Yes I know they won't remember it...

[Zeebs]

OK, this is my first go at a pre-trip report, sort of.... I have also this posted on the UK board but thought by also having it here, I would increase my readers (well hopefully anyway) and therefore increase any tips or comments on our plans.

So here we go again,

Cast

Kirsten (thats me) 34 only remember this as I have recently had a birthday, I am a New Zealander, living in the UK. Well that is what happens when you marry a brit eh? (Yes I love New Zealand and would one day like to return but I also love the UK)
Doug - Hubby 45
Cullen - number 1 son, not because he is my favourite or anything just because he was the first born. He is 2
Seth - number 2 son, currently 6.5 months
Avril - Mother in law, one of the good ones, yes some people do have good mother in laws. late 60s.
Cliff - Father in law - Early 70's

Picture of the boys

Doug, I and Cullen on our trip to Disneyland

No good photos of Grandma and Pa at the moment might get some at a family party at the end of the month.

How come we are going to WDW....

Me: Doug you know how we weren't suppose to be having a holiday this year because we are going home to NZ in 2009.

Doug: Hmmmmm yessssss,

Me: well we have a whole lot of airmiles that are going to expire and won't get us to New Zealand can we use them to go to WDW.

Doug: What!!!!!!!!!

Me: Well would be a shame to waste them, I promise I will do it all on a budget and Julia has offered their place for free if we want to do a second week elsewhere in Florida.

And that is how it all started.

1 week 21 October 2008 to 28 October 2008 staying at Windsor Hills and then heading south for our second week to my friends condo in Palm City.

Me: Why don't we ask your Mum and Dad to come that would make it cheaper... (me thinking secretly and they can look after the grandkids while we have a night out and ride splash mountain, they live in Scotland so don't get to see the kids lots)

First I had to work out if it was cheaper to stay onsite in two rooms with dining plan or offsite. Offsite won hands down on this one for us. The other good thing with this was the kids got their own room. We decided to book the condo at Windsor Hills, for a lot of reasons but this bedroom for the kids helped sway us also.

Right'o as the mother of two small children one of which still wakes in the middle of the blasted night to get a feed I am off to bed. I shall hope to add some more information tomorrow.

Kirsten

 

[Zeebs]

20 Oct - Kids and I, leave home, drive around M25 to Epsom. Doug leave work catch train to Epsom.

Because we are flying out of Gatwick we thought we might go and visit relatives the night before who have nicely offered to put us up. They live 20 mins from Gatwick so that will make the trip to the airport hopefully much faster and less stressful than from our own home.

Our flights,

As mentioned in my previous post we had airmiles, through Singapore Air, from our numerous flights home to NZ, pretty much once a year since 2003 had piled up a few points. Because they are part of the Star Alliance we could get reward flights with Virgin..... what a hassle trying to sort it out.

I need 40,000 then I talk to someone else and need 50,000 (which I don't have) look it all up on the internet and it says 40,000 ring back yay they can book it for 40,000. Great I will look at the dates and ring back to book.

Me: I would like to book flight from London Gatwick to Orlando MCO.
Him: Sorry you don't have enough points.....
Me: pardon I have 40,000 thats all I need
Him: no you need 50,000 to fly with Lufthansa.
Me: why can't I go with Virgin,
Him: Virgin don't fly from Heathrow..........
Me: I would like to book flight from London Gatwick to Orlando MCO (feeling of dejevu here)

OK so finally got flights booked for myself, Doug and Cullen.

We added Seth on a few months later, not without issues I might add and having to speak to 3 different staff, because according to the first one he couldn't be booked on the flight as there was no adult to add him to and as he wasn't getting a seat he had to be linked up. Huh?? His ticket however, cost £179.00 suppose they need to pay for the amazing training they give their staff some how don't they

We might if there is availability when we get to the airport upgrade ourselves to PE. (anyone have an idea aprox this might cost)

In laws are flying out of Manchester. They didn't have any issues booking, but then they were paying for their tickets.

They get in to Orlando a couple of hours before us. If our flight is arriving on time they will wait for us at the airport if not (and it seems there might be a slim chance of it not.. ) they will catch a cab to Windsor Hills.

