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

[SwansLoveDisney]

That binder isn't going to know what hit it!

 

[TarzansKat]

That binder isn't going to know what hit it!

Oh, I think it will weep with joy!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Woo woo! That binder is going to get filled tomorrow!!!

 

[Sarilas]

I got printer ink!

Y'all know what that means!

There's going to be reams of paper running through my printer tomorrow printing off all the fun things I've learned here.

And hopefully a chapter to follow. Stay tuned.

Oh, yippee!

I still need to buy a bloomin' printer. Ugh.

 

[Princesskeyblade]

Oh, I think it will weep with joy!

 

[willwriteforears]

Oh, I think it will weep with joy!

You'll have to always keep it near a mirror so it can admire its reflection.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Guess who is finally caught up? Yup that would be me.
Who's PTR should I start now????

 

[TarzansKat]

Guess who is finally caught up? Yup that would be me.
Who's PTR should I start now????

Color me impressed! I'm actually working on filling my planning binder, amassing all these little bits of information I've found about the resort, etc. Unfortunately the search function isn't working. Which makes me want to say some very un-Dislike words.

 

[If U Had Wings]

If you go to touringplans.com you can use the itinerary feature for free. (Don't need to pay to use that portion of the site).

It has ready made planning sheets. when you plug in where you are staying it automatically fills in addresses and phone numbers. They also have all kinds of budget sheets, dining plan checklists etc. I used it last year and it was wonderful. When you print out the sheets, you can print them in 3 different sizes depending on your binder. Large (8 1/2 x 11), medium and small.

I especially love the sheet for keeping track of how many of your dining credits you've used.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Color me impressed! I'm actually working on filling my planning binder, amassing all these little bits of information I've found about the resort, etc. Unfortunately the search function isn't working. Which makes me want to say some very un-Dislike words.

I actually was thinking of doing a Binder update for my PTR....I think I finally have it organized the way I like it.

If you go to touringplans.com you can use the itinerary feature for free. (Don't need to pay to use that portion of the site).

It has ready made planning sheets. when you plug in where you are staying it automatically fills in addresses and phone numbers. They also have all kinds of budget sheets, dining plan checklists etc. I used it last year and it was wonderful. When you print out the sheets, you can print them in 3 different sizes depending on your binder. Large (8 1/2 x 11), medium and small.

I especially love the sheet for keeping track of how many of your dining credits you've used.

I've been using a little program from www.mousemanager.com
I really like it, you can print every thing out.

 

[willwriteforears]

If you go to touringplans.com you can use the itinerary feature for free. (Don't need to pay to use that portion of the site).

It has ready made planning sheets. when you plug in where you are staying it automatically fills in addresses and phone numbers. They also have all kinds of budget sheets, dining plan checklists etc. I used it last year and it was wonderful. When you print out the sheets, you can print them in 3 different sizes depending on your binder. Large (8 1/2 x 11), medium and small.

I especially love the sheet for keeping track of how many of your dining credits you've used.

I started using it, and then kinda forgot about it and did my own thing. But everything they had did look nifty.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I've been using a little program from www.mousemanager.com
I really like it, you can print every thing out.

Have to check this out. I love anything that helps me compulsively plan my trips.

I started using it, and then kinda forgot about it and did my own thing. But everything they had did look nifty.

I've been bad about using it this year, but last year when I went with a friend who lived in another state it was really handy. I could update it, and she could check the plans out. Simplified things.

 

[TarzansKat]

Alright, I know that my enthusiasm for this vacation has been apparent.

Well, I hope it has. Considering that we're on page 105 and you've all stuck wtih me for this long, helping me, laughing with me...and at me... , and generally, I hope, enjoying all this pirate TK family blather.

But by warming up, I mean today it hit me.

Not like a lightening bolt, not a huge epiphany, more like a warm wave washing over my mind, it hit me.

WE'RE GOING TO DISNEYWORLD!!!!!

WE'RE STAYING AT THE WILDERNESS LODGE!!!

WE'RE GOING AS A FAMILY, JUST THE 3 OF US, AND I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Yup. Two months out and it finally hits me. I guess it was a culmination of things. With DH home this week and the great time the three of us have been having just enjoying each other, it just sort of sunk in. This is what life will be like in Disney. The three of us enjoying each other, on our first alone family vacation.

And I am so excited. I'm excited because my trip binder is starting to come together. I'm excited because I'm at peace with my reservations. I'm excited because we've got about a week (historically) until Southwest releases a decent fare.

