But we've already paid off so much this year. I would like to do more, but I would also like to stay deluxe. It's totally selfish, and financially irresponsible, and I know that. Which is probably why, I'll be hopping at the Pop. And buying that Aerobed.

Fool's errand number duex? Stay tuned, folks...

 

[Charleston Princess]

I remember those mornings of being awakened in the pre-dawn hours! Hold onto the thought that one day they will sleep until 7:00.

Ahhh, so you have been sucked into the resort dilemma, have you? It's a toughie, isn't it? I would love to stay deluxe -- I would love to stay on the monorail -- I would love, love, love to stay at any of Disney's deluxes. The reality: I never seem to be able to justify the price. The difference between the values/moderates and deluxes is a whole lot of souvenir money!

Having said all that, I think using your IRS check to upgrade to a deluxe is a fabulous idea...see, then I can live vicariously through you!

 

[TarzansKat]

I remember those mornings of being awakened in the pre-dawn hours! Hold onto the thought that one day they will sleep until 7:00.

Ahhh, so you have been sucked into the resort dilemma, have you? It's a toughie, isn't it? I would love to stay deluxe -- I would love to stay on the monorail -- I would love, love, love to stay at any of Disney's deluxes. The reality: I never seem to be able to justify the price. The difference between the values/moderates and deluxes is a whole lot of souvenir money!

Having said all that, I think using your IRS check to upgrade to a deluxe is a fabulous idea...see, then I can live vicariously through you!

Somehow I have a feeling that discussing this with you may not be healthy for my wallet!

Seriously, I'm trying to crunch numbers and it's so hard to justify the jump. If I took that same tax stimulus money, in addition to what we have currently saved, it would pay for two Disney vacations at Pop. Sort of knowing that I have next years trip in the bag is like a bonus.

Also, next year I'll be turning a landmark birthday.

I had entertained the notion of splurging for that trip, however, that trip will be a big family hoopla again. The three of us, my parents, my nana, and my father-in-law. So the question is, splurge now and enjoy the heck out of it, that way next year we can all stay at Pop together...or wait until next year to splurge and then not necessairly everyone can afford what we're doing. It's a dilemma my friends. Of the entirely fun variety. Of the conundrum wrapped in an enigma enshrouded in a riddle kind.

So I'm putting it out there folks! Here's the numbers.

9/14/08 - 9/21/08, Pop Century 7 nights, 7 MYW Hopper, Free Dining, $1,456.15

Same Dates, Port Orleans French Quarter (my fav mod), 7 nights, 7 MYW Hopper, Free Dining, $1,980.87

Same Dates, Wilderness Lodge, yadda, yadda, $2574.04

Same Dates, Polynesian rolleyes1 ), yadda, yadda, how can I possibly convince myself it's okay to spend this much money on 8 days in Disney, $3485.03

Now to me, the price jump from Value to Mod is palatable. For $500 more, I get the convenience of a fridge in my room, a boat to Downtown Disney, an overhead fan while I sleep (which I have at home and love), and a covered bus stop. I also get the satisfacation of knowing that I'll possibly be sharing a bus with one other resort, but am typically the first one and first off.

The Wilderness Lodge. Okay, it's a little over $1000 more. I can think of a lot of things to do with $1000. But is it worth it, people? To know that you can get on a boat to get to the Magic Kingdom and never have to undo the stroller! To be able to leave after Wishes/Hallowishes and get on said boat instead of waiting in line with everybody else staying at Pop of POFQ. Do you see how we can go round and round on this one? Never mind the feel of the lodge...the rocking chairs...the fireplace...the pool...the hot tub! And it's the hotel I stayed in when I was pregnant with DS. Ah, nostalgia.

The Poly...do I even need to list it's virtues at this point? Monorail, Tonga Toast, Volcano Pool, Zero Entry....
Price Tag

Help me, Obi Wan, you're my only hope! Or Charleston Princess...or Native New Yorker...or Tinkerbellarella...or JKMJ441724 (and if I left anyone out, I apologize)...talk me down! Save me! Save me!!!!!!