I had been telling Cullen that we would go a plane to see Mickey Mouse so he is very excited about that now every plane he sees he says "Mummy, Daddy, Cullen, Seth, Mickey Mouse"

I am hoping to try out one of the new child seats that Virgin have to for him as he is a wee bit of a wriggler, we have been practising staying still and he is very good in the car. He also likes TV so I am sure he will be quite happy to sit and watch it for quite some time.

When we took him to NZ when he was 10 months he pretty much breastfed the WHOLE way, it is a very long time to have ones 's out but he was pretty quiet so that was good.

We had thought we would try and get a skycot for Seth but he is a bit of a chubby bubby and I don't think he will fit.

OK that is me done in for another night. Seth woke up twice for a feed last night, and I wonder why he is chubby.

Here is a wee picture of Cullen at Disneyland talking to Dale

Kirsten

 

[Hsminnie]

Kirsten,

Excitedly awaiting more info!

As for your title, tough to those who think so! YOU and your family will remember it and when the boys go to school and their teacher says 'bring some baby pics so we can scrapbook a family page framed in macaroni' they will have Mickey Mouse and friends in theirs.

 

[Zeebs]

Kirsten,

Excitedly awaiting more info!

As for your title, tough to those who think so! YOU and your family will remember it and when the boys go to school and their teacher says 'bring some baby pics so we can scrapbook a family page framed in macaroni' they will have Mickey Mouse and friends in theirs.

Oooh a reader, thanks very much,

Kids will have a fab time, won't remember a thing, probably couldn't care less if they were at WDW or in the pool at the condo, but I will be at WDW (who cares about the kids eh?) Totally agree, Cullen loves looking at the photos of his trip to Disneyland, even though he currently thinks the baby in the pictures is not actually him but his brother Seth.

Am going away for the weekend for a party, so I won't be able to post the next edition until after the weekend, unless I finish packing and all the bits I have to do tonight.

Kirsten

 

[braydensmom]

Hi Kirsten, I will be there the same days as you and your family, and I will be travelling alone with my 14month old....i understand everyone saying "he won't remember it"......he might not, but i think it will be more fun and a better vacation for the two of us if we go to Disney rather than going to mexico and sitting on a beach for a week (my son doesnt even like sand at this point)

 

[shelbecat]

We are taking our 3 1/2 year-old to WDW in August. I'm sure she won't remember half of it...but I don't care! It's a trip that we are going to remember for all the joy shining on her face - and she'll always have the pictures to look back on

I just started my own pre-trip report. Anxiously awaiting more details about your trip!

 

[Zeebs]

Well after what I suspect will be a very very very very long flight. We will arrive at MCO. I have booked a car through usrentacar/dollar a dodge caravan, with a bit of luck. Do you know that thing has 13 cup holders!!! Even the baby gets two. We have to fit 4 adults and two children in carseats in it should be big enough. Luckily we pack pretty light (4 outfits each one on, one in the wash, 2 spare, packed socks to jocks in little zip lock bags, you know you really get some good tips on these boards, will see if this is one of them.) I don't suspect there will be much room for bags when we get all the people in. On the advice of Disboards I have joined Dollar Express, so hopefully that will save some time off picking up the car. Then we are off to Windsor Hills.

This is the condo we have rented. www.rent-windsorhills.com We are in the lakeside one, they have since updated the kids bedroom with the Mickey and Tinkerbell room as per my first post. The people I have been dealing with have been really nice and so helpful. I plan to spend my evenings, with a glass of wine, sat on the balcolny looking out over the lake and see if I can find some alligators. I picked a condo so we could be near the community pool. I know people rave about having a pool attached but with two little kids I just thought it would be a bit much hassle. At least this way they can't see it and pester me every two minutes to get in it.

I am trying to decide if I should stop at the supermarket on the way to the condo or to get a delivery of groceries from Garden Grocer, I like wandering around supermarkets, but I suspect after a long flight hubby and the kids WILL NOT. Also if we go to the supermarket I am sure we will over purchase, like a recent trip to a cottage in France. So if I buy on line before we go I should be able to restrict my urges to buy all the exciting new stuff I see.

Then off to bed a big day tomorrow, you know I never sleep as well as I do after getting off a very long flight. When ever we fly to New Zealand we always spend the first couple of nights with a friend in Auckland before flying home to Mum and Dads in the South Island, well their spare bed, is a rubbish thing with the oddest slates and if you move around too much the slates move and then eventually fall out, meaning you end up on the floor. OK now we are not the smartest tools in the shed as we always forget about it until the second night. The first night we sleep like the dead obviously don't move at all bed stays in one piece. The second night we move and end up on the floor at some point in the evening. This is when we remember and put something underneth it to fix it.

Here is another wee picture of Cullen at Disneyland, just cause I can't think of any other pictures to put in right now.

Kirsten

 

[Zeebs]

Hi Kirsten, I will be there the same days as you and your family, and I will be travelling alone with my 14month old....i understand everyone saying "he won't remember it"......he might not, but i think it will be more fun and a better vacation for the two of us if we go to Disney rather than going to mexico and sitting on a beach for a week (my son doesnt even like sand at this point)

Alone, man you are keen, but you are right it will be a good place to keep him entertained and you will have a blast as well. To be honest not many people say they won't remember it to me. Most of them know that I am mad keen on the place and just end up giving me a hard time, they so know we are not going for the kids, well not soley for the kids anyway.

We are taking our 3 1/2 year-old to WDW in August. I'm sure she won't remember half of it...but I don't care! It's a trip that we are going to remember for all the joy shining on her face - and she'll always have the pictures to look back on

I just started my own pre-trip report. Anxiously awaiting more details about your trip!

I will be over to read up on yours soon, the pictures will be neat at 3.5.

 

[Zeebs]

Yay we are off to see Mickey Mouse.....

Well after much mucking around with the schedule trying to make sure we weren't going to the wrong park on the wrong day according to the many experts out there we (well me actually the rest couldn't care less as long as they are there) finally decided. So our first day is.....

EPCOT.

(A quick explaination of our touring plans: As we are travelling with 2 small children, 2 elderly grandparents, and 1 slightly overweight lazy person (thats me) we plan to try and get to the parks for opening, or as near to it as we can get. We then will tour until lunch time, when we will have a counter service most days tour some more before heading back to the condo around 2.30 - 3.00. We will end most of our days around this time, the kids get cranky if they are too much out of their routine, thus making Mummy very cranky.)

I suspect we will be up quite early as we will be on the wrong time zone, so we will have some breakfast at the villa, as mentioned in my previous post I will have got some groceries in so we can have a nice breakfast and pootle off to EPCOT.

Then, straight away to Soarin' for a fast pass and to ride if the line isn't too long by the time we make our way over there. My mother in law has only requested 1 thing and that was to ride soarin' so I better make sure she gets that wish. If we pick up a fast pass we will head over to test track and see how that line is shaping up. Not sure inlaws will want to ride this. We will then head to Nemo, (Cullen got some goldfish the other day, he has called one of them Nemo and the other Fish, which is better than the first time I asked what they were called and they were both called Nemo. Which reminds me I better clean their bowl out shortly)

Not sure where will eat lunch today, ANY SUGGESTIONS we will need something quite light as we have dinner reservations at 5.05 at Chef Mickey's

Then pretty much we will do what ever else there is to do in the future world section of Epcot. We have decided on this trip we will probably not do the World Showcase I think we would really enjoy it but the wee ones probably not as much as they will when they are older. We may visit later in the week if we find any extra time.

Depending how we are doing, we may leave the park and go back for a rest or we may just go straight to dinner at Chef Mickey's at 5.05 I have heard varied reviews of Chef Mickey's but as we have never been we will give it ago, plus it will be nice to have Dinner with Mickey Mouse.

Here is a picture of my family on the weekend we had a big family get together it was a lovely weekend. Doug looks on a bit of an odd angle because squirmy Seth was trying to get away. Remember to chime in with any tips or comments, as a newbie it will always be welcome. Right off to bed now, still catching up with sleep after the weekend.

Kirsten

 

[jake&samsmom]

Hi Kirsten!
I am so happy to see that you started a PTR. I think the last photo is lovely.
I suggest y'all go to Sunshine Seasons in the Land pavillion (right by Soarin')for a light lunch. There's a lot of variety, and the selection is on the healthy side (borrowed from Allears) :

Sunshine Seasons The Land Future World Epcot

ASIAN
Two Entree Items and Two Sides $9.69
Vegetarian Entree includes all four sides $7.69
Chicken Chile and Garlic Noodle Bowl $6.09
Side Items: Garlic Udon Noodles, Stirfry vegetables, White Rice, or Broccoli
Entree Items: Sweet and Sour Chicken, Spicy Thai Chicken, Mongolian Ginger Beef
Children's Selection: Sweet and Sour Chicken and Beverage $4.25


SOUP AND SALADS
Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese Salad with Cilantro and Lime dressing $7.09
Seared Tuna on Mixed Greens with Sesame Rice Wine dressing $8.39
Caesar Salad with Oak-fired Chicken $7.59
Bowl of Freshly Made Soup $3.99
Children's Selection Macaroni and Cheese with Beverage $4.25


SANDWICHES
Grilled Vegetable Cuban Sandwich $7.59
Black Forest Ham and Salami Grinder $7.59
Turkey and Muenster Cheese on Foccacia with Chipotle Mayonnaise $6.99
Children's Selection: Mini Sub and Beverage $4.25


THE GRILL
Half Rotisserie Chicken with two sides $9.99
Grilled Salmon with Olive Pesto sauce and two sides $9.99
Rotisserie Pork Chop with two sides $9.99
Children's Selection: Chicken Leg with Mashed Potatoes and Beverage $4.25
Side Items: Mashed Potatoes, Salad with Apple-Balsamic Dressing, Rice Pilaf, Glazed Carrots


BEVERAGES
Coca Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Vault, Sprite, Pink Lemonade, Fanta - Regular $2.19/Large $2.49
Bottled Water (regular, lemon, and berry flavored), Powerade, Apple Juice, Chocolate Milk, Orange Juice, 1% and Whole Milk
Hot Tea $1.89
Hot Cocoa $1.89
Nescafe Coffee $1.89


DESSERTS
Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies $1.49 each
Latte, French Vanilla, and Mocha Coffee Drinks $2.69/$3.19
Also freshly made pies and cakes, and many grab'n'go items, like sushi and mini quiches.

Hope to read more from you!

 

[pooksma]

Hi Kirsten,

Just jumping in to add my view on the "they won't remember" naysayers.

Our first trip DS, Declan, was almost 3 and he remembers parts of it. The most important thing is that we, his DPs, remember and they are some of the precious moments in our lives.

That being said, it also means DS is hooked and wants to go EVERY year now.

Enjoying your PT. You have a beautiful family,

 

[Zeebs]

Well why is it you always get busy when you want to update this pretrip report and then all of a sudden it is a week later???

Have had an interesting week.

I don't know if I am the only one to do this, but in order to tidy up I pick up everything that needs tidying up and put it in one place, which at this point in time is the spare couch. Best laid plans and all meant that this huge pile of stuff was still there a couple of days later. Well all those with kids will know how difficult it is to tidy up around them. (actually can't blame the kids for it all as I really didn't want to tackle it.) This started off a chain of events some of which I am not proud of but it happens.

After a very long night with a teething 8 month old, I was a little on the cranky side the next morning. Add this to a grumpy 2 year old who was trying to cut a hole in his Tshirt AFTER getting the sissors that I had put away, clearly not well enough, so he was sitting on the naughty step, screaming at me. Seth the baby was on the couch screaming at me because his brother was screaming and I couldn't find the kids hats underneth the big pile of stuff to be put away on the couch. At this point I lost it. A lot of yelling a bit of swearing and cursing my small untidy house, etc etc and a wee bit of throwing of the pile of stuff. (I did say I wasn't proud of my actions didn't I)

In the end I decided to forget the walk, as I still couldn't find the hats, (was the hottest day of the summer) put the kids in the car and drove to the post office and butchers. We were away for about 10 mins I came back to find a police car outside my house, a ladder up over the garage and the house wide open and 2 policemen inside looking for me.

During my wobbly a person was delivering leaflets and had thought I was in distress and called the police.... I was so embarrassed and upset and just burst into tears. Now I am not a bad mum, well my kids seem to love me anyway, just one that yells a bit. I was quite distressed at that point. Police just said not to worry about it. The house wasn't that untidy and with two little kids they thought it was quite tidy.

They were quite happy to leave me seeing they had made sure I was safe. They even offered Cullen to press the siren button. At this point I am thinking great the neighbours who haven't seen the police car will hear it. Luckily he didn't want anything to do with it and just latched himself to my leg. The lady across the road bless her said I told them they had the wrong house. I had to admit no they didn't.

So of course since that day, I have been extra extra nice to the kids.

OK so this is a bit off Topic well a lot really and nothing in about planning for WDW.

To get it back on topic, I bought some nice Winnie the Pooh stickers from Tescos today to go in the kids "keep them entertained on the plane packs" and some cars toys, from Amazon market trading for .1 yep 1 pence... postage and packaging of £7.00, only thing was they didn't make it to the "keep them entertained on the plane packs" Cullen wanted to open them up straight away. And as I was still feeling guilty for yelling enough to get the police around I obliged and opened them up. They are very popular with the boys so good choice I would say. Well I will try and update with an actual day of my trip in the next couple of days.

Kirsten

 

[Zeebs]

Jake&SamsMom: thanks very much for the menu, that looks like a good choice for lunch. Plenty of things on there that I like the look of. I really enjoyed your trip report, one of the first I read fully.

Pooksma, thanks for the kind comments, you are right about getting them hooked on Disney from an early age. Then they can help me pester Daddy to get to go back.

Kirsten

 

[Zeebs]

OK it would appear that by admitting to my seriously bad parenting skills I may have lost all of my readers. I will plough on anyway, on the off chance I get some readers back

Kirsten

 

[pooksma]

Not at all. I think with the ages of your two, any mom would have her hands full. It took me a long time to get over my self-imposed need to be "supermom". Sometimes its tough juggling it all. Sometimes we need a break.

Faithful reader still here.

 

[jake&samsmom]

I am definitely still here too! Just been busy with tons (literally) of Can't wait for the next update!

P.S. As a Mom of two very active boys, I can totally relate to your story. One day we were at the park (the boys' idea to go btw), and the boys started to complain about everything under the sun -- being hungry, hot, bored etc. My husband didn't want to leave the park yet, but the boys were whining at me (never to Dad) about wanting to go.

So, after a (long) while of quietly listening to the whining, something just snapped in me - and I said in a very loud voice, "What in God's earth did I do to deserve such spoiled and ungrateful children?!!!! You get everything you ask for and more!!! You have more toys than Toys R' Us, go on vacation on every US Holiday, go to a $@*% private school!!" On and on I ranted and raved -- until I realized that all the other mothers around me were staring. I thought to myself, what the heck, everyone's entitled to a little breakdown when it comes to their kids, right? (but of course I stopped shouting at this point) We love our kids, and do the best we can. We're not perfect.

 

[Zeebs]

OK, next installment, has been a good week here, had a photo shoot of the boys on Sunday. Trying to avoid Seth getting second child syndrome, by getting some photos of him to put on the wall. Cullen has his own nice big one. So hopefully we get some good ones.

Our plans for Day 2 in Orlando.

Back when we started planning our trip, we decided to ask the inlaws to come with us. Now my father in law likes Dolphins so we thought it would be a good opportunity to send him and Mother in law to Discovery Cove.

Hubby is one of 5 boys, so we all decided to club together and send them. Now we thought it would be a good surprise, but who knew that they could use the internet and when I asked them for a list of things they might like to do in Orlando that ended up on it.

Back to square one...

So anyway we decided to go ahead with sending them to Discover Cove and presented them with the tickets and a wee gift box that I put together at the recent family get together. I put some water shoes, under water cameras, a tunic, the tickets, a gift voucher (so they can buy the photos) and I bought a heap of sweets (candy for you from the US) in a fish theme and filled up a jar each for them. Then I sent out some fish cut outs to all the grand kids to colour in and attached them to the box. They were quite blown away by it all and were quite chuffed which was great.

My parents live in New Zealand and I miss them lots so it is so nice I have married into a family that is so great.

Here is a picture of us presenting the box (ok so they don't look that chuffed with it but I think this was the shock at getting it) and then a picture of Cullen and Seth decorating their fish.

OK well I haven't even mentioned MNSSHP in this post but I am tired. Teething really sucks you know so I will up finish this day off soon.

Kirsten

 

[Disneychix]

Hi! Just had to let you know those 2 boys of yours are TOO CUTE!!

Make sure you pre-order a photopass cd. That way your 2nd child will have tons of good pics to look back on!

 

[Zeebs]

Not at all. I think with the ages of your two, any mom would have her hands full. It took me a long time to get over my self-imposed need to be "supermom". Sometimes its tough juggling it all. Sometimes we need a break.

Faithful reader still here.

I am definitely still here too! Just been busy with tons (literally) of Can't wait for the next update!

P.S. As a Mom of two very active boys, I can totally relate to your story. One day we were at the park (the boys' idea to go btw), and the boys started to complain about everything under the sun -- being hungry, hot, bored etc. My husband didn't want to leave the park yet, but the boys were whining at me (never to Dad) about wanting to go.

So, after a (long) while of quietly listening to the whining, something just snapped in me - and I said in a very loud voice, "What in God's earth did I do to deserve such spoiled and ungrateful children?!!!! You get everything you ask for and more!!! You have more toys than Toys R' Us, go on vacation on every US Holiday, go to a $@*% private school!!" On and on I ranted and raved -- until I realized that all the other mothers around me were staring. I thought to myself, what the heck, everyone's entitled to a little breakdown when it comes to their kids, right? (but of course I stopped shouting at this point) We love our kids, and do the best we can. We're not perfect.

Thanks Guys, glad it isn't just me. Guess the moral of the story is check who is lurking at the front door before yelling about state of house.

Hubby laughed when I rang him at work to tell him. He said I was going for a hattrick, I had the ambulance come out just after Cullen was born to take me back into hospital and then a wee while ago we had a fire in the garage so the fire department came out. (some nice looking boys in that fire department) I was also very pregnant at the time so they were joking about me going into labour. So that is it now with the police that is them all.

Hi! Just had to let you know those 2 boys of yours are TOO CUTE!!

Make sure you pre-order a photopass cd. That way your 2nd child will have tons of good pics to look back on!

Think we will pre-order it. We got one at Disneyland but only had about 6 photos taken, we just didn't see the photographers around.

Kirsten

 

[Zeebs]

Right now where did get to?

Thats right I was telling you all about the tickets for Discovery Cove for the inlaws,

So this day we will drop them off at Discovery Cove and make our way to Typhoon Lagoon.

Now after reading a particularly good food report I am trying to decide if we can swing into Kona Cafe (if I can get a reservation) after dropping them off so I can have some Tonga Toast. Because even though that thing looks like a heart attack on a plate I really want to try it.

Anyway as we only have two week kiddies and tonight we are off to MNSSHP tonight we will probably only spend a couple of hours at Typhoon Lagoon. Cullen is a little water baby, loves the water, loves going under.

He goes to swimming lessons, well they both do actually, but Cullen is quite a shorty and a bit of a copy cat. His wee buddy Theo quite often goes bobbing off jumping around in the pool. Cullen tries to copy but he isn't tall enough to touch the bottom so of course he is going under and coughing and spluttering with a big grin on his face while I haul him out.

Anyway I think that a couple to 3 hours of splashing around at Typhoon Lagoon will be enough for the wee tykes.

Cullen about to get wet.

A bit of splashing around

Seth on an odd sunny English day.

When we leave there, depending on how tired the kids and us are we may head to Downtown Disney for some lunch at the Earl of Sandwich and a look around the shops before heading back to the condo to rest up before sending Doug out to collect his parents and pick up some dinner (or I might whip up a pasta or something) Then heading to the MK for MNSSHP.... YAY

Now the plan was to take both the kids to MNSSHP now I am not so sure. At the family get together we had recently the kids spent the Saturday night out with us at the party and didn't sleep and then we paid for it for the rest of the week. Well actually I paid for it Doug got to go to work lucky beggar

So I am wondering whether if I should get the kids night out to come around and watch Seth and take Cullen. What do you all think? We plan to use them later in the week so the adults can have a meal at California Grill.

We have a rest day planned for the next day so we might bit the bullet and just take Seth and hope that he will sleep in the push chair.

Anyway I am really looking forward to MNSSHP. Not too sure if we will dress up. I am sure we will dress the kids up. I would like to dress up but I am not sure as what and I don't want to get something and be too hot oh the indecision. Our second week we will be staying at a friends condo in Palm City and will be there for actual Halloween, we are thinking we might take the kids out trick or treating seeing we have never done it before.

Hubby is out for drinks tonight so I might give my Mum a call. I love having free international calls. If I didn't I would spend an obscene amount on phone calls. (I talk to someone in New Zealand at least 3 times a week) Also came in handy while making my ADR's given I had to ring every day and for the MNSSHP tickets as I was on hold ALOT for those.

Kirsten