And I'm excited about some quality time with my men. Because this week has taught me a lot of things. About myself, and about them. And it sounds simple, but we all function so much better when one of us is home. It totally harkens back to the whole wish I was a stay at home mom rant, but it's not just that. I'm grateful for what I have. I'm more at peace than I ever have been. I think this week, and working today, helped me discover my strengths and weaknesses. I don't dislike my job. I dislike my routine, and the driving, and the back and forth from my parents. But my son loves being with my parents. So if I have to deal with that until he gets into kindergarten (about another two years) so be it. I work, we have health insurance, a little extra money, and it makes our family go. If we were able to, my ideal world would be one of us at home. Our house is less chaotic, much more calm, and relaxed, even with potty training going on. If we were both working this week, I know we'd be flipping out right now. But with us home, we have a totally different perspective. And I know you may all think, well, duh, but it's really been eye-opening for me. I could be a stay at home mom. I know I would like it, and I know I also like my job. It's comforting to know that there are options, and that I'm flexible.

Much like the flexibility I've tried to install in this vacation. In the non-itinerary itinerary. I am so thrilled at the prospect of waking up in the morning, looking at each other, and deciding where to go right then. Spur of the moment. Or my personal favorite, let's see which bus comes first.

I'm so thrilled at the idea of going to one park for lunch and another for dinner. At spending time at the resort, and taking in what it has to offer. Eight days is a long time, and I plan to enjoy it.

Last night, I amassed all my favorite tidbits about the Wilderness Lodge and put it in the trip binder, including where you can see the MK fireworks from inside the Lodge, a great thing to know in case DS can't handle the noise up close like last year.

I found out about the games at the pool and magic cookie hour. I can't wait to share that with LL.

My trip binder is starting to fill a bit. It has confirmation of our reservation and deposit now. It has a spreadsheet of our estimated gratuities, a spreadsheet of our ADRS, and the mother of all OCD Dis planning spreadsheets....the spreadsheet of possible 2009 dates if there's a free dining bounceback, broken down by length of stay, type of resort, and potential cost.

Oh yeah.

Because although I realized

I'M GOING TO DISNEYWORLD!!!!!

I also realized, I need to have a game plan for next year.

Which I may decide to completely throw out the window...

as is my perogative...

Lapu Lapu Fest '09, anyone?

 

[Charleston Princess]

I love that feeling when it really hits that you are going to Disney World!!!

And I know exactly what you mean about having one person at home -- that's the part I love about the summer -- no routine and everything is just so much more relaxed!!!

You know I am raising my hand for LapuLapu Fest!!!

 

[If U Had Wings]

You are going to have a wonderful trip!

My mom had one of those moments today too. She sent me an email today telling me she was singing the Disney song from the Disney in room channel back when we first went to Disney in the early 80's.

It's just a wonderful feeling!

Definitely Lapu Laup fest for 2009!

 

[MRYPPNS]

TK, I thought you might be interested in this air fare article ****coughcoughsinceyouhavenoairplaneticketsyetcoughcough******

Air Travel Sweet Spot

 

[TarzansKat]

I love that feeling when it really hits that you are going to Disney World!!!

It was weird, I think all of a sudden I gave myself permission to be excited.

And I know exactly what you mean about having one person at home -- that's the part I love about the summer -- no routine and everything is just so much more relaxed!!!

Oh, that must be so nice for you. This week has totally spoiled me, with DH home, and me only working Wed and Sat.

You know I am raising my hand for LapuLapu Fest!!!

HALA KAHIKI!

You are going to have a wonderful trip!

My mom had one of those moments today too. She sent me an email today telling me she was singing the Disney song from the Disney in room channel back when we first went to Disney in the early 80's.

It's just a wonderful feeling!

It totally is.

Definitely Lapu Laup fest for 2009!

HALA KAHIKI!!!!

TK, I thought you might be interested in this air fare article ****coughcoughsinceyouhavenoairplaneticketsyetcoughcough******

Air Travel Sweet Spot

Subtle, and yet, to the point. I'll check it out!

 

[Sarilas]

I love that your binder is coming together! I cannot wait for our own trip to be that close, so I can make actual plans as opposed to hypothetical ones!

 

[TarzansKat]

I love that your binder is coming together! I cannot wait for our own trip to be that close, so I can make actual plans as opposed to hypothetical ones!

Ahhhh...but you have the ability to change your hypothetical plans without having to go crazy calling various numbers and trying to secure ADRs and yadda yadda...hypothetical is fun...but I have been keeping my fingers crossed for you on the January hours. I know you're waitin'.

 

[willwriteforears]

So glad you've been Disnefied and hit with the reality of the trip! And that the trip binder's coming together! And that you're feeling content, at least, with where you are now and flexible regarding whatever the future may bring. I'm just happy to hear the TK clan is in a good place.

And in two months you'll be in an even better place.