 

[2ScottishPrincesses]

If I were you I would do WL or Poly if you can afford it this year as I feel the big plus about the delux resorts is relaxation and the luxury vibe....with the best will in the world you're not going to get that if the whole clan are going with you .

Just my point of view doll....by the way I WL and we're hoping to stay at BC & Poly for my big birthday next year so your choices get a big from me

 

[TarzansKat]

If I were you I would do WL or Poly if you can afford it this year as I feel the big plus about the delux resorts is relaxation and the luxury vibe....with the best will in the world you're not going to get that if the whole clan are going with you .

Just my point of view doll....by the way I WL and we're hoping to stay at BC & Poly for my big birthday next year so your choices get a big from me

Thanks for the opinion! I know that every year, we get a refund from our taxes. I can expect a certain amount, which usually covers our vacation in full. This year, we actually dipped into our savings a bit, and used part of the refund to pay off a huge portion of DH's student loan. So, I've had to work a little harder at the scrimping and saving for this year's trip.

But I've sold lots of things on EBAY and any extras incentives from our respective jobs go into the vacation account. So I know that next year, if need be, we could count on the tax return as our vacation fund, in which case, we could easily stay at a value.

I just have to talk to DH about it as well. I think he'll tell me wherever I want (God Bless Him) but I really need his perspective as well.

:::sigh::: Decisions, decisions.

 

[TarzansKat]

Where were we? Ah, yes, the resort dilemma. Let's put that aside momentarily, shall we? As I'm given to these fits of resort insanity and lapses in good financial sense, we'll be moving on to a different topic.

Fool's Errand Part Duex

Hopefully, with a much simpler resolution. And so it begins.

Last year, my DMIL gave DS a pair of Crocs. Cute red and black Mickey Crocs. But alas, folks, they are way too big! DS is currently in a size 9W sneaker, and these Crocs are 12/13. I took them out the other night just to see how bad it was and you know what?

He's smitten!

My little peanut is in love with these Mickey Crocs. I showed him the blue ones on the internet...it's a match made in heaven... "Mama, blue Crocs?"

I said yes, peanut, Mama will try to get you some blue crocs. I have blue Crocs now, my little boy squeals with delight. I said, no, honey, we have to order them, and then the UPS man will bring them. At which point, DS runs to the window to look for the what can brown do for you truck. At which DH and I laugh at our adorable little nut and say, no, no, we have to wait another day for them to come. Oh, says, DS, UPS man far, far away.

Yes, buddy, in a galaxy far, far away. Because you know what folks? I cannot find blue Mickey Crocs in his size! I'm looking on Shoebuy.com, hoping to purchase through mypoints so I snag some rewards, and they are all out! So I go to a few other sites...they're all out too! Double

Now I'm feeling

The only site that has them is zappos.com...to the tune of $41!!!!!!

Everywhere else, they're $25-$30 with free shipping, and if I got them on Shoebuy, I have a 20% off code. So I thought, alright, I'll check on the :::gasp::: non-Mickey Crocs. I know, I know, don't build the pyre just yet. Guess what???? There are no blue Crocs in DS' size either!

So my little peanut, who has been such a good boy, and is definitely very Croc worthy will just have to wait...as will I...obsessively checking Shoebuy.com through mypoints.com to see if any come into stock...by some small miracle, maybe it will be so...the force is strong with our family...I just know it is!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Good luck with the blue Mickey crocs!!!

As for the resort dilemma:

Well, if it were me (and it has been many times including today when I realized that I could still change to a deluxe for June) I would in all honesty upgrade to a moderate and use the difference for spending money. While a deluxe is wonderful with all the amenities, pool, and wonderful food, it still comes down to an astronomical price difference. For us, we love all of Disney's pools, they all have pool bars, and any resort eating we want to do, we can just go to the deluxes to soak up atmosphere and eat. The big things for us are the fridges and ceiling fans, and moderates have those. And I really like having enough spending money that I don't feel like I have to be a Scrooge about souvenirs.

So, again if it were me, I would upgrade to a moderate and visit the Poly. Just a thought .

However, should you decide to upgrade to a deluxe, I will love hearing about every minute of